Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Jeremy, Tommy and Franky

Age: 4-8

Jeremy, Tommy and Franky are securely bonded brothers who rely on each other for entertainment, laughter and love. With Shoshone-Bannock ancestry on both sides of their birth family, they need an adoptive home that is well connected to tribal activities and culture. If you are an individual who has tribal affiliation and heritage, please consider whether these boys would fit well in your heart and the things that matter in your life.

Jeremy

"Hi, I'm Jeremy. I like either football or soccer. I played soccer this year for the Blue Piranhas. I have some good moves. After school, I like to watch TV or play video games. I love to play Air Hockey. I'm really good at that. If you say you can beat me, I say 'Bring it!'

I love my brothers. I take care of them and keep them safe. I share things with them. I teach them manners. I show them how to do things and how not to do things that will get them in trouble. Franky does anything I tell him to, so I try not to do bad things when I'm around him, like chugging the milk. I can make him laugh by doing a scary low voice, and he does it, too. I like to wrestle with Tommy. We play all the time.

My foster mom is a good cook. She fixes a gigantic chocolate cake on our birthdays. I like her spaghetti made with venison. I like to go hunting with my foster dad. We hunt for turkey, deer, and we go fishing. He lets us ride in his truck. He talks about safety rules like the correct way to carry a rifle.

In our family, we have rules, like no chugging the milk, no going outside and playing football unless there are grown-ups around, and no watching TV if you're grounded. When you get your homework done, you can watch TV or play video games or play in the basement.

Someday when I have a family, I will care for them. I will get a job, go to work, and have a wife. I will listen to my children. "

Jeremy is described as the typical older brother, keeping everyone safe and seeing that they all stay in line. He is extremely honest.

Tommy

"I like my scooter! I will ride it round and round on the sidewalks. I can go very fast!

I love my brother, Jeremy. He plays with me all the time. Franky is silly. I can make him laugh."

Known to be something of a prankster, Tommy keeps everyone laughing. As a middle child, he has learned to grab attention through his antics. Tommy is described by his case manager as "very genuine and very sweet." All three brothers prefer each other's company over just about anyone else. They also behave like typical brothers in occasionally disagreeing or competing for attention. All in all, Tommy depends on his siblings for entertainment, interaction and security. His sweet nature promises to provide the balance to the mischievous side of his personality.

Franky

"I'm Franky. I'm this many [four fingers]. I like to ride my scooter. I have a helmet."

Franky's ability to make himself understood is an ongoing challenge, but he finds other ways to make his desires known. He loves to mimic his brothers and they laugh when he does so in their favorite "scary voice." This consists of a growly, low tone. Strangely, when Franky speaks in his normal voice, his speech is soft and difficult to decode. When he is being silly and repeating something his brothers have said, his syllables and consonants are quite distinct and understandable. It won't be long with speech therapy and the support of his family until this 4 year-old will master every task of communication.

Franky loves his big brothers and follows their lead in most things. Fortunately, he has a big brother who watches out for him. Only occasionally do Jeremy and Tommy lead him astray. They may giggle over inappropriate words, but they generally try to set a good example for Franky.

Franky wears glasses that have helped with correction (after surgery) of crossed eyes. They magnify charming eyes that are usually crinkled in a grin. He is described as a happy child who loves to do whatever his brothers are doing. Franky attends pre-school.

These boys are connected by ancestry to the Shoshone/Bannock Tribe on both of their birth parents' side. Their current foster parents keep them connected to tribal activities at Fort Hall Reservation, although the boys are not enrolled. The Indian Child Welfare Act applies in this case, meaning their ancestry is to play an important role in the parents selected as their adoptive family. The adoption team will be searching for a family that has at least one parent with Native-American affiliation and will respect their Indian heritage.

Franky will need follow-up regarding his vision and in speech therapy. Tommy will need support for individual counseling, as needed. All three boys are extremely active and will do well in a family that is active in sports and is outdoor oriented. Redirecting negative behaviors and using time outs work well with this bunch.

The boys enjoy camping and hunting activities. They have a lot of love to give. They would do well as the only children or with other siblings. They are noisy, rambunctious, silly, easy-going and fun. They are on track educationally, but they are thriving in school with the help of a foster parent who is a teacher. So, educational allies will be important to help them thrive educationally. The adoption team will be looking for consistent parenting skills, love, acceptance, and a willingness to learn new skills.

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Jeremy, Tommy and Franky, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30550.

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