Nolan, Ben and Nathan Lortz

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T07:49:00.000-06:00

Katie and Ben celebrated their 3rd Christmas together! It was wonderful having her and Melissa join our family Christmas celebration!

Muskie Mike loved his coffee cup!

Melissa and Nolan's first Christmas together.

Nathan was thrilled with his X box 360!

Ben and Nolan loved their gun safes

St. John's at Hamline. Last game of 2011

2011-11-15T14:55:00.004-06:00

Nolan is second in line, wearing #2.

Nikita at sunrise 11-12-11

2011-11-12T16:53:00.000-06:00

Nikita at sunrise 11-12-11

2011-11-12T16:52:00.000-06:00

Johnnies last home game Nolan's sophomore yr. 2011

2011-11-07T13:54:00.005-06:00

a>Nolan Lortz
Year: Sophomore
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Position: Defensive Back
Hometown: St. Cloud, Minn.
High School: Tech

Personal: Born 10/24/91...son of Scott and Janine Lortz....undecided major...a 2010 graduate from St. Cloud Tech H.S...played for head coach Gregg Martig.

St. Olaf College 10 7 0 7 24
Saint John's Univ. 0 10 14 3 27 FINAL

Bowhunting 2011

2011-11-07T13:51:00.001-06:00

2011-11-07T13:47:00.002-06:00

Nathan's first ever varsity game was against Buffalo, where Rachel and James go to school. My mom brought Rachel and a friend to the game. Al and Carol were there too!

Johnnies win; Nolan Plays and Chris was there!

2011-10-25T11:22:00.000-05:00

Nathan's last Sophomore game vs. Apollo. TECH won 42-6

2011-10-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

Nathan played awesome in this win vs. Apollo. It was Nate's last time wearing #9 because the next day he was brought up to Varsity and played the next night also!! It was a GREAT win that cinched the CLC division for them. Nathan also got his drivers license the day after this game!!! IT was a BIG DAY for him!!!

Johnnie 2011 Homecoming. shocking loss in last seconds

2011-10-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Nolan's football game VS. Bethel 10-8-11

2011-10-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

2011 Wisconsin Bow Opener

2011-09-19T15:22:00.003-05:00

Nathan had a great Bow opener. This was the first time both his brothers were there to go on his blood trail.

Yes, it really is dead when its hanging in the tree.

Being lazy is exhausting work!

2011-09-08T13:49:00.002-05:00

Lilly fell asleep after she cleaned out the last of the peanut butter jar!

Daisy's head was falling off the arm of the couch, so I moved the table lamp over to her so she could rest her head.... (spoiled???? Na!!)

Nathan tubing behind the pontoon and the dog days of summer.

2011-09-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

Nathan's last summer scrimmage in Edina. He did GREAT!

2011-09-08T13:41:00.001-05:00

Nathan Sophomore Scrimmage vs. Roccori at SCSU July

2011-08-02T14:03:00.009-05:00

Nathan is listening to coach Wayne Schlucter give him some tips at TECH's scrimmage VS. Rocorri, July 2011.
Nathan got 5 plays in the scrimmage as a Sopomore.

E-bar July 24, 2011

2011-07-24T21:14:00.001-05:00

This is one of most favorite pictures of Lilly!

Oh Daisy; just look at the those red eyes!

New Pontoon!!!

2011-07-11T14:22:00.007-05:00

Nathan on the tube!

Nathan did a great job starting and driving it!

All the dogs had a great time!!!

It was an exhausting weekend!
E-bar fun!!!!!

4th of July fun

2011-07-11T14:20:00.003-05:00

Nathan is giving it all he's got!!!!

Daisy sleeping sitting up

2011-06-23T21:41:00.000-05:00

Daisy is so tired that she is snoring before she falls asleep.

Basset Buddies (of WI, MN and Northern IL) 'Spring into Summer' fundraising event in Blaine MN May 2011

2011-06-08T11:58:00.007-05:00

Daisy was so excited to see all the other basset hounds! (Jace is in the background and she has a crush on him) I put pink bows on the girls so others could identify them as mine. The bows only lasted about 4 hours of the first day of the event because of the rain and all the basset slobber.

