ben and tamme

Family, 

In Texas there is still talk of seceding from the Nation.  I am torn on whether or not to support.  I figure if we do secede, not only will we get a tax break but we might get more financial support from the Federal government than we will if we remain :)

On a more serious note, we are really good.  We are staying busy.  We have healthy kids and we have a good job.  We really enjoy the letters and talking with each of you.

Tamme was released from prison yesterday in a surprise move by the judge, Bishop Marble, who opted for her early parole.  No more 5 AM mornings with 13 youth and 2 foreign-language adults followed by long days in which the lesson for the following day must be prepared.  It is really a great relief.  Seminary has been a wonderful blessing.  Tamme was able to immerse herself in the scriptures much like she would have had she served a mission.  She has made lasting impressions on each of the youth and they were all terribly sad to hear of her release.  We don't grow unless we are stretched and I am thankful that we were stretched through seminary rather than other trials these past few years.

Kloey was nominated by her peers to run for the 3rd grade class president. She gave her platform speech this afternoon which consisted of "Hi, I would like to be your president, I hope enjoy your cookies."  She then passed out the vote bribe which was a chocolate chip cookie with a note that said:

VOTE FOR KLOEY AND HAVE A KOOKIE!

I thought her platform was foolproof!  In the end, the cookies were not passed out until after the vote and she was a runner-up.  Many of of her peers told her they would have voted for her if they knew they would get such yummy cookies.

Kael is playing basketball.  He is focusing on being more aggressive.  He is very good.  This past week he was asked to guard the "Michael Jordan" in his league for the entire game.  In the first half, Jordan scored about 12 field goals which is a lot but many fewer than he usually gets.  We talked to Kael about guarding his strong dribbling hand and in the second half Mr. Jordan was held to 2 field goals and Kael forced about 7 turn-overs!  We were really excited for Kael.

Galilee Rose is staying busy at home with Mom.  She is getting taller but is still pretty chunky and so CUTE!  She and Sadee are good friends and they play together most of the day.

Sadee is screaming less which we really appreciate.  For a while there we thought she was practicing to join the SIRENS in the Odyssey.  She is our little snuggler.  When you pick her up she leans in and just snuggles on you-it is really nice.  She also loves to go everywhere with Dad, which Dad loves!

We love you.  We hope you are well,
-Ben and Family