And They're Off...

The bags, uniforms, shakos, and banner are packed - and the Rompin, Stompin, Raider Band has left to march in the Citrus Bowl Parade in Orlando, Florida. Shelby spent most of Christmas night packing and organizing her carry-on bag. She was up bright and early, quite eager to catch the bus. We remained in contact throughout the day via text messages and she called when they reached Florida - sleepy and tired of McDonalds! She is really looking forward to checking into the hotel and getting a decent night's sleep.

The Citrus Bowl Parade will be shown in a one-hour edited version at 12:00 PM (noon) on KMBC on January 3rd (after the kids get back so they will hopefully get to see themselves). Shelby is carrying the banner. If they show the start of the band, we will get to see her on TV.

Christmas at the Byrnes'

It is now Christmas evening - the presents have been opened, a wonderful dinner cooked and consumed (still have dishes to do). The kids are playing NCAA trivia, Shelby is packing for her Florida Trip, my mom and dad have gone home, Tim is laying down as he has to work, and both dogs are passed out from all the excitement. We truly had a wonderful day and are all very thankful for so much! Here are some pictures from Christmas 2008.

Shelby, looking ever so grown up.

Terry and Tama's daughter, Corey (with Chef Tim in the background)

Hannah (she overdid the food today)

Grandpa Byrnes and Missy

Tama and Terry (recovering from his shoulder surgery)

Tyler, Corey and Hannah

Brenton lounging with the dogs

The wrestling starts

Dueling wedgies

Brenton watched a bit too much "Kung Fu Panda"

Luckily, no one was injured (and thankfully, nothing was broken). Now I am off to finish the dishes and clean up the kitchen.

Seems Like Old Times

It was deja vu at the Byrnes house tonight when Reid, Abby, Carly, Pat and Brenton had movie night. It was a regular occurrence last year for the SM South grads of 08 (plus Pat - Bishop Miege grad) to congregate at chez Byrnes and eat everything in the kitchen. It was great to see everyone (even if I did need earplugs to fall asleep). "Raiders, we ever shall be!"

Christmas 2008

As I am waiting for my Christmas cards to be delivered, I thought I would post a picture of our tree. Tim picked it out, Tim and Brenton put it up, I put on the lights, and Shelby and Brenton decorated. Truly a family effort. Hannah and Missy have both removed ornaments on a regular basis, but short of putting them in the middle of the tree only, we've grown accustomed to redecorating daily.

We are having Tim's brother, Terry, his wife, Tama, and their children, Tyler and Corey, Tim's dad, and my mom and dad over for Christmas dinner. Tim is preparing a standing rib roast. Can't wait!

Very Cute Christmas Video

Tim's cousin, Bob Byrnes, sent us the following link - if it was a Lab in the video, it would have been Hannah for sure. It seemed especially fitting since we got a lot of snow today (but not as much as the video, thank goodness!) Check it out at http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/

Another shot of downtown Ottawa.

Ottawa vs Cottey

Last night, my friend and fellow P.E.O, Debbie and I drove to Ottawa to watch the Cottey Comets take on the Lady Braves in a JV match. We of course had to cheer for Cottey and Ottawa as Brenton's friend, Sam, played for Ottawa. The Lady Braves were victorious in a close game.

I also took the opportunity to take half of my cookies from Debbie's Cookie Party to Brenton (Sesame Street might have changed the Cookie Monster to the Veggie Monster, but true Cookie Monsters are alive and quite hungry in Ottawa, KS).

I got a couple shots of downtown Ottawa too.

Tis the Season

It's December, so it must be that time again...Time for Debbie Vesel's Annual Cookie Party. For the past 21 years, I have been participating in the event (often times swearing while making preparations). This year I made Spiced Crackle Cookies (basically a gingersnap covered in powdered sugar) with no real complaint. I recruited fellow Procurement people Kelli and Emily. Kelli made chocolate covered pretzels and Emily outshone all with her packaging of her iced sugar cookies (overachiever that she is). We ended up with roughly 12 dozen cookies to eat and share (I know Brenton has already asked whether he will get any).

Great cookies and definitely a holiday tradition!