This is a snapshot of only 1/8 of the dogs and the venue. The weather was awful all weekend, but that didn't stop us from raising $8K for the hounders!! My aunts made an donated quilts, blankets and baby bibs. Daisy and Lilly got very tired and worn out from playing and following me around while I was organizing the silent auction.

Daisy Marie won biggest paw on Sunday. That was only because Lilly wouldn't let me measure her feet and also because Jace backed out of the competition just so she could win! What a gentleman!!
Gargamel won LONGEST EARS! He is a Maple Street Basset and owned by a friend of mine of BBR in MN.

This is a picture of the graphite drawing that Brady King did for me. It's actually of Daisy and Lilly laying on the couch a while ago. They always lay on each other! I framed it and it sold for $165.00.

Here is Jace! He is a gorgeous hound from Spirit Lake Iowa! He is Daisy's boyfriend!

This boy won the bid on the quilt that my mom made. I was so busy that I didn't get pics of the other items that my aunts donated. I feel so bad!

The girls were EXHAUSTED!!! They curled up and fell asleep as soon as they got in the car!

Dog Tired!

2011-05-11T16:46:00.000-05:00

Bunny Hunting is a lot of work!

2011 Turkey hunt

2011-05-04T10:37:00.005-05:00

Double Beard for Nolan!!

More Turkey hunting

2011-05-03T15:36:00.004-05:00

MN Spring opener 2011

2011-05-03T09:16:00.001-05:00

Nolan, Nathan and Scott had a great opener! More details to follow soon.

Nate and Nolan playing street football with Jeremy

2011-05-01T19:00:00.001-05:00

quilts

2011-05-01T18:43:00.002-05:00

These are the two lap quilts that my mom made for Basset Buddies Rescue upcoming fundraiser; 'Spring into Summer'. They turned out GREAT and I know that they'll bring in some good cash!

An old student employee of mine is a very gifted artist and he spent 30 hours drawing this 18" X 22" portrait of Daisy and Lilly. I will be getting it framed this week.

Nathan's Spring youth Turkey hunt Wisconsin 2011

2011-04-12T14:47:00.003-05:00

Nathan got a really nice 14 lbs Jake on the first morning of his season. Way to go Nate!!

Cozumel Mexico

2011-03-13T20:22:00.000-05:00

We weren't getting into any trouble!! Really!

2011-03-04T14:06:00.002-06:00

Melvin Dec 28, 1996 - Feb. 21, 2011

2011-02-23T11:47:00.007-06:00

I Am

I am Mel

I wonder when duck hunting season starts
I hear ducks quacking, guns being fired and you yelling ‘back’ and good girl!
I see you loading your guns, and using your goose flutes and duck calls.
I love to hear you say ‘Mark’ and wait for ducks to fall from the sky

I am Mel

I pretend we can go hunting every day
I feel the comfort of the couch and your hands petting me while you are talking to me
I touch your heart when I sleep on the end of your bed
I worry that you won't take me for a truck ride
I see you wearing camo
I love being a part of your best childhood memories

I am Mel

I understand that your love for me is forever
I say nothing is better than being with all 4 of my boys
I see you sleeping in the truck, in the duckblind, and in the boat
I dream of retrieving ducks, running in fields and sitting in the duck blind
I try to be the best dog and give you a lifetime of great stories to share
I hope you'll remember me as your butthound, the Melvinator, as ‘oh Da Mel’, Mel-bin, and the puppy that chose you by liking the ice cream off your face
I am Mel

9th grade State - Champlin Park

2011-02-07T08:29:00.006-06:00

Nathan wrestled very well on Saturday. He lost both of matches by a small amount. First match was 0-2 and second match was 6-7. He lost the second match in the last 2 seconds. It was exciting to take part in the 9th grade state tourney! We bought him a state tee shirt that has his name on the back under the 112 weight class. We are so proud of him!!!! His buddy Austin took first place in the 160lbs and that was very exciting for everyone!

Nathan is going to state!

2011-02-01T18:42:00.006-06:00

Serious snoozing on the couch.

