Nathan enjoyed ice fishing with Scott, Ben and Nolan last Sunday. It was a nice warm day and they caught some crappies and sunnies on Secret Lake.

All 3 of our boys have been selected for the team sections team. So they had to dress up for school this morning. They wrestle this Saturday in Bufalo.Nate broke the Tech high 7th grade all time win record. He pinned two seniors this year. He is only the 3rd 7th grader to letter at Tech. Ben has had alot of close matches this year either winning or losing by a only a point or two. One touney he wrestled 4 matches and the total points for all four matches was four points. But when Ben gets his cradle hooked up it is over.Nolan has been wrestling above his weight, some times giving up over 20lbs. Nolan has come on STRONGER and stronger as the season goes on. He has had some of the most exciting matches of the year. Some looked like they were turning into bar fights. He also just got and Academic Athlete award. Ben missed it by 2/100ths of a point. He has some work to do. Well this has been the ramblings of a proud father, they have worked so hard this year. Nobody can ever remember three brothers wrestling varsity at the same time. Nate has taken quite a few beating this year but he has 4 pins and 11 wins, and almost as many black eyes. They beat #1 seed Alex and Nate started it out with a pin and got the team on a roll. So he is pretty nervous about tomorrow. He is the first on the mat and many times sets the mood.
S. ->>>------------> The Rat Mats made posters for all the boys that qualifed for Sections! Nathan's says Lil' Lortz:

Daisy was helping Nolan with his homework. And Nathan was loving them up.





I found the following "NOTE TO THE DOGS" to be rather funny and yet appropriate for out house!....Attention Basset Hounds living in our house!!!! The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The staircase was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run. I cannot buy anything bigger than a California king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort. (I only did this once! Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, howl, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine attendance is not required.
The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dogs butt. I cannot stress this enough.
Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Black N Blue

Nathan had a rough day at practice! He is getting ready for Section Finals

'Parents Night' at TECH for Wrestling 2/10/09

Last night was 'Parents Night' at TECH for the Wrestling team. Our boys presented us with hand written thank you notes and letters. Nathan's was sweet and sincere, and so was Ben's with a bit of humor to it that made both of us laugh out loud. Nolan's letter was very memorable and showed that he really appreciates everyting we do for him in life. The letters were the best gift that Scott and I could have ever received!

While the '4 boys' were at the cabin, I did laundry and took the girls for walks. We all had spring fever. The walks made them tired for a short time, then they were up and at it, playing hard again!!

All the boys went to the cabin last weekend and had the time of their lives. They went scouting deer, walking on deer trails and looking for antler sheds. They played cards, ate and goofed around. Nolan won at poker.