Mixed Martial Arts

Tyler and his buddy Zack trying out some mixed martial arts moves before the fights come on TV tonite.




James instructs Tyler (in yellow) and his friend Zack.






Trying out new moves on his dad.


















James and Tyler do their thing. I don't like it, don't understand it and definitely don't see the fun in it. I guess its a "guy" thing!!!

Warrior End of the Season Parent-Player Game

Justin (in the black shirt) and Grandpa Greg (next to him in white shirt) play in the parent-player (and extended family) game. The team always plays this game at the end of the season and then gives out its awards.


grandpa Greg at the free-throw line and Justin to the right of him.

James and his dad take a break from the high-intensity game.

Justin receiving his award from Coach Hagen.

Justin and Coach Hagen. It was a great season and the kids had alot of fun!

Our Last L.E.S.T.

Justin's school Concordia Lutheran, is involved in a tournament in Portland, Or. every year. It involves schools from 6 states and includes basketball, cheer, music, knowledge, math, drama etc.


Justin is in the Marimba group. They are very talented and have a wonderful teacher.

They played on 2 different days and were also judged on their performance.

Justin and his buddy Kramer. The group won a "blue ribbon" !!!

Justin also plays on the AAA basketball team. Here Coach Hagen had just pulled him out of the game after falling wrong on his already sprained ankle.

#30~my boy!

They lost both games and were out of the tournament- but had a great time anyway!

CLS AAA girls basketball took 1st place so that kinda eased the pain on the boys loss.

Justin with the Marimba award plaque.

We decorated our car for the long drive down to Portland!

What will we do without LEST next year?

Home safely after the long trip. My Valentine's Day roses from James next to my birthday (last week) flowers from my girls at work.

The end of the Warrior Run for Justin

The 8th grade boys and girls basketball teams dressed up for their last home game as Concordia Lutheran Warriors. Justin is 8th from the left in the back row.


The boys Ateam in their practice uniforms. This weekend will be their grand finale...LEST tournament down in Portland. Justin will be participating in the Marimba group as well as basketball (as long as his ankle sprain is better) .

85 days and counting...

In just a short 85 days we will be on our way to the Happiest Place on earth! We will be spending 5 days at Disney with Mark and Gwen and kiddos, Daniel, my parents and Gwen's brother Greg!

Happy Birthday Gpa, Lila and Holly

Today we celebrated 3 birthdays: Gpa, my niece Lila and mine. We partied at my brother Tim and Jen's house. The yummy cake was made by Jen.


I made my dad's favorite banana cake but Mark couldn't wait to get into it!

Lila with her Hannah Montana doll.

Papa photographs the events.

Tyler, Gma and Justin watch as Gpa opens his gifts.

Tyler and James hanging out.

Cole passed out the chocolate covered cashews.

Gma and cousin Calle.

Daniel and Lila.

Justin and James rock out with Rock Band.

Even Gma gets in on the action.

Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord!

The Concordia Lutheran School Marimba group- led by Mrs. Connie Schmidt- does make a joyful noise!


Today they played for residents at the American Lake Veterans Hospital.

Justin is in his 3rd year in the group.

Normally it is only a 2 year class (to allow more students to go through it) but Justin and 2 of his friends were asked by the teacher to come back for a 3rd year.

Justin on the "big bass".

The people at the hospital were so thankful to the kids for coming to play for them.

Only 3 weeks until their competition in Portland!