2011-01-20T09:51:00.002-06:00

Usually its a tag team event

2011-01-19T15:15:00.001-06:00

Today Daisy and Lilly teamed up on Nik. They must be sick and tired of her needle teeth biting their ears!

Nikita (Nik) retrieving

2011-01-17T14:29:00.001-06:00

Nikita moves in and gets loved up!

2010-12-11T18:31:00.001-06:00

Nikita or Nik as we have begun to call her, is our new chocolate lab pup. My boys and husband need a dog for duck and goose hunting. The Daisy and Lilly (our bassets) wouldn't be too good at swimming and retrieving. Besides, hunting is an early morning thing and that would interrupt the nap routine!

Melvin (& Nikita) 12/08/10

2010-12-11T18:29:00.001-06:00

Ben's new red '96 F-150

2010-12-11T18:27:00.000-06:00

Ben had to junk old blue and replaced it with a very nice new truck! We are proud of you Ben!

NIKITA and her needle teeth with Daisy and Lilly!

2010-12-11T18:20:00.000-06:00

I put winter headbands on Daisy and Lilly's heads to protect them from Nikita's needle teeth!

Nolan's first College Football game

2010-11-19T15:46:00.004-06:00

Nolan played in the 2nd half of the home game vs. Hamline. SJU won 49-0. It was cold and snowed! Nolan is #2.
He played in 9 plays and the first time on the field, made the tackle. His name was announced twice.

Dog Park 2010

2010-11-05T14:25:00.005-05:00

Lilly (2 years and 10 months)
Daisy; A very happy pup at 3 years and 4 months!
Daisy and Lilly playing with Charlie and Frankie
Bunny Hunting!!
Lilly's cute little Basset Butt
Lilly, Charlie, Frankie and Daisy at the Missippi River puppy park
Daisy and Lilly
Lilly Angelina... Oh; those LIPS!!!
Daisy running

All photos were taken by Theresa Smith(Muffy)

Bow hunting vacation for Scott and Nathan

2010-11-05T14:04:00.005-05:00

Scott and Nathan did very well... How lucky is that? It died on the yellow line!

Nathan shot a buck and a doe, just like Scott.

Nathan with his First Fall Wisconsin Turkey

Scott's first big buck in many years.

The meatpole is beginning to sag a little in the middle!

Dad's 3rd sugery: AAA

2010-11-05T14:02:00.002-05:00

Dad's surgery went well, but the recovery in the hospital didn't. He is still in ICU 10 days later. We can see that things are turning around now. We have a lot of wonderful family and friends who have been praying for him.

October Birthdays 10-9 & 10-24

2010-10-25T09:39:00.002-05:00

Our baby Nathan was 15 on the 9th and passed his drivers permit test. Now Scott and I will let him drive with us whenever possible. I let him drive right away after school, around the block, just like I did with Ben and Nolan just a few short years ago. He did great and will get very used to it as the time goes by. Nathan was a bit suprised at how much bigger the engine is in the truck than in my car. :)
Yesterday Nolan and Ben came home for supper to celebrate their
19th birthdays. The 5 of us hadn't all sat around the table since Aug 11th, the day before Nolan moved out early for football. It was wonderful and comforting. We talked about a lot of fun different things; the anticipation of the Vikes/Packers game (we lost 24-28) in the last minute, and our plans for the week. We have to juggle cars, sell 2 trucks and most of all reflect on how precious life is when we say goodbye to Kristi this week.

Dad's second surgery

2010-10-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

Dad's second surgery went great. Kerri Ann and mom got him discharged the next day with no problems. He is home with a week to heal until his next surgery, the big one on 10-27.

Dad's surgery

2010-10-10T10:04:00.002-05:00

My dad had his first of 3 surgeries on Wednesday. His right carotid artery was 90% blocked with soft plaque (which is worse than hard plaque). In 10 more days he will have the left side done which is 70% blocked. Then on the 27th he has the big surgery for his AAA. I am looking forward to celebrating a wonderful, peaceful and enjoyable Thanksgiving with my family. We have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Football pics and Nathan's 15th Birthday

2010-10-10T09:41:00.006-05:00

Nathan's football team played Sauk Rapids on Thursday at SCSU. On the first play of the game Nathan (#10) intercepted the ball and ran 20 yards before being tackled. TECH won 20- 0. Those boys were pumped up! We heard them singing on the bus on the way back to TECH.

