The derby was last night, the event itself was unremarkable which is always remarkable to me. There were 4 heats, he took 3rd twice, 4th once and 1st once. He was okay with the outcome as were we. Both of us stood looking on at the first race with our hearts in our noses hoping that no wheels fell off, no decals came undone or any meteorites from space landed on the track (hey, I have bad experiences with derbys, you can understand my logic here)
We were not the only purchased car at the derby and we all had a good laugh sharing derby horror stories. I'm pretty much convinced that the Pinewood derby exists to strike fear into the hearts of all parents.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Update
Here's a little update on our week, Gavin had a program at school (last Friday) and it was fun. This photo is a long way away but he's the snake on the left!
This was yesterday, snowy and cold. The first winter storm of the season of which I have mixed feelings.
And here's the preview of the costumes. I know, it's sort of cheating to post these before Halloween but it may be the only time they are all dressed up together. My costume shall be shown at a later date! (Gavin: Skeleton guy, Quentin: Julius Ceasar, Lucy: Strawberry Shortcake, Won: Mario, Carston: Storm Shadow)
This was yesterday, snowy and cold. The first winter storm of the season of which I have mixed feelings.
And here's the preview of the costumes. I know, it's sort of cheating to post these before Halloween but it may be the only time they are all dressed up together. My costume shall be shown at a later date! (Gavin: Skeleton guy, Quentin: Julius Ceasar, Lucy: Strawberry Shortcake, Won: Mario, Carston: Storm Shadow)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I'm One of THOSE Parents
Now I've gone and done it...
And before I say this out loud, I must tell the story behind this decision.
In three days time we will attend our FOURTH Pinewood Derby. I HATE the pinewood derby. I hate it because my first two experiences were the worst parenting moments of my life.
My oldest son was excited for his first derby, he and I did our best to put a car together according to the rules on the package of the kit. When we showed up to the derby, we found out there were no rules when it came to car design or weight. (There were cars there that had bricks on them.) My son lost (it) on the first race. I don't know what snapped in that little brain of his but he threw the biggest tantrum of his young life. We spent most of the night in the hall lecturing about how a scout behaved.
Year two: We had long discussions about appropriate behavior and sportsmanship and we felt confident this would be better. No, it was not. We left after the first race (he spiked the front wheel of his car which proceeded to actually hit the ceiling of the gym and crack.) and didn't look back.
Year Three: We didn't go.
Last year, we had just moved into our new home when we were informed that the pinewood derby was in two days. Thanks to my mother in laws saving of all things sentimental, we were able to use one of my husbands cars from his pinewood derby days. Since this was my second son, and we didn't have to make a new car, we felt like we would give it another shot. He was a good sport and the car did okay so all in all, we considered it a good experience.
Flash forward to present day- the pinewood derby is on Wednesday and I've had the car kit for two weeks. I have not been able to make myself even attempt to create a car, (too many bad memories) and so I have done what I have ridiculed so many others for doing- I have purchased a car off EBay.
Here it is, the ULTRA FAST PINEWOOD DERBY CAR BSA WINNER
Yep, I did it, I bought a car for $61.00 and had it shipped overnight to make it for weigh in. I am a schmuck (yes, I know what that word means). I am mortified and yet so relieved. I'll let you know how we do and now that I've confessed my sins I will begin planning on what I am going to say if he actually wins.
And before I say this out loud, I must tell the story behind this decision.
In three days time we will attend our FOURTH Pinewood Derby. I HATE the pinewood derby. I hate it because my first two experiences were the worst parenting moments of my life.
My oldest son was excited for his first derby, he and I did our best to put a car together according to the rules on the package of the kit. When we showed up to the derby, we found out there were no rules when it came to car design or weight. (There were cars there that had bricks on them.) My son lost (it) on the first race. I don't know what snapped in that little brain of his but he threw the biggest tantrum of his young life. We spent most of the night in the hall lecturing about how a scout behaved.
Year two: We had long discussions about appropriate behavior and sportsmanship and we felt confident this would be better. No, it was not. We left after the first race (he spiked the front wheel of his car which proceeded to actually hit the ceiling of the gym and crack.) and didn't look back.
Year Three: We didn't go.
