.: It's Official!! Two Big Things!

IT'S OFFICIAL!! Joshua is 15 Years Old!
On Valentine's Day, after giving Joshua part of his birthday present ( a Luther High School Hoodie), we took Joshua out to eat for lunch at his new "favorite" place to eat: Ground Round.

It was absolutely packed! While everyone was busy with their Valentine's Day meals, we had 1/2 lb. burgers for a special price and enjoyed sitting at the bar. We needed enough seating for 9 - Erik's girlfriend, Kaitlynn, was with us too! (She's between Josh and Erik on the picture).

Josh really enjoyed his meal! Popcorn, pop, food, and more food from his silbings' plates, and to watch the olympics... a great day for Josh! Happy Birthday, Joshua! We love you!

And..

It's Official!! Ben Will Be Playing College Football!!!
After Josh's birthday lunch, Cindy, Ben and I took off for two school visits. (Erik and Josh played Mr. Moms helped by "Uncle Jim & Aunt Robyn"). One of the schools was in Bismarck, ND - the University of Mary, the other one was in Brookings, SD - South Dakota State University.

After driving for over FIVE HOURS of GROUND BLIZZARD from the NW side of the Twin Cities to Jamestown, ND, on the evening of Sunday, February 14, the weather cleared up and we were able to get to Bismarck by midnight and got checked into our motel.

(Pictures of the SD Roads on the return trip. We stayed Monday night in Watertown, SD, at Katy's godparents. The drifting was awful and heavy!)

We started with the U of M because they had offered a scholarship to Ben in the middle of January. So, before Ben would sign the offer, Ben wanted to see the school. We took the 3 hour tour that lasted 5 1/2 hours, but Ben absolutely loved the school, the campus, the dorms, the FB facilities, the coaching staff and the cafeterias (3 of them). The U of M definitely laid out the red carpet for Ben and seriously wanted him to play for them.

As we were just about to receive the tour of the town and to see the stadium and indoor practice faciliity, I asked Ben quietly, "Do we need to start thinking of heading to South Dakota St.?" He said, "No, Dad. This is even better than them." (He had been at SDSU this last summer for a football camp.)

When the Head Coach, Coach Schultz, had finished speaking with Ben and us, Ben was absolutely sure of attending the U of M. He verbally committed and today, when we got back home, signed the letter of intent and will send it in tomorrow. He will be heading to the Univ. of Mary in August to receive his education (a major in Physical Education) and to play football for the Marauders.

We are so happy and proud for him and especially thankful to our gracious Lord who has answered SO MANY of our prayers and concerns with this scholarship and for this opportunity to attend this school for his education.

We pray that the Lord will keep Ben safe in faith and in health when he heads 8 1/2 hours away from home.

Ben, we love you and pray for the Lord's blessings to you!

P.S. - Obviously, Ben's excited, but add these facts: a fellow WELS member and QB was recruited and attending next year too & two of the Marauders are NFL prospects. A Defensive Tackle and a Wide Receiver. Ben's dream of the highest level of FB is still in front of him.... :-)