Nathan was 15 yesterday. As you can see, our 9lbs 3oz fat baby boy isn't a baby anymore. He spent the weekend hunting with Ben and dad in Wisconsin, with no luck. When they get home tonight we are going to celebrate his birthday. I am making an Angel food cake with vanilla frosting for him, just like he asked for.

Nathan Football

2010-09-28T12:22:00.002-05:00

Nate's freshman team had a fantastic win last night against Little Falls. My #10 cornerback had an interception in the first few minutes of the game. It was incredible!!

Venison burger: before, during and after

2010-09-28T12:17:00.004-05:00

I told Daisy and Lilly that Daddy and Nolan were bring home 'deer treats', Daisy just couldn't wait for the deer to be unloaded so she could get better sniffs of them!

The girls are patiently waiting for daddy to toss them some more meat scraps. These are all burger patties, ready for the grill!!

2010 bowhunting weekend: Scott 1 Nolan 2

2010-09-28T12:05:00.003-05:00

Scott and Nolan hunted long and hard last weekend.Nolan must be dreaming about the one he missed...

Family and Football

2010-09-24T16:06:00.001-05:00

What deer Hunting means for Daisy and Lilly!

2010-09-24T16:00:00.003-05:00

2010 Deer Hunting

2010-09-24T15:58:00.004-05:00

Scott got a nice doe while Ben shot a 5 pt. buck in velvet near Katie's house on the opener.

Aug 28, 2010 Nathan's scrimmage in Becker for Freshman football

2010-08-29T08:14:00.002-05:00

Nathan is on the 1st string freshman football team at TECH. He played safety on Saturday and never missed a tackle and almost had an interception. It was incredible watching him on the field! Scott and I were so proud of him. He lives for the sport and has been practicing so hard all summer. He never missed a wrestling or football workout all summer! His first game is this coming Thursday and school starts in just over a week. We are excited to get back in the bleachers for football at Clark and Clemens' fields!

Ben moving into his dorm

2010-08-23T11:56:00.003-05:00

We left the house early to get moved in before the heat and humidity set in. We were the first ones to move into Tommy Hall. It only took two loads up the elevator to #422 and we were done. Then Ben, Nathan and Nolan got Ben's bed lofted and I unpacked a good portion of his stuff. Both boys are lucky enough to great roommates from the Mpls area. We forgot a few things, but I was able to bring those with me to work today and Ben picked them all up. Moving the boys out was as hard as I thought it would be. Both Scott and I cried and if Nathan did, we didn't see it. He's a tough kid, he'll handle it just fine.
I passed Ben in the library today when he was on part of his orientation tour. I was suprised to see him! He seemed happy to be here even though it was probably boring for him because he worked full time here all summer. A few minutes after I saw Ben, I saw Nolan's roommate, Colin and a mutual friend of both Nolan and Ben; Jack, who graduated from TECH last year. Colin said "Hi Mrs. Lortz" to me as I was walking behind the circulation desk. Yep, it's offical; I am old. I hope to see Nolan yet either today or tomorrow. That will make me feel better, since he has only called me twice in 2 weeks.

Nolan is part of the SJU football team!

2010-08-14T10:12:00.006-05:00

Here is Nolan getting his football equipment for the 2010 team which is SJU's 100th football season. He moved into his dorm and started football on 8/12/10. It was as hard leaving him there as it was leaving him and Ben in the NICU on 10/26/91.

CHARLIE and FRANKIE????

2010-07-20T15:54:00.003-05:00

Daisy and Lilly just about go out of their minds when I tell them we are going to Charlie and Frankie's house. They are whining really loud at the door while I am rushing to tie my tennis shoes. They know where she lives and almost pull me out the door and down the driveway. Once I get them heeling, it's a much more peacefull adventure, until we arrive for our big puppy play date!

Bunny Hunting!!!