Last year, we had just moved into our new home when we were informed that the pinewood derby was in two days. Thanks to my mother in laws saving of all things sentimental, we were able to use one of my husbands cars from his pinewood derby days. Since this was my second son, and we didn't have to make a new car, we felt like we would give it another shot. He was a good sport and the car did okay so all in all, we considered it a good experience.
Flash forward to present day- the pinewood derby is on Wednesday and I've had the car kit for two weeks. I have not been able to make myself even attempt to create a car, (too many bad memories) and so I have done what I have ridiculed so many others for doing- I have purchased a car off EBay.
Here it is, the ULTRA FAST PINEWOOD DERBY CAR BSA WINNER
Yep, I did it, I bought a car for $61.00 and had it shipped overnight to make it for weigh in. I am a schmuck (yes, I know what that word means). I am mortified and yet so relieved. I'll let you know how we do and now that I've confessed my sins I will begin planning on what I am going to say if he actually wins.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
This is an actual conversation between myself and my six year old
"Mom, I love red ribbon week. We learn about drugs."
"Really? what do you learn about the drugs?"
"Drugs are bad, if you take them you will become allergic."
"You mean addicted?"
"yep"
"That's true. Do you know what drugs do to your body?"
"They kill your brain cells."
"Right, smart people don't do drugs."
"I know. I guess Elvis wasn't that smart."
"Really? what do you learn about the drugs?"
"Drugs are bad, if you take them you will become allergic."
"You mean addicted?"
"yep"
"That's true. Do you know what drugs do to your body?"
"They kill your brain cells."
"Right, smart people don't do drugs."
"I know. I guess Elvis wasn't that smart."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Oh, For the Love...
I am the meanest host mother EVER!!!
This morning, as I awoke BEFORE the butt-crack of dawn I was made aware of the fact that my 17 year old was STILL ASLEEP! After clapping hands in the air above his sleepy little head and loudly speaking his name, he rose from his blissful slumber with TEN minutes until we had to leave.
Now, most people would think "Oh, I'm late, I need to hurry" but no, not my little pumpkin. Ten minutes is apparently plenty of time to take a ten minute shower, dress, untangle your Ipod ear buds and walk at a regular pace.
If this was the end of my story well, that would be good but I feel like complaining so just let me get it out. I ventured downstairs to see that the Korean was ready when, as I passed the stairwell leading into the basement, I meet said Korean in his pajamas. Pointing to his neck he says "my neck hurts". Seeking clarification and understanding so I ask "your neck or your throat?".
"throat"
"Are you running a fever?"
"no"
"Do you have a runny nose?"
"no"
"have you had anything to drink?"
"yes"
"do you have white spots on your throat?"
looking puzzled- "no?"
"Inside your throat, are there white spots?"
"no"
he asks-"can I go to the last two periods of the day?"
I say "will you feel better then?"
"no"
"Then why don't you go to the first two periods of the day and see if you feel better. If not, you can call me."
"I am tardy"
"not if you hurry"
Do not fear dear reader- all children were deposited at their respective schools and no one has requested to leave early...yet.
(side note: I will feel guilty if he turns out to have strep)
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE! My children rock!
my TWELVE YEAR OLD gets up to his own alarm, showers, eats and gets to school on his own, on time!
My NINE YEAR OLD gets up to his own alarm, showers, eats and does his homework. Then I get him to school on time.
It is my goal in these next 8 months to have fully self sufficient children OF ALL AGES!!
Wish me luck.
This morning, as I awoke BEFORE the butt-crack of dawn I was made aware of the fact that my 17 year old was STILL ASLEEP! After clapping hands in the air above his sleepy little head and loudly speaking his name, he rose from his blissful slumber with TEN minutes until we had to leave.
Now, most people would think "Oh, I'm late, I need to hurry" but no, not my little pumpkin. Ten minutes is apparently plenty of time to take a ten minute shower, dress, untangle your Ipod ear buds and walk at a regular pace.
If this was the end of my story well, that would be good but I feel like complaining so just let me get it out. I ventured downstairs to see that the Korean was ready when, as I passed the stairwell leading into the basement, I meet said Korean in his pajamas. Pointing to his neck he says "my neck hurts". Seeking clarification and understanding so I ask "your neck or your throat?".
