On the lighter side of the arrow of light ceremony, there was a male cake bake contest!
Cooper did a fabulous job on his horse - he squeezed out every lock of mane!
Porter is recommitting to Cub Scout lessons learned. He was the only boy to get the yellow paint on his chin (light).
With the Order of the Arrow indian dancers looking on, Porter crosses the bridge from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.
Porter being welcomed by the boys in the scout troop.
Porter receiving the highest award in Cub Scouts - great job, Porter!
Who do you know that has SIX sister-in-laws! I'm a lucky gal. These two are Jarrod's twin sisters, Janel and Janeen, and it's their birthday today. Happy Birthday, gals. You're a girl's best friend, and wonderful aunts to the boys. (Can you tell they're twins?)
The boys have noticed the increase in wind to our area. Cooper helped Sawyer and Miller make kites out of Walmart bags, and an undone plastic lei necklace. They had a great time flying their homemade kites. It made me think of the adage, "In like a lion, out like a lamb."
Miller loves water. He comes running when I turn on my washing machine so he can watch the water. Thinking I would get a head start on the growing pile in my laundry room, I started a dark wash. While running to get Tanner's clothes, Miller filled my bleach cup with bleach. I have to admit I was fairly impressed he knew where the bleach goes. For a two year old that's being quite observant. I was even more impressed he knew when to try this when the bleach cap would be loose. I'm thankful he suffered no injuries with my bleach. I have learned not to mess around with wash on the sabbath day! I lost 3 complete outfits for Sawyer, and a shirt for Porter - could have been a lot worse.
These are a few of the drawings I found on my table yesterday. 
The blue jay is very blue!
This turkey is kind of cute.
The cardinal is very handsome!
But his red robin is my favorite. Spring must be coming soon,
There was pure excitement yesterday when we came home from speech and found this message, "I'm calling from the library to let you know that Miller came the closest to correctly guessing the number of hearts in the jar..."
Miller guessed 300. There was 323. It's so nice to have big brothers to help you and to share your surprises.
Introducing Porter the Pounder! New to wrestling, he's catching on quickly, and does not like to prolong victory!
Day 3: There has been a day that we've avoided for a long time, but it was time. We had to officially become Ohio residents. It's a day long process that entailed a trip to the State Police to take driving tests and an eye exam. Then we went to the Bureau of Registrars to turn in our tests, pay money, and get photographed. Then we went to a new car dealership to get our out-of-state vehicles inspected. Moving along, we traveled to the Clerk of Courts to turn in our car titles to get new state titles. Next, we went back to the Bureau of Registrars to pay money and receive plates. Five hours later, we have four shiny plates, three licenses, and something Tanner can do that will keep him busy and happy: DRIVE! He feels so loved!
"As most of you know, we have started and finished the paperwork for another adoption. Now, we are just waiting to be picked. We are again asking for your prayers and assistance. Our chances of adopting increase with exposure. With all the ways of networking and communication that are available through the internet, we are asking for your help to let others know about us. Our hope is that someone might know someone (etc…) who is dealing with an unexpected pregnancy and thinking about adoption..." Please read more here, and please share with others. https://beta.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/6397755/ourMessage.jsf
Every time I pull out my mixer, and see this toilet paper tube, I smile. I personally have no need to have a bit of my mixer cord stuffed in an empty toilet paper tube, but Mom thought otherwise. She was out visiting me in January, and one day after coming out of the bathroom, having emptied the roll of its contents, decided that it needed a new home and put it on my mixer cord. I think it's hilarious. Her mission in life is to save. Whether it's people, clothes, food or empty toilet paper tubes, everything needs to feel wanted. I love this about my Mom. Miss you! Thanks for loving me.
This is Miller's little bus. It was packed in the bag I brought this morning to church. He played with it close to 40 minutes! I remember thinking, "Wow, I didn't know he liked this bus so much. I'll have to keep it in the church bag." Miller was also snacking on a few goldfish. I was proud of myself for finding two things that would keep him so entertained for so long. Little did I know that he was putting the fish inside the bus. I guess it needed a few passengers. Then, when he was ready, he would open the little door to extract the unlucky passenger and have a bite! Good job Miller!Here's the update. Introducing Cooper the Cruncher! This class is not free, but we'll hang around as long as we can. The numbers have steadily increased, maybe we'll get lost in the shuffle. This has been a GREAT experience for Mr. Tenderheart, tears flow easily child number four.
Later that day, Tanner played in his high school basketball game, and as a result of diving for a loose ball, got a concussion, wiggly front tooth, braces imprinted on his upper lip, and a day off from school while he visited doctors, dentists and orthodontists. It will take close to a year, we're told, to know if he's lost his tooth or not. He's actually in good spirits, and has enjoyed the comments. Thank you so much.
This is Tanner, my oldest son. I don't blog much about him because he's never around! He's such a good kid, although he's probably had the hardest time moving here, being in high school and everything that comes with change. He's having a miserable week. 1. His arm he hurt last February in baseball still hurts. We have medical bills we're still paying from Texas as proof nothing was found except tendonitis. I thought maybe an accupuncturist would be able to help him. He was diagnosed with a pinched nerve, and woke up today with a year's worth of pain back in one day. 2. He was unable to finish his braces treatment in Texas, so we're in the process of beginning treatment again. He had an appointment today, and begged for pain relief. 3. There are no girls out here he's interested in. The standards and culture are so different it's hard for him to even want to go to school. Sad week when you don't have a Valentine! He needs a "keep your chin up" talk that will lift his heart up as well. Any suggestions besides moving?
Give a BIG shout out to this man - he's out of isolation today. He may still be glowing a bit, but we're glad he's done! You can see before and after pictures HERE!
Give a BIG shout out to Cooper for being chosen as responsibility classmate of the month for the Character Counts program - job well done!
And finally, give a HUGE shout out to this fine gal on her birthday - you can find her HERE! "She's had a birthday, shout hurray!"
Sawyer offered in his prayer a simple plea for family unity and peace: "And can Dad come home and find us so happy and not fighting, even when we're playing games, that he'll walk in the door and go, 'Wow!'" I could not have said it better myself.Our community, in addition to basketball and baseball leagues, tried something new this year and offered wrestling in order to build their interest in the sport for high school competition. This is a new sport for our family. We've never lived in an area where wrestling was supported by a high school, never mind a community program for kids. We went because we thought it was free, and would be fun to try (on a temporary basis). Wow. Introducing Slammin' Sawyer Schenewark, after two practices boasting an impressive 14-0 smackdown record.
Ever have one of those days where you want to pull your hair out because your hair needs to be pulled out? I need a hair cut, gee, it's only been since September. I've gone longer, but don't want to. So there will be no more posting of self until self has a haircut. Hence, Sawyer will be filling in for me, pony tail style. Just joking. Life with long hair is not that bad. Actually, I'm quite thankful to have hair. But, I am calling for shots of bad haircuts. The entries will be posted, and judged by you. The winner will receive a small token of West Virginia love. Since Hillbilly Hotdogs probably don't mail well, it will be a different kind of West Virginia love. Send all entries to schenewark@yahoo.com. May the best tale win! Last day to send photos is Friday.