2010-07-20T15:49:00.003-05:00

The girls love to Bunny hunt. They haven't gotten one yet, but they sure think they will some day. It's a hoot watching them 'hunt' under the shed for them :)

Introducing Frankie!!

2010-07-15T21:59:00.002-05:00

This is Charlie's baby sister!! Isn't she adorable??? I stop by to get my puppy fix whenever I can! I can't get enough of that loose skin, wrinkles and watching her trip over her ears. She has such a wonderful basset mom! She is one lucky puppy!

Oh Lilly; you really have it made!

2010-07-15T19:00:00.002-05:00

are you sure that you're comfortable??

4th of July / Graduation party at lake

2010-07-06T09:32:00.002-05:00

Nolan, Ben and Nathan all went fishing with a good friend of ours, Ryan Hamilton. He took them in his new boat to Anter lake on Saturday. Nolan released a nice bass, but they didn't bring any fish home to clean. They were fishing while Scott and I got ready for the Bone lake version of the boys' graduation party. We fed 30 people and had beer for the whole gang too. Scott learned how to play Beer pong. Someone that 'learned how to play it on youtube' taught him. (Yea Right!)

Snake hunters!!

2010-07-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

While we were at Nathan's game the other night, the girls caught of scent that they wouldn't let go of... A fresh snake skin!!! I don't know if they were more afraid or more excited to sniff at it! They were hesitant to get to close, but they really wanted to as they stood back and stretched and leaned forward, yet ready to jump back in an instant!

Baseball game - lessons learned from losing.

2010-07-01T11:52:00.005-05:00

In Nathan's last regular season home game last night was against Eden Valley - Watkins. In the first inning Nathan's team was down 0-8. It didn't look good to anyone on or off the field. It was a beautiful night for a game was all I kept saying to myself and I was so glad that my parents came to last nights game and this one. I figured the boys were going to get clobbered. Then the boys rallied, but still lost, only by 4 points though. If Ian would have hit a grand slam the boys would have won by one point, but they wouldn't have learned as much about themselves or together as a team. I overheard one of the boys say, "Even though we lost, I really respect our team!" THAT was incredible to hear. The loss was more valuable and memorable than a win ever could have been.

Lazy summer day

2010-06-28T12:05:00.001-05:00

I know Nathan worked hard the morning in the weightroom followed by wrestling practice, but what did Daisy and Lilly do to deserve a (badly needed) nap?

Nolan and Ben's graduation party 6/19/2010

2010-06-26T13:11:00.005-05:00

Puppy Park 6/24/10

2010-06-26T12:41:00.006-05:00

Daisy and Lilly has the whole park to themselves this morning. They ran and played to their little hearts content...

"OH! What is this? It stinks REAL good!"

"We JUST HAVE TO ROLL in it!!"

Lilly is wondering where all the squirrels are!!!

Lilly always has to jump up on the only table in the park. I think she likes to see what she can from a taller perspective. This is how she has earned the name 'Lilly goat'

Why do the other dogs chase this thing all day long?

Cooking and baking for graduation party

2010-06-19T06:17:00.003-05:00

Daisy and Lilly loved that we were cooking all day! Daisy is waiting for some bars to come out of the oven.

Frankie is Charlies' new sister!!!

2010-06-16T15:54:00.003-05:00

This is Frankie; Charlie's new sister! She came from Daisy and Lilly's homestead. Long story short, she is a half sister to the girls. I can't wait to introduce her to the girls on Thursday while Amy and I bake and cook for the boys' grad party!

Nathan and Daisy napping

2010-06-15T09:23:00.003-05:00

OH..... Look at my babies!!!! Nathan and Daisy are actually sleeping in a recliner. Nate came home from the weightroom, followed by wrestling practice and crashed on the chair. Daisy had to take advantage of that and get some lov'n.

Painting with Auntie Lori

2010-06-12T17:39:00.003-05:00

Nathan helped Lori paint the upstairs bathroom at her house today. She was all worried that Nathan would ruin his clothes with paint, but look who has more paint on themselves!!
Look how nice it turned out!

Snuggling during the rain

2010-06-11T11:00:00.002-05:00

Lilly took a break from playing with her new (garage sale find) squeek toys to cuddle while the rain poured onto the house this morning.