Ottawa Football Banquet 2008

Last night was the official end of the 2008 football season for the Ottawa Braves. The football banquet was held at the student center. The highlight DVD was shown (Brenton loved it and requested a copy) and the seniors were sent off (all are expected to graduate either this year or next). All players and coaches commented on the great 8-2 finish!

Coach Smith talked to Brenton afterward to set up a time to discuss SMS senior recruiting. Brenton told me after the banquet how happy he was that he was still playing football. He has finals next week and then will be home for Winter break.

If anyone gets to Ottawa - the downtown shops all have Christmas lights up - like a mini-Plaza. It really is quite charming.

Bowling Tryouts - Last Day

Today was the last day of bowling tryouts. After today, the coaches cannot instruct the kids until after the first of the year and the team cannot practice together until then as well. As a result, Coaches T and D wanted to work on form with the girls so did not count scores today. As Shelby has her timing and form down, she bowled with the boys and scored a 172, 158, and 149. She started and ended the week in 2nd place.

She is planning on spending the next couple of weeks taking a few more lessons and practicing daily to build up her stamina. The first meet is in Atchison KS on January 13.

Bowling Tryouts - Day Four

Fatigue and odd lane conditions resulted in lower than expected scores today by all bowlers. Shelby bowled a 152, 142, and 142 for an average of 145. Her four day average is 154. She is still No. 2 and still pleasing her coaches with her consistent scores. Shelby looks to end on a high note at the last day of tryouts. Coach announced he was planning on keeping all the girls trying out (as he did last year). Top six girls bowl varsity - next six bowl JV. Order can change at each meet as they track all practice scores. Go Raiders!

Bowling Tryouts - Day Three

Another solid day of bowling - Shelby bowled 155, 155, and 145 for an average 152. She was a tad sore and tired today after bowling three days in a row but is still in second place for the girls. Coach T continues to be impressed with her consistency. Good job, Shelbs!

Bowling Tryouts - Day Two

Another successful day of bowling for Shelby. Today she bowled 190, 130, and 182 for an average of 167! Way to go, Shelby!

Bowling Tryouts

Time for Raider Bowling Tryouts. Shelby has worked so hard the last few months in anticipation of the upcoming season! Her average has improved by close to 30 pins since last season and she has become a much more consistent bowler. Today was the first day of tryouts and Shelby bowled a 144, 148, and 164 for a 152 average. She had the second highest girl's score (at the time we left). Coach T commented on her obvious hard work and improvement. The boy's team looks really strong with 4 boys averaging over 200. Here is hoping for a competitive year of Raider Bowling.

Tim and I are so very proud of her hard work. We will update scores daily for all those keeping track.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

What a busy wonderful Thanksgiving weekend it was for the Rowlands and the Byrnes. Aunt Barsh came home for the holiday, but without Larry (or Prince Albert as he is known at B&V). Larry's aunt was hospitalized the weekend before Thanskgiving and passed away on Wednesday. Larry needed to stay in town for his mom, but Martha flew into town on Tuesday. Out thoughts and prayers are with Larry's mom and family.

We enjoyed enchiladas on Tuesday night, ate out on Wednesday night, bowled on Thanksgiving as Tim was BC and was protecting Overland Park, and had our Thanksgiving dinner on Friday (after Martha and Leslie had time to recover from a very productive Black Friday shopping expedition at 4:00 am).

Brenton trying to recreate the Dr. Pepper/Dr. J commercial where he shoots an ice cube into a glass - Dee Dee is looking on in fear as he missed and got ice all over her wood cabinet. He came close several times, but never could make the shot (probably why he plays football and not basketball for Ottawa).

Barsh and Shelby mugging for the camera.

Brenton and Tim showing off their good looks!

Brenton and Daddy celebrating the Titan's victory over poor Detroit.

Beau Rowland doing his Hilter impersonation.

11/30/2008 - Happy Birthday to Corey (16) and Mary Byrnes (49). Of course we must also remember Grandma Dixie who would have been 82 today as well. She is missed by all.

End of a Season :(

The 2008 football season has ended for the Ottawa Braves after their 13-17 loss to Sterling College on Saturday (could it have been because my "D" fence sign was absent?). Brenton got to travel with the team and took the loss pretty hard as the captains all talked about how special this season had been (they were dubbed the Bad Boys of the KCAC and were quite proud of it). However, Brenton thought it was awesome to be a part of a winning program - the first (and hopefully not the last) in his football career. They ended the season ranked No. 20. Now we will concentrate our cheering efforts on the Titans (still undefeated - "kaching" goes the cost of renewing personal seating licenses, Martha).