"throat"
"Are you running a fever?"
"no"
"Do you have a runny nose?"
"no"
"have you had anything to drink?"
"yes"
"do you have white spots on your throat?"
looking puzzled- "no?"
"Inside your throat, are there white spots?"
"no"
he asks-"can I go to the last two periods of the day?"
I say "will you feel better then?"
"no"
"Then why don't you go to the first two periods of the day and see if you feel better. If not, you can call me."
"I am tardy"
"not if you hurry"
Do not fear dear reader- all children were deposited at their respective schools and no one has requested to leave early...yet.
(side note: I will feel guilty if he turns out to have strep)
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE! My children rock!
my TWELVE YEAR OLD gets up to his own alarm, showers, eats and gets to school on his own, on time!
My NINE YEAR OLD gets up to his own alarm, showers, eats and does his homework. Then I get him to school on time.
It is my goal in these next 8 months to have fully self sufficient children OF ALL AGES!!
Wish me luck.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Oh I've been a busy girl and to prove it, I have photos!
Here are some of the things we've been up to this past week;
We picked apples from a local tree for FHE,we came away with four-ten gallon buckets and a medium size box. Lots of fun. It's great to have two extra helpers.
That night the boys got asked to Preference, a formal- girls choice dance. They were excited and it took three days for the girls to reveal who they were.
Of course, we had to answer so I rented a helium tank and bought 100 balloons which be blew up and attached to a pumpkin.
Each balloon was filled with a strip of paper that had a smiley face on it. After popping all 50 balloons (two girls, 50 balloons each) they realized the real message was buried in the pumpkin. (I drilled hole in the bottom and shoved the small, saran wrapped note through.)
Great week but I had to take a nap on Saturday! So much fun!
Here are some of the things we've been up to this past week;
We picked apples from a local tree for FHE,we came away with four-ten gallon buckets and a medium size box. Lots of fun. It's great to have two extra helpers.
That night the boys got asked to Preference, a formal- girls choice dance. They were excited and it took three days for the girls to reveal who they were.
Of course, we had to answer so I rented a helium tank and bought 100 balloons which be blew up and attached to a pumpkin.
Each balloon was filled with a strip of paper that had a smiley face on it. After popping all 50 balloons (two girls, 50 balloons each) they realized the real message was buried in the pumpkin. (I drilled hole in the bottom and shoved the small, saran wrapped note through.)
Great week but I had to take a nap on Saturday! So much fun!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Marathon Prep
These are the things one must do to prepare for full Marathon Cheering!
Encouraging signage:
The inspirational music:
A full route map complete with parking instructions and alternate routes:
We are the BEST MARATHON SUPPORT TEAM EVER!!!
Encouraging signage:
The inspirational music:
A full route map complete with parking instructions and alternate routes:
We are the BEST MARATHON SUPPORT TEAM EVER!!!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Going, Going, Gone
I'm on my way to Washington for the weekend. My sister is walking the Portland marathon for the THIRD time! We are her official cheering section complete with T-shirts and bull horn. I'm super excited!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Boo
Our fifteen year old exchange student is afraid of ghosts. I mean really afraid of ghosts! It's not the Halloween kind or the Casper kind, I mean the evil spirit kind. I happen to believe in those too but not to the level of sleeping with the night light and talking the other exchange student to sleep in my room.
I'm not sure how to help our fifteen year old. He has had an experience in the past he says, one on which he has not elaborated and I haven't pushed. My plan is this; to explain that yes, I believe in evil spirits also but that we don't invite them into our home. In fact, not only do we not invite bad spirits but we do try invite the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us.
What saddens me is that he does not feel safe and ultimately, I can't change that. I hope that in the next few days, through prayer we can help him to feel comfortable again.
I'm not sure how to help our fifteen year old. He has had an experience in the past he says, one on which he has not elaborated and I haven't pushed. My plan is this; to explain that yes, I believe in evil spirits also but that we don't invite them into our home. In fact, not only do we not invite bad spirits but we do try invite the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us.
What saddens me is that he does not feel safe and ultimately, I can't change that. I hope that in the next few days, through prayer we can help him to feel comfortable again.
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