First day of summer vacation was a big one!

2010-06-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

Nathan woke up on his first day of summer vacation and had to be at TECH at 7am for weight training followed by wrestling. When he got home Scott fed him lunch and he fell asleep on the couch. Scott works 10 hr nights, 4 days a week, so he was lucky enough to be awake and home take this picture for us to cherish. Our 14 1/2 yr old doesn't look that old all snuggled up on the couch.

Deer Treats ~ Part 1

2010-05-29T21:57:00.002-05:00

Daisy and Lilly

Lilly drooling with anticipation for the next piece of venison to be tossed her way

Deer Treats on Saturday Night!

2010-05-29T21:44:00.002-05:00

Scott was preparing a couple of roasts tonight that he'll be making for supper tomorrow night and the girls got some fat scraps to enjoy! All three of them waited patiently for their turn to scarf down each morsel that was tossed their way.
Daisy, Lilly and Melvin

Nolan and Benjamin's High School Graduation May 27, 2010

2010-05-29T09:54:00.006-05:00

Ben and Nolan are walking up to receive their diplomas.
Ben is wearing the red shirt and Nolan is wearing the blue shirt. When they were babies I always made a point of dressing Ben in blue and Nolan in red; you know, B for Ben and Blue..... It seemed to help some people tell them apart.

They are being handed their diplomas.

This picture of Nolan was taken by the St. Cloud times as he was making his entrance into Halenbeck Hall at the beginning of the ceremony.

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isnt this precious?

2010-05-23T20:29:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning was a tough one for Nathan. He was up at 4 am to go turkey hunting, but didn't get one. He had a good time with his dad though! When they got back to the cabin, we went a couple of garage sales, but didn't have much luck with that either. The best part of the morning was looking in the back seat and seeing Daisy and Nathan sleeping so soundly!!!

Daddy is spoiling the girls!!

2010-05-20T14:18:00.002-05:00

This is Lilly, sound asleep with her nose squished in the side of the recliner. Scott took Daisy and Lilly on a long walk to the Beaver island trail and they were exhausted from all the walking and playing in the weeds in the heat! Daisy even go IN the water, not just up to her 'cankles' like usual! They came home and slept for hours!!

2010 Turkey Hunting in MN.

2010-05-06T10:27:00.006-05:00

It's been a long week of 3:30 am wake up calls. Scott, Nolan, Benjamin and Nathan have put on the miles this week scouting and hunting down these hateful birds. Both Nolan and Ben got one this morning.

College football: SJU draws area talent

2010-05-03T10:51:00.004-05:00

Nolan is #40

From the St. Cloud Times 5/3/10. Author: Frank Rajkowski • May 3, 2010

Wittrock joins Rocori linebacker Chris Braun, St. Cloud Tech defensive back Nolan Lortz, Shakopee offensive lineman Rob Sybrant, Centennial offensive lineman Kevin Battis and defensive back Jake Orth and Andover defensive back Chase Vasquez among the new group of players who have confirmed their intentions to play at St. John's to the Times.

Nolan Lortz
You can see the 5-10, 160-pound Lortz is tough. After tearing an anterior cruciate ligament and suffering a slight meniscus tear last summer, he still elected to play his senior season with the Tech. He sat out the first two games, then played off and on, working his way into the defensive starting lineup during the second half of the year.
He is primarily a cornerback, but has played linebacker as well.
"My mom works at the school, so I get free tuition," said Lortz, who had surgery on his knee last November and expects to be cleared to go full-speed within the next two weeks. "It would have been stupid to go someplace else. I looked around. But I really did like it at St. John's."

Prom 2010

2010-05-02T09:11:00.009-05:00

Nolan and Benjamin went to their Senior Prom with their girlfriends Samantha and Katie. We took pictures at Munsinger Gardens on the banks of the Mississippi with all their friends. It was extremely windy, and the girls were freezing, but that didn't hinder the excitement of the day. After pictures, we went to TECH's first ever grand march. It was great seeing everyone all dressed up and having their names announced so you know how everyone was. They went to eat and then to the dance at Atwood, followed by staying overnight at Tyler Wieber's house in tents and I bet they froze!