Shelby is gearing up for bowling tryouts. She actually beat her bowling instructor yesterday and is getting better every time she bowls. We bowled next to some of the Raider boys yesterday who looked really good as well. Tryouts are December 1st through December 5th, with the first meet on January 13, 2009 in Atchinson.

P.E.O Update:

My P.E.O chapter collected food for Harvesters this past week. We delivered the bounty on Saturday - we collected enough to feed 684 people! Way to go, Chapter MO.

Last JV Game: Ottawa Braves 14 - William Jewell Cardinals 3

Another cold and rainy night watching football (pretty much the theme of the season), with the result being victory. Brenton was wearing hand warmers which made me tease him about being a wimp. His new women sat behind us and so I got to listen to her and her friend discuss how great Brenton looked from behind. My D-Fence sign has been responsible for holding the opposition to 3 points in the last 2 games (scoreless in the 2 before that). This made me want to give them to the coaches to take to the last varsity game this weekend in Sterling, Kansas. The Braves are now ranked No. 14, but really need a win on Saturday to get a playoff spot. Brenton reported that if they make the playoffs, they would play Lindenwood, Morningside, or perhaps (gasp) Tim and my Alma Mater, MidAmerica Nazarene. We will have to wait and see. Go Braves!

Check out the article from the Kansas City Star on the Rompin, Stompin, Raider Band at http://www.kansascity.com/shawnee_mission/story/878771.html

The game has gone to the dogs...

While taking a break from practicing with the Braves, Brenton decided to practice with the dog - one Hannah Byrnes. While she is great a taking a handoff and running for the score, she hasn't quite figured out the concept of giving the ball back to the quarterback for the next play. Alas...

Hey, Let's Go Bowling

With marching season over, it's time to move on to bowling. Shelby has been taking lessons from Aaron since last spring and has improved her average by about 20 pins. Tryouts for the bowling team start in December so Shelby has been getting lots of practice (bowling against uberbowler grandparents on Sundays). Needless to say, it is a lot different trying to get a decent shot of a bowler than a football player or marching band. Here was my only decent one.

No. 19 Ottawa defeats No. 14 Bethel 31-21

The Braves got a big win against the Bethel Threshers. Brenton was on top of the press box writing down the plays/results for Coach Smith. Ottawa is now 7-1 and will probably move up in the rankings. Go BRAVES!

Ottawa is now ranked No. 17, moving up 2 places.

Brenton's Third College Game Ottawa vs Baker

The weather was dryer, but definitely colder tonight as the Ottawa JV squad travelled to Baldwin City to take on the Baker Wildcats. They came up short, losing 18-13, but played a tough, physical game. This time, our boy came about 1/2 inch from blocking a punt. Once again, mom was jumping in the stands, going nuts, and missed the shot. Pictures are before and after shots. Alas. (Note: he is Number 29 in the away jerseys.)

This was Brenton's first road game (Shelby was impressed that the team travelled by coach bus - I think she was expecting a school bus). She suffered the cold and was the "fence." It should be noted that I left the "D" and the "fence" in the car until half-time and the Wildcats nevered scored once it was in the stands. Next time I will make sure it is in the stands at the start of the game!

Those curious about Brenton's new friend, Sam - I found out the following. Sam is one of 5 children. She graduated from West Franklin High School where she lettered three years in basketball and volleyball for the Falcons. She also earned four letters in softball. She earned all-league, all-area in basketball, volleyball and softball. She is in Brenton's Intro to Teaching class and she beat Brenton in bowling. Here they are goofing off...

Last Marching Band Performance of 2008

Last home game of 2008 (unfortunately the Raiders lost to the BV Northwest Huskies), but the Rompin, Stompin Raider Band performed another great half-time show.

We had a potluck dinner before the game (thanks to Dee Dee for cooking my contribution).

Shelby had a great time this year and is already looking forward to next year. The next time the marching band will be together is this Christmas in Orlando, Florida.

