The hot question among savvy, engaged, involved parents this time of year seems to be this: Are your kids doing basketball? Now, I love basketball as much as the next Maine mom, but my kids are (at best) oblivious to the possibilities involving this beloved sport.

I've been pretty particular about what I sign the kids up for, especially during the winter months. With Scott gone all day every day, I always knew I didn't want to have to be the only one responsible for running them from one sport to the next in the snow. So, I've never signed them up for basketball. The term "maybe next year" comes to mind. Again.

That said, I should mention now that she's in middle school, Lilly is participating in three after-school activities. Cheering (sort of like basketball), Middle Connection ( a travel chorus), and a musical production practice take up every afternoon for her. Luckily, there's a late Activities Bus that brings her home Monday through Wednesday, so I don't have to run and fetch her everyday after school. I keep wanting the kids to get into skiing lessons, but I manage to miss the sign-ups every time (usually after doing the math of four kids times six or ten weeks of lessons... yikes!). Oh well, someday I'll get my act together, but for now, I'm enjoying not running around every day to this game or practice or whatever.

Kate participates in Girls Scouts one night a week. Of course, she's not in the same pack (or gaggle, or den... I don't really know what they call it) as Lilly, and neither of them is in the same club as Molly. Once in a while they'll all have some big obnoxious Girl Scout club mixer at the same time and same location. In that convenient situation, I'll try my best to drop, kiss and run... girl scouts are some of the highest-strung individuals I have ever met, and I like my blood pressure right where it is.

Sam "quit" Boy Scouts before the first meeting this year. I didn't blame him. To be polite, I'll call that group "possibly or potentially medicated."

Sophie attends the local preschool Book Club when her schedule permits. Her little group enjoys a reading of the weekly selection, followed by crafty time (with glue sticks!) and cocktails. OK, well, there aren't really any snacks, but one kid did have a sippy cup once, and you never know how desperate daycare providers are these days!

Anyway, my point is... we don't do basketball, and I've been trying to figure out why that has come out sounding like an apology all winter long! We don't do basketball. Someday we may. Or, we may end up with five cheerleaders. I truly enjoy watching these little people do whatever is fun for them. I believe I sufficiently support the local Irving and McDonald's in my running hither and yon. I'm quite satisfied with our winter thus far, and I believe my children are not unhappy.

And no, I don't want to watch your kid's basketball game.