Growing up and college bound!

2010-04-29T11:43:00.004-05:00

Everytime one of our 3 boys opens the blog, I hear "God Mom; that picture is SO OLD, why don't you post a new one!" I have newer pictures, but none that I love as much! The picture may be 'old' but the view from here is bright, shinny and new because college is right around the corner for the twins!

I made Nolan's deposit at SJU today so he is now registered for the fall too!!!

There are a lot of events, changes and new beginnings in our lives between now and the end of August. We have Prom, graduation, a graduation party to plan for and others to attend, drivers training, new summer jobs for the twins, baseball games and football practices, all while trying to find time to relax at the lake. It will be a head spinning summer. Maybe it needs to be this way so we don't have enough time to think about all the boys growing up and being college bound....

Basset Buddies Rescue - Spring into Summer 2010

2010-04-25T20:39:00.005-05:00

Spring into Summer was wonderful! I was very busy working the silent auction, which went well, but of course, could always have gone better.

This beautiful tri male is lucky that I didn't take him home with me! WOW, what an impressive looking dog!

Daisy and Lilly were completely exhausted after leaving the party on Saturday afternoon.I took this picture of Daisy in an almost comatose state.

This is the life!

2010-04-21T16:07:00.003-05:00

Daisy and Lilly are relaxing and soaking up the sun while scott is grilling and they are waiting for me to come home from work. I remember when I used to have grass in the backyard and I didn't have to scoop poop everyday, but it's better this way!!!

New paths to follow

2010-04-21T14:14:00.003-05:00

To see Nolan come home from his first shift at his first real job at Fleet Farm was a rude awakening. His bright orange shirt, black pants and that NAME TAG; it was alot to absorb. It's like he belongs to the entire world now, and not just us, our family of 5. He didn't say much about it while he at his dinner warmed up in the microwave. Ben will start his summer job next week Tuesday at the library at SJU. It will be a wierd summer of balancing schedules. I hope that both Nolan and Ben will be able to be at the lake at the same time this summer. Our lives are changing faster now than they seem to have in 1991 when the twins were born. But there won't ever be as much of a change in their lives as there will be this August and September when they move out and start college. The change will be hard on all of us, especially for Nathan and Melvin.

Ben and Nolan are graduating from TECH High School

2010-04-15T09:45:00.003-05:00

Nolan and Ben are graduating from High School in 6 weeks from today. The 'LORTZ BOYS' picture on the left is the picture that we are using on their graduation announcements/ invitations. Their caps and gowns are hanging in the house and time is going by faster and faster each day. Scott and I are beginning to talk about how the household will be changing without them around every day and most weekends. It's and enevitable life transisiton, but was it suppossed to happen this fast????
The party planning is coming along and we are really going to celebrate these two! They are wonderful sons, brothers, students and friends with so many incredible opportunites waiting for them in the next few years.....

Nathan 2010 Turkey hunting

2010-04-15T09:32:00.004-05:00

Scott and Nathan had a wonderful time Turkey hunting in Wisconsin even though they didn't get anything. They saw a bunch and heard a baby bear screaming for its mom. Nate asked Scott if he wanted the gun..... It was scarey for both of them. They sat still wondering if they were between the mom and cub........Scott was impressed at how much Nathan knows about turkey hunting. So we know that the kid actually does listen once in a while!!! I can't believe how tall Nathan is getting. He grabbed his camo pants that he's been wearing for the last couple of years only to find that they are about 4 inches to short and would barely fit over his butt. Our baby is growing so fast we can almost see it daily. It's wonderful and makes us proud and yet, makes us sad too.

Bear behind the cabin

2010-04-08T08:18:00.001-05:00

Scott and Nathan got a picture of a a bear on the trail camera right behind the cabin. It's big for just waking up from hibernating all winter.

Easter break

2010-04-07T14:26:00.002-05:00

The Monday after Easter the boys enjoyed their day off playing with Daisy and Lilly and then Ben and Nolan applied for a couple more jobs. Daisy and Lilly Really enjoyed the day! They got to sleep on the couch with the boys during the day and didn't have to be kenneled up while daddy was sleeping.

