upward basketball

Ben and Mary Smith play "upward basketball" with the Presbyterian church league. All games begin with team prayers and there is a halftime devotional for the parents and fans while the teams read a scripture together. There is no score keeping, and anyone on any team who does something good gets cheers from everybody. The coaches are very involved in coaching and encouraging and teaching the game, but sportsmanship and helping out teammates counts as much as points.

Laura says that about half of the coaches are Presbyterian and the other half are LDS. It provides a great way to be involved with the community and good Christian people. Ben's game was last night, and Randy took him while the rest of us ate supper and waited for Johnson and Rhea Smith to arrive. Mary's game was this morning and she had all four grandparents cheering her on. Afterward we drove over to the Albuquerque temple, which was very close, and then stopped at Walmart to pick up some command picture hangers.

After lunch Laura and Ken and Andy and Zoe and I went for a walk in the foothills, beautiful trails, 50 degree weather and sunshine. Mary's baptism is at 4:00, so she is just getting ready now.

The Smiths have a big beautiful home. I love the kitchen, quality and quantity cabinets, two ovens and a microwave. One oven is gas, with a gas range and the other is electric. They live in a beautiful area of Albuquerque, up in the foothills overlooking the city. We are glad to be here.