Beautiful Eyes

Remember when I learned that food experts won't eat potatoes unless they're organic? They mentioned potato farmers not wanting to eat them either. So I experimented. Organic potatoes were on sale last week for $1.50 a bag. Organic food also needs to be sold, eventually. I bought a ton. And in a few days, had these beauties sprouting out of my potato. Still waiting on the three week old regular potatoes to sprout. I'm hooked. Now I know why there use to be food cellars, and why I'm wishing I had one.

Temples

The mornings always begin EARLY!

The drives can be LONG!

But how fortunate we are to be able to worship, according to the dictates of our own conscience...

...In a place spotless from the world, where youth can be strengthened, enlightened and prepared.

Louisville, Kentucky

Responsibility

Responsibility

The character word of the month at Sawyer's school.

You're looking at the class winner for Character Counts.

I asked Sawyer what his greatest responsibility is at home.

"Mom, why do you think I pinned my button on Miller?"

Follow the Bouncing Ball

Basketball season has been a lot of fun. Having five boys on teams made for a busy week and a lot of games!

Sawyer is a heads-up player and is alot of fun to watch.

His season will be continuing as he was selected for All-Stars.

He likes his new uniform and warm-up suit. And the fact that they spelled SCHENEWARK correctly! (He's just learned how.)

Cooper is a great defensive player, although winning his bracket in the competition demonstrated he is also a pretty good little shooter.

Cooper and Porter's knock-out game. They insisted this be documented.


Jarrod was asked to coach Porter's team. They worked well together and made it to the play offs.

Funny! What little boys dream about.

Porter was also selected for all-stars. He was happy his name FIT on the shirt.

Hunter's middle school team has many gifted athletes. It's an honor just to be on the team.

We joke about him being the cutest bench warmer, but truly he is an asset to the team.

Tanner's high school team was a lot of fun to watch. Their run and gun style made for some fast paced games, and watching Tanner improve, especially in rebounding, was exciting. He's torn his lateral miniscus on his knee, and is out for the remainder of the season.

I Have A Dream!

The Optimist Club, which Jarrod belongs to (for free lunch on Wednesdays), sponsors a basketball competition at the local Boys and Girls Club.

Sawyer's trying the bounce pass, which has to get through or hit a hole in a board.

Every Martin Luther King school holiday, they gather kids from all the clubs together...

... and have a three part competition, where the age bracket winners advance to a regional competition.
Porter's playing knock-out for warm-up.

Here Cooper's dribbling around cones, for speed.

Hunter's trying his hand at the free throw shots, just for fun.

These SIX bikes were given away in a drawing. Don't they look magical?

Everyone came away a winner! The boys are waiting for the results to be scored.

Surprise! Cooper tied for first in his bracket, and gets a new basketball to take home.

SURPRISE! Cooper wins a bike!

"Mom, is it my lucky day?"

Cooper's Copper

(Jarrod might be warming up to the critter just a tad!)

I've noticed a few things about the hamster.

He needs to have his cage changed frequently!

He looks like Cooper.

And, he knows how to store food.
See those cheeks? They're packed.

Sick Day

He could have probably gone to school.
Just a cough.
But his big brothers insisted he stay home.
"He's only in kindergarten, Mom!"
He really must not be feeling well.
He wanted to iron shirts.
Just what I'd do if I was sick.

Happy Twelve Years Old Porter!

Happy Birthday Porter!

Although he didn't choose angel food cake with glazed berries and whipped cream, it was a hit!

Cooper, who had recently won this ball, gave it to Porter for his birthday present.

Thank you Grampy and Grammy for thinking of Porter on his special day.

The hat was a BIG hit! More so than our underwear and socks. Oh well.

Campout!

Time for another monthly scout campout!

Porter, on the front porch of the cabin, is wondering what the night holds for him.

The boys nicknamed the cabin the haunted dollhouse.

Porter was fortunate to sleep in the doll bedroom.

Lots of friends were waiting for him!

Scoutmaster Dad chose another room.
So did Hunter.

Wouldn't you?

Somehow they all survived the night hike, and night fishing in a frozen pond.

I don't know if they'll ever get over sleeping with dolls.

It was quite refreshing for Sawyer to get outside in the morning and fish.

Just a Reminder

Whether a republican or a democrat it is wrong for any one party to have such complete power that they can ignore the will of the people. On Tuesday the state of Massachusetts has the oportunity to help the nation achieve a little balance in the federal government. What a moment for the people of Massachusetts to demonstrate leadership on the national level by remembering that the Senate seat belongs to no one family or entitity but to the "people." GET OUT AND VOTE! and make me proud!

EMPTY!

It's that bad. Looking for new dinner suggestions!

BFFs (Best Friends Forever)

This is Miller's friend, Noah. Because he's schooled at home, he's often available to play.

When Miller is missing the boys, he asks for Noah.

He plays ALL DAY with Noah, until the boys come home. We love Noah (who is also Cooper's best friend). Thank you for making Miller (AND ME) so happy!