Long walk after effects

2010-03-18T16:04:00.002-05:00

I took Daisy and Lilly for a about a 1.5 mile walk Monday night after work. You would think after 3 days, she would be all rested up... Guesss not!!!

Katie wins!

2010-03-14T18:09:00.003-05:00

Scott caught a nice mess of fish on Saturday morning, but it wasn't more than what Katie caught on Friday night! Sorry Scott, but Katie wins!!!

Silly or smart?

2010-03-13T10:55:00.003-06:00

Scott was playing around with Daisy on Friday morning while resting in Daisy's recliner before naptime. With Scott's glasses on Daisy I'm sure if she looks silly or smart!

2010 Section wresting in Bemidji for Ben and Nathan

2010-02-28T16:18:00.008-06:00

Nate had a great tourney. He lost his first match Friday and wrestled his way back to 4th place on Saturday. It was a 10 man bracket. Not bad for an 8th grader! He beat kids that beat him earlier this season. He never got pinned and his worst match he only lost by 8 points. Ben had a really tough bracket. He took 7th. Tough to watch him wrestle his last high school match. He lost in 3 overtimes. Score was 2 to 1. It was hard to watch him walk off the mat for the last time. He has worked so hard over the past year between school and wrestling. Wrestling is such a demanding sport and we are so proud of their skill level and endurance in the sport!!

We all miss the cabin!!

2010-02-05T13:46:00.001-06:00

Winter drags on...and Ben and Nathan win!

2010-02-05T11:30:00.006-06:00

Another freezing rain with 2 inches of snow on top of it. I can still hear my ice scraper on the basset mobiles windows. It's almost as bad as nails on a chalkboard. Our high is expected to be 29 degrees today and my mom had to call this morning from south Florida to tell me it's going to be 80 there today. Yeah; I am thrilled. The only thing good about driving into work today was knowing that it's Friday. Scott on the other hand took full advantage of the weather and went ice fishing with Uncle Dan. They better catch something worth while.
Anyways, Ben and Nathan wrestled at home last night against Alex. That's always a good matchup. Nathan won in the 3rd because he was 15 points ahead and Ben pinned his guy in 29 seconds. Tech won with crowded bleachers and a bunch of their friends watching. Since it was parents' night, we had a little party afterwards. The boys gave us the nicest notes of thanks. THAT makes everything worthwhile, even the accumulating snow and rain.
Daisy and Lilly didn't even want to get out of bed earlier this week.

Licking the beaters

2010-01-22T14:20:00.003-06:00

I made a cake the other night and all the boys were gone, so Daisy and Lilly got to lick the beaters.

More wrestling pics.. 2009-2010

2010-01-18T15:25:00.002-06:00

Ben 2009
Nathan is breaking some kid down!!!

Wrestling 2009-2010

2010-01-18T15:19:00.001-06:00

Nathan and Jessie discussing something...
Ben is one of the team captains this year.
Ben in action

PetCo for Basset Buddies Rescue (BBR)

2010-01-11T12:45:00.001-06:00

I was at Petco with BBR yesterday and Scott and the boys said they'd stop by to visit us. I told Daisy and Lilly that Daddy was coming. They stood straight up and waited for him to walk through the door.

Both girls were exhausted after putting themselves on display and being on their best behavior. Daisy could hardly keep her eyes open on the 10 minute ride home.

2009 Football banquet and season pics/summary

2009-12-17T15:23:00.006-06:00

On December 6th, we went to Nolan and Ben's 2009 football banquet at the Holiday Inn.
The head coach and their Defensive coach both spoke very highly of both boys. Scott and I were so proud!!!!

Both Ben and Nolan were awarded Athletic Scholar patches for their high GPA's. They both were accepted to SJU and SCSU about 6 weeks ago.
The cake had all the seniors' names on it.

After the banquet, it's customary for all the players to stay and watch the highlight reel. We get a DVD of it also, but the fun is watching it with their buddies.

It was hard to see the boys in their Jerseys for the last time. We have the best memories of them playing football...