I haven't been able to update my blog or even surf the web since our computer was being attacked by some forty virus' but thanks to my Uncle Richie I'm back and protected (thanks again). So here are some updates:

At the end of January the girls started piano lessons. Except for Kelly they have taken lessons on and off for the last five or six years. We found a great teacher and she comes to our home which has been a huge help--I can actually get housework done while she's giving the lessons as opposed to sitting in a car for an hour thinking of all the things I could be getting accomplished.

Lauren, Alison and Tommy are in a co-ed basketball program that is new to our church this year. It has worked out well. Alison has scored several baskets, a number of steals and has no problem keeping up with the boys in the 12-14 age group. Lauren fights hard for the rebound even if it means falling on the floor in a struggle for the ball. Tommy does well and proves to be one of the better players of his age group.

Lauren celebrated her 14th birthday on the 21st with lots of friends, pizza, soda, cheeseballs and cake. The fun continued on Sunday with a trip to Roller Magic Skating Rink along with church family and friends. The extravaganza finally came to an end with a trip to Chili's Restaurant. Our big birthday present to Lauren was contact lenses. She was so excited to get them but it has added years to her appearance :)

Kelly got half as many baby teeth pulled as her cousin Kelsie and we could hear her screaming from the waiting room while her father was holding her down in the chair and telling the dentist to "Hurry up and PUULLLL!!!!!!!!!!"

Tommy is back attending AWANA on Wednesday night's after a long hiatus. He works very hard at memorizing scripture to move on in his work-book. It also gives Kenny or myself an opportunity to go to an adult Bible study while he's at AWANA.

We (I'm) are having a GREAT time in My Father's World studying early American history--more on this later.

So there's a quick update of what's been going on with our THISfunctional family the last couple of weeks. I will continue to share with you my political opinions and frustrations while my daughter Alison tries to force me to change the name of this blog to something more politically appropriate--but I refuse :)

"SO GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!" *pounds fist on table*