Wednesday, April 29, 2009

It's a race!

Oh yea oh yea, it's the great Pinewood Derby! Our boys worked hard and had a blast. Jake came in third place and was very happy with his car. He has a good dad who helped him out. Jake's car was the Punisher--painted sleek black with a a "Punisher" skull. If you don't know who the Punisher is, ask a comic book fan. (Not me--I only know a little bit about him. Corky's the guy.)












If you're wondering why everyone is always looking up in these pictures, it's because the information was projected on the wall. It's a great deal--we have the boys' pictures with their cars, and then we can see who is next in line to race. Below is my comrade-in-arms, Emily. She was the "wrangler" for the upcoming race.


I love being a Cub Scout leader. This is my fourth go-round. I was over the Bears and then the Webelos when Taylor was just 3, so when he turned 8, I knew what was going on. That was nice. I volunteered to be his leader (I told the bishop I had my own shirt and an 8-year old--took them 9 months to get the hint). I was leader for his Bear and Webelos years. And then for the next year I was the Cub Committee Chairman. That was interesting because our ward hadn't had one, and nobody could tell me what I was supposed to do. I did a lot of digging, asking, reading and finally doing. It can be a big job! I liked that calling, but took a break for a year before it was Dante's turn.
Then with Dante, I was Den Leader for his Wolf and Bear dens. He had had enough of me and had a good leader for Webelos, so I stepped out. But here I am again with my baby. Jake turned 8 in August, but there were only about 3 things marked off in his book from August to December, so when I took over in January, we really started working to get things done. We've had a great time. We've been to the fire station, pounded nails in wood, and just this month we have made pine cone bird feeders, pop bottle terrariums, had the pinewood derby and tomorrow we're going on a picnic and will pick up garbage in the park. Part of that will count toward their Outdoor Activity Patch--a great one that they actually get to wear on their uniforms. I love that. Saturday is Scout-o-rama--we are having a booth where the kids will get to paint bug neckerchief slides. I'll take a picture! I'm actually getting good at remembering to take my camera, and then actually take a picture. How about that.


Oh, and next week, well you'll love this--we get to go to the dump. We are learning about recycling and they give tours and will tell us all about it. Being at the dump--could you possibly have a better day?




Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Yellow is for "Happy"


Through the mirror.


Double shot of curtain. My kids were ready to get rid of this shower curtain, but I like it.



New face plates. (Couldn't we all use a new face now and then?)


Still have my clock--this was a wedding shower present from Luan.

New towel racks. (I installed the round one--it didn't need any extra touches, but the long racks did--thank you Corky.)

Another view.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Babies, babies

























































(Yes, I know I'm gorgeous in my jammies with no make-up and hair not done. Thank you.)


Wow, what a month! I got to see two beautiful babies, one brand new, and one a whole year old. I'll start with the 1-year old--Miss Zuki herself. What a doll! I was totally looking forward to babysitting for 2-1/2 days, but it didn't turn out that way. (You owe me, Natalie.) Mo and Zuki came Conference weekend and went to Mo's mission reunion. He made it there after many mishaps, but that's his story, not mine. I was so excited to see that darling little Zuki. They spent the night and I got to snuggle with her the next morning, only while Mo was in the shower and totally out of sight. She did get down and play with the kids a bit, but was ever aware of the whereabouts of her dad. I didn't get any really great pictures--every time she smiled and I got the camera ready, she moved. I'm just not quick enough. But here are a couple of cuties.



















See what a sweetheart Ava Lee is? Check out more on the Flickr link, when I figure that out! I took some picture of her pretty little feet, everyone was laughing at me. Well, I must defend my actions. I have a whole little album full of photos just like that. Babies change so quickly--it's fun to see their feet, their ears, hands, etc. So don't laugh. I wish I'd totally ignored everyone and taken more. So there!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Jr. Prom--Is it cursed?









Last year Taylor went to Jr. Prom and at the very end of the date while dropping off the second-to-last person, he backed into a parked car. This year, he was driving, another group following him to the restaurant--Taylor stopped for a red light, the other driver didn't stop. One girl got a sprained ankle and a bloody nose. She didn't make it to dinner or the dance. Everybody else did.

Okay, I didn't really get to finish this story--got interrupted, and I already have comments! How fun. I love looking on my blog and seeing comments. I'm not so great at leaving them, but I love it when you all leave one. (I know that's such a hypocritical attitude, but at least I'm honest, right?)

The kids, most of them, went to dinner (very late) but had a good time. After the dance they came to our house and played Rock Band for a little while. I love Rock Band! Some were pretty funny and didn't totally want to participate, just watch. So fun to play and sing. Anyway, I got pictures of the kids, but most of them didn't turn out very well. Here they are anyway. Taylor and his date were really cute, and their picture actually looks okay!

Taylor and Chantay
Corky and I have decided, however, that none of our other children will be driving to Jr. Prom. Sorry kids. We'll take you, drop you off, pick you up. You simply won't be driving.