Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

It seems a lot of things have happened since my last post which has been a while which would also confirm that I did not keep my new year's resolution and posting regularly! Yeah..no excuse just hope you enjoy this post!!!

Maddie & Hannah enjoying their snow day! It was just luck that Han spent the night so when school was called off they were free to play and play and play! They spent most of the day in the house playing school (go figure) but got a bit of cabin fever and decided it was time to venture out! They bundled up and lasted about 30 minutes! They had fun making snow angels!

Maddie got a visit from her friends, Avery & McKenna, who used to live on our old block...but they didn't come from our old neighborhood. They came from California..no not just to visit us but we were so glad to get to see them. They moved at the end of 2009 so Maddie is extra glad we are gone from the "old" neighborhood as these girls played almost every nice day we had. Maddie misses them (& me too) but we plan to keep in touch with them for a long time to come!

This past weekend was a very BUSY for us. It started off with Madison's 4th grade Music program at school. It was supposed to be a Kansas Day celebration which was to be held on January 29th but Mother Nature had other plans and dumped snow on Wichita and school was cancelled. So they rescheduled for last Friday and they kids did a great job. They learned to square dance and Maddie had a speaking part. Well, not a planned speaking part. She had memorized one of the girl's part from her class and at the last minute that girl wasn't able to be there so she approached her music teacher and said she could do it! That she did...she did awesome. One of the other teachers also came up and told me that while she was square dancing she was the only one who was "shaking" it while she square danced! OMG!

Friday night we attended Max's game at North High (he is #30 boxing out!). All I have to say is they should of won...let it slip thru their hands....Max did play a great game and his rebounding is really improving! Not much more ball left then it is back to running!

Saturday morning was time for Maddie's game. She has done well. To be honest I really wasn't sure how she would do since she had never played any organized ball. In a game a couple of weeks ago, the ref you see in this picture, was also referring her game and she was defending the pass in from out of bounds and this ref stopped the game and told her that if she crossed over that line she would have to give her a technical. REALLY? A TECHNICAL? Yes, she was serious..she is something else. She also referred Max's games last year at Wilbur and she was equally as bad there! These are 3rd & 4th graders and I am all about teaching them the game but some of them don't even know what a T is!

What you are looking at is no, not pictures of some horrific disaster where a bomb exploded. NO...this is where I went this weekend for some therapeutic relaxation. You are probably saying...yeah right! But, really it is! I went to a weekend crop (scrapbooking retreat) and had a blast conversing with friends, trying to be creative and eating lots and lots of junk food! Oh Brother! The crop was held at the Best Western motel in Park City and I took this picture from just above the convention area. It really doesn't do it justice but gives you some idea of the "addiction" we ladies have!

This is a picture of my crop area. Believe it or not...I do know where everything is and actually got 29 pages done! (Far below my average..see below to know why!

This, along with the letter "M" for Maddie, "J" for Jackie & "C" for a baby gift for my mom is what took all of Friday night to complete. The above picture is for my new nephew Conner's room. These are big chipboard letters that I decorated. It was so much fun making these and definitely worth the time it took.

Winner Winner...Chicken Dinner &...Oh yeah...a weekend long crop!

My BESTEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD won the ultimate prize. About 10 minutes before the raffle she went and bought 5 raffle tickets for a weekend crop for her and 11 friends at a house in Wichita that has been converted into a craft house. (No, not a crack house a craft house!) She screamed, I screamed...wow exciting. Now you might think I am just sucking up to her by saying that about her...no...she really is one of my best friends...a college roommate...so I really was never scared I wouldn't be invited...but a little sucking up never hurts! Congrats Jill...couldn't of happened to a better friend! (oh..there I go again! LOL!)

& there are my cropping "peeps"! We have been cropping together for about 5 years or so. We have a good time and tend to veer off the track of scrapping sometimes and act silly!

Just a random picture I found of the 3 Amigos! Darrell, Joe and Max at the Bronco/Chefs game in January. Yes, we actually drove all the way out there! Not sure when we will learn...we might be the "bad" luck! It was colder than a well diggers...well...let's just say it was cold. We had a good time and had a 1st for us...we actually left before the game was over. The Bronco's really sucked it up at the end of the season. Doesn't make us any less ready for next year!

