November 13th

I really like the blogging idea. It's much easier than maintaining my own website. And if Marilee and Mary and Kari can all do it, should be able to swing something (I do have a computer science degree, after all!). I will try to give you a rundown of the whole family this time. Everyone's asleep right now, and that should give me plenty of time to finish this post.

Julie: this girl will try anyone's patience! But, she's sweet, and loving, and best of all, forgiving! She's finally in Kindergarten, now, and she loves it. Everyday she comes home excited about what she learned today. She's able to read a lot of words, and is one of only a few kids in all of Kindergarten that have passed the test that allows them to check out library books. And you parents out there know what that means - yet another library book to track down somewhere in the house before it's due. Julie's been playing soccer -- her first season. She's really improved since the start of the season, and she seems to be "getting it" a lot more now. I, of course, think it's due to the stellar coaching she's receiving.

Joanne: is part of the 100+ book club in 1st grade. She's logged more than 100 books (120 to be more exact) since the beginning of school in August. She loves going to school, and her teacher, Mrs. Schmidt tells us she loves having Joanne in class. She's always on task, and she's the one who "encourages" her other classmates to get with it - something Mrs. Schmidt would have to do if Joanne didn't provide that service to her. Joanne has also been playing soccer. This little girl "gets it." She's fun to watch. She's got the skills and even an ability to see the whole field and find openings. She's scored a couple of goals for us this season. I also think the coaching has had something to do with that.

Jason: found out that he is a great singer. We've known for a long time -- ever since we caught him singing to himself once. He's very shy about it, though. He participated in the Primary boys choir that was part of our stake musical production. The choir director told us she would like to have Jason solo one of the days. Hmmm. We'll have to prepare him for that one. Jason is also playing soccer. He's got a lot of natural ability. Imagine what good coaching would do for him! He's scored several goals in very spectacular ways. Even his misses would make a great highlight reel.

Mark: loves playing football. He signed up for the City of Peoria flag football league and has done very, very well. He's starting to believe us when we tell him he can be athletic if he wants to be. He spends his free time designing rockets, imagining Harry Potter stuff, practicing his saxophone, and crocheting. Yes, crocheting. He's working on a blanket for a couple in our ward who were his primary teachers. They're having their first baby soon. This is actually Mark's second blanket. His first one was for another set of past primary teachers. If you want a nice blanket, teach Mark's primary class!

Michael: loves playing football. Hates football injuries. His knee problem turned out to be not as bad as we thought, but worse in other ways. His knee cap is out of place. The doctor prescribed physical therapy for him to strengthen his quad muscles and pull the knee cap back into place. We're still trying to convince him that golf is a respectable high school sport, too!

Christine: busy being a mom, and all that goes along with it. In addition to that, she's been substituting more and more at the school. She went on a little marketing campaign, and now she's having to turn down job requests because she's all booked up. I had looked forward to being able to take her to lunch a little more often once the kids all got into school. At least I'm saving my lunch budget!

Kent: I've been coaching a 5-6 year old soccer team. Our last game is this week. I'm glad it's almost over, but very sad to see it end. But, hey, there's always next season. Christine and I were in the stake choir for our stake musical presentation. The title was "I am another witness." It was about the Book of Mormon, and how it testifies of Christ. There were some dramatizations and narrations, and a lot of singing. Mark participated with Jason in the boys choir. Michael, Joanne, and Julie where demographically uninvolved, unfortunately. Michael didn't seem to mind, but the girls were very disappointed. The program was great. It's too bad all that work goes into it, and it only runs for 2 nights.

So, there's our update. Aren't you glad took time to read it?