Knock Knock Jokes = Criminality

So our oldest son, the 10 year old, recently brought home his mid-term grades. He typically is on the Honor Roll. As I read his mid-term grades, they each looked stellar as I went down the list, 95% or more in Math and Science, an 81 in Writing, a 96 in Social Studies. Whoa!! Hold the phone--is that an 81? The last time I saw an 81 on a report card I was trying to explain to my Mother why I was not cut out for metals shop (two words--"grinder accident"). I started leafing through said 10 year old's writing assignments. There it was, right in the middle of an essay on the planet Venus. We pick up the action 2/3 of the way through:

"...a planet known for its interesting atmosphere. Knock, knock, who's there? I don't know. Venus' surface has been mapped in detail..."

Did you catch that? A knock, knock joke in the middle of an essay? Are you kidding me? Personally I don't know where my sons get their penchant for class-clowning but I am investigating Angie's family tree in search of the bad genetic influence.

Like the Father of the Year I am, I confront the 10 year old. Note the empathetic dialogue and tactics I employed:

"What were you thinking?"
"Of course she hated your writing"
"At least you could have told a good joke, like 'a lawyer, a doctor and the Pope walk into a bar'..."

Ok, I didn't add that last part. But his response to my careful and sensitive questioning? He turned away from me, used his most pathetic martyrdom voice and sobbed "Quit treating me like a criminal!!"

Score another point for the children of America. No longer will they sit idly by and let haters of knock, knock jokes drag them down! The revolution will begin at dawn.

Scotland

Chandler's Arrow of Light

Just wanted to give a little shout out to our son Chandler. Last night he received his Arrow of Light. This is the last award he will receive as a Cub Scout. He also received his 20 patch, which means he earned every possible award in Webelos. He did a great job and worked really hard. We are very proud of him.

(Sorry about the dark picture. We had all the lights out so we could use our electric fire for the ceremony.)

He got an real arrow and was able to walk across the bridge to boy scouts. He was very excited. (He is behind the flag.)

"It was good. I hated it."

These words escaped Angie's lips after we saw the movie "Dan in Real Life". Angie can't stand dramatic tension, such as when a character is about to bumble through something important or get caught doing he shouldn't, like kissing his brother's ex-girlfriend. Hence her ambiguity regarding Dan in Real Life. She squirmed in her seat and kept asking if we could leave during the scenes involving the proverbial dropping of the other shoe, but she soldiered on and took one for the team by finishing the movie. George Bush would say she didn't let the terrorists win, but I just enjoyed seeing her sweat it out.

-Chris

2nd Grade Musical

Minutes before the concert we had to leave to get a parking spot: 45

Minutes we had to wait before the concert started:30

Minutes we had to sit during the concert: 30

Watching Christopher sing Thanksgiving Boogie: priceless

Yummy Rolls

My kids were reading the Friend on Sunday and found a crescent roll recipie they wanted to try. It actually turned out really good.

1 scant tablespoon yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1/3 cup warm water

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1 c. warm milk

5 cups flour ( I actually used closer to 6)

1/2 cup butter, melted

In a small bowl, mix yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar and warm water. Set aside so the yeast can activate.

Mix together the salt, oil, and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in the yeast mixture. Add the eggs and the warm milk. Slowly add in the flour. You may add up to 1 cup extra if the dough is too sticky or won't form a ball.

Cover and let rise for 3 hours.

Divide dough into two balls. Roll each ball into a circle-about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the dough with the melted butter. Cut the circle into 12 pieces--like a pizza. Roll the wedge from the wide side to the narrow point (the boys loved doing this part). Put on a cookie sheet with the point tucked under. Repeat with last ball of dough. Let rise for 2 hours.

Brush the rolls with butter and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

They tasted very good with some butter and homemade jam. Enjoy!!!

Our Trip to Scotland

A couple of months ago, Chris and I went on our first vacation without boys. We flew into Manchester, England and drove up to Scotland. We spent 8 amazing days exploring castles, driving all over Scotland, and having interesting discussions about food. I really did love Scotland, but I have to say that my heart belongs in England.

We visited a village where Chris' ancestors came from, Loch Ness, the Highlands, Culloden, Stirling and Edinburgh. On our last day in England I got to visit Old Trafford- the stadium where Manchester United plays.

I was very excited until we realized that they were locking the doors as were trying to start shopping. I think I actually started crying.

We had a great time together and it made us realize that the two of us need to take more vacations.

Our Day of Soccer

For the past 3 months we have spent a good portion of our Saturdays at soccer games. Today was our 2nd to last week-thank heavens!!

Christopher's game was great. They won 7-1. Christopher took two to the face. He was very brave. Unfortunately, he cut his eye after the 2nd ball to the face.

Chandler played his best friend Cameron's team. They lost 3-1, but played amazing. I learned that Chandler's nick name on the team is "skinny cheese". Here is a picture of Chandler and Cameron talking during the game.

Jackson's team lost 4-2. The team they played was a little mean. Jackson played great.

Only one more week and we are done!

Here We Go

Welcome to the Miner family blog. We are excited to share our life with family and friends. Hope you enjoy!