AND finally....the most precious thing that happened this past weekend. Maddie asked her Daddy to take her to the Daddy/Daughter Dance. A couple of her friends were going and she thought it sounded like fun so she asked Joe. I told her there were a few ground rules before she could go...1) NO JEANS...2) NO PONYTAIL & 3) Yes..there would be the word "dress" would be involved! So off we went to Justice to find something we could agree on. 2 hours later this is what we walked out with and I might be a little bias but I think she looks adorable...(& that hunk of burning love is pretty handsome also :) Ok...so this whole time they are at the dance I am "cropping" away thinking of nothing else but those two and how special it was they went! After the dance I got call to report and Joe tells me..."I think we danced every dance" my response..."well she is MY daughter....he says "AND we shut the place down"....again...my response..."she IS my daughter!"..for those of you who know me...sounds just like me huh? I am so glad they have these memories of something very special!

The "official" portrait!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here are a few pictures from over the holidays. Hope you enjoy them!

Oscar & Baxter Fighting over the same toy!

Maddie & Brandon in their 'SNUGGIES'

New Year's Eve Party Crew!

Maddie & Kalysta being goofy!

Two "Divas" eating their McDonalds!

Maddie trying out her EZ Bake oven she got for Xmas

Brandon bought Maddie some Longhorn Face Tattoos!

Precious....Maddie and Baby Conner!

I hope you all had a great holiday season! We had a good Christmas and are very fortunate to be able to spend our time together. Actually, we had a family sleepover at my house. Everyone slept under one roof...something we had not done for a long time. Everyone was there Christmas morning to open packages and see the goodies that Santa left.

The kids made out like bandits once again this year. Santa was very good to them bringing them IPOD touches, new shoes and lots of other goodies. Nana, Auntie Karen & Deda & Brandon also spoiled them rotten with gifts!

The kids had 2 weeks off from school which I am glad they had the time to relax and rest. Max was the good one in the family going to the Y and working out and working on his shot! Maddie...well really didn't see much of her. She was constantly playing with friends. There was a period of two days that I didn't even see her! It is now back to the grind and they almost have a week under their belt. Only 17 more weeks and it will be summer! OMG...that will be here before I know it! Max has started Drivers Ed this semester and has continued to add to his car account! They both got really good grades so all in all I am thinking I have got pretty good kids and am SO proud of both of them!

This New Year's Eve we decided to actually see the new year arrive and went out! There is a little town near here call Clonmel that puts on a dance every year. We had a great time and were with great friends. Had we stayed home like the last 5 years...I would of been asleep by 9:30! It was fun to get out and dance (I know...I am my father's child) and just let loose. I felt really guilty about leaving the kids alone so each of them had a friend over. At one time during the night I called home and Maddie said the boys were out shooting baskets! Go figure! I think the girls saw the new year....not so sure about the boys!

We also made a FAST trip to Colby. Hindsight...wish we would of just stayed home. HA! Well...we had a good time in Colby if we had only stopped there..but no...we headed west for the Bronco/Chefs game. It was horrid! We actually left before the game was over and that is something we have never done BUT we are still fans...through thick & THIN! The hightlight of the trip was getting to see Conner John. Oh my...really forgot how fast those little babies grow. He is so cute and there were a couple of fights on whose time was up on getting to hold him. He was probably happy to get home and away from us crazies!

We are back in the swing of NWHS basketball games. Things not off to a good start but hoping they will pull it together soon! Speaking of basketball...Miss Madison has decided to try her hand at the game of basketball! She is playing for the Maize Rec. and is playing on her friend's team. She came to the party late by missing 3 games (she decided over break she wanted to play) and not even getting to a practice before her first game. Well, I am pleased to say she did AWESOME! I was really impressed with how well she did. She managed to block 5 shots..(yes, she is taller than any of them) but still! She did make a basket also! The only experience she has had with basketball is what she has learned from her brother and dad on the driveway. She was playing really good defense on this girl. The slight problem occured when they headed the other way....Mads continued to play defense on this little girl. It was very cute! I am really excited to see her play again Saturday...and didn't realize how much I kinda miss playing!

Well, I wanted to update sooner and had every intention of doing so but well no excuses. Shelly asked if the next post I did would be Max's 16th birthday....funny...real funny!!! :)

If you check out my blog....leave me a comment! Just curious who is checking up on us! Would love to know if I should continue updating!

Happy New Year!

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!