Five Brown Kids

Taye started out the school year pretty simply. Go to school and attend swim practice three times a week. Then he wanted to join the science club with his good friend - and that seemed simple enough - just a two hour session once a week after school. Fast forward a few months and he's moved up a level in swim - now four practices a week each an hour and a half long! (This past week in practice they timed an 800 yd swim - 32 laps in case you were wondering - Taye's time was 14:19. I'm not sure what sport Taye will eventually end up pursuing but his lungs will be ready for anything.) Science club is gearing up for a competition and is now meeting Friday from 3-7 and Saturday from 11-5. Oh, and cub scouts still one evening a week. And this week a talk on Sunday. And at least one swim meet a month. (A mousetrap car in the works) Taye was grumpy before all this and he's still grumpy now but I'm amazed at his ability to get it all done. He squeezes in his homework wi...

Thank you for the bread. It was astoundingly delicious and totally made my day!

This is a warm and filling family favorite. Anything with home fries on the side is a perfect dinner. 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 1 cup milk 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp dried sage leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground mustard (dry) 1/4 tsp pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 1 large egg 3 slices bread, torn into small pieces 1/4 cup onion, chopped ketchup for topping 1. Heat oven to 350. 2. Mix all ingredients except ketchup. Spread mixture in ungreased loaf pan*. Spread ketchup over top. 3. Insert meat thermometer so tip is in center of loaf. Bake uncovered 1 to 1 1/4 hours until thermometer read 160. 4. Let stand five minutes; remove from pan. * I like to cook it in a muffin tin. Makes the perfect sized portions and cooks a lot faster.

A neighbor gave us tickets for a Hurricanes game last week. I think it was my first NHL game ever. Did you know it is legal for players to fist fight on the ice? (while the refs stand there and watch) The boys loved it! (True to form, Tyrone stayed home to study. Obstetrics exam coming up next.)

New front tires for the van - check More swim equipment for Taye - check Extra fees for Taye's new swim group - check Gas galore for Taye's swim life - check Big registration fee for Scotia's last year of preschool - check Fee for Ty's summer review class - check Plowing through money like I own the world - expensive! Just 21 months 'til a real paycheck again...

She's cute. But could still use a lot more practice...

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - MLK jr . For all the men, women and children who stood up to the challenge I thank you for the wonderful life my three little brown kids have.