Turns out there is another Byrnes in the band, Nikki (pictured with Shelby).

After the game we had a surprise visit from Brenton and his friend, Sam. They had been on a date in Lawrence and decided to stop by to say "Hi." Sam is a freshman at Ottawa and plays on both the Lady Braves Basketball Team and Softball Team. We had a great visit until they had to go back to Ottawa. :(

Grand Champions of the UCM Festival of Champions!

Congratulations Rompin, Stompin, Raider Band on winning the UCM Festival of Champions! It was a long day and a very cool night, but well worth seeing the band receive their trophy. Twenty bands competed in Warrensburg (one band drove 7-1/2 hours to compete). I thought the bands were better on a whole than the bands that competed at the Heart of America Festival as the musicality and intonation were superb. The focus was definitely on the music and not just on being loud. Good job judges. You can check out Mr. Adam's take on the day at http://teacherweb.com/KS/ShawneeMissionSouth/MrSteveAdams,BandDirector/NewsFlash2.stm

Shelby was quite excited and went to Sonic afterward to celebrate with Keri - her partner in pit crime. Needless to say, she will remember this for a long time!

On a football note, the Ottawa Braves won their homecoming game against Bethany, 49-14. They have won 4 straight, the longest winning streak in the Coach Kessinger era. They are now 5-1. The Braves have moved up in the NAIA Top 25 to Number 22. Go Braves!

Bon Voyage, Bowlings

Today, we bid a fond farewell to Josh, Ashleigh, and Lijah Bowling who are relocating to the Raleigh NC area. I have worked with Ashleigh at Black & Veatch since May of 2005. It seems like only yesterday she was harassed by our lesbian stalker, laughed over her love of all things Bret Michaels (much to the chagrin of the before mentioned stalker), and found herself locked in the ladies room on a regular basis. "Seriously," I could go on for days. She definitely made life at B&V more fun.

Ashleigh will be missed by the gang at B&V (Kelli, Brynn, Flat Jeffery, Stephanie, and me - as pictured in front of our B&V bean plant). Flat Jeffery was inconsolable upon hearing the news so a Flat Ashleigh was created.

Josh was Brenton's first boss and turned into a mentor and friend. Josh helped Brenton get acclimated to Ottawa by introducing him to some friends in the area, watching him play football, and taking him out when he was bored. Brenton will certainly miss his "big brother" (although will no doubt plan a road trip in the not too distant future).

Best Wishes, Bowlings. Think of us when wearing your Bret Michael panties. You will be missed!

Shawnee Mission Marching Festival

Compared to the night before, it was a balmy night at the South District Stadium where Mom, Tim, and I watched all the Shawnee Mission bands perform their half-time shows. SM East had the most popular music, performing Carlos Santana numbers, but of course our Raiders were outstanding. They just keep getting better and better. The music of King Kong cannot compare to more popular fare; however, South definitely has the most difficult, better executed program. Next up for the Rompin, Stompin, Raider Band is the Central Missouri State University Festival of Champions this weekend in Warrensburg, MO. I will be taking pictures, but Tim will be in Garnett, smoking at the Garnett BBQ Contest. Go Jacks or Better BBQ, Go Ottawa (their homecoming is this weekend) and Go Raiders!

Ottawa: 3 Kansas Wesleyan: 0

Neither rain nor rain nor more rain nor cold of night...

First JV win was a defensive battle (I truly believe the defense was on the field for 95% of the game) so it was a good thing I brought by big gold D and my black fence to the game (thanks to John Adams for making them for me). No pictures this game due to the weather, but 3 grandparents and 2 parents toughed it out to watch our Brenton. He got to play more this game, but for some unknown reason, the other team designed their plays to go to the opposite side (probably fear).

No brilliance by our boy (and not as much dancing on the sidelines either), but good solid play. No success getting the grandparents to do an umbrella spectacular for the half-time show either (much to the wet crowd's chagrin).

It should be noted that the Ottawa Braves have broken into the Top 25 of the NAIA rankings for the first time this season, at Number 24. Way to go Braves!

C&P Environmental Day or How many Bloody Mary's does it take to get your boss in a dumpster?

Wanting to get extra credit towards next year's environmental goal, Doug and Ho decide to recycle themselves while playing dueling loppers.