Pinewood Derby Racing 2009

The Pinewood Derby is a highlight of the year for most Cub Scout packs, and I have to admit it is also a highlight for me. I can remember way back to the days that my brother was in Cub Scouts and raced his cars. Now, that my nephews are in Cub Scouts I get to look forward to this fun night once again. Watching and cheering for the brightly colored cars speeding down the track is very exciting. However, I think it is the life lessons that I admire the most. Like for instance: Kids and parents spending time together on a project, learning good sportsmanship, and/or just having a fun pack event.

The boys did a great job on their car's this year. They came up with the design and then their mom helped them cut out the cars and their dad helped with the weights and polishing the axles.

Bridger made his kit into a "foxy" truck. Unfortunately, he did not place in any heats, but he showed great sportsmanship. Great job, Bridgey!!

Connor, came up with a million dollar car. Pure gold folks, nah just kidding. He had it painted in a really neat gold color. Very shiny! Connor was not a happy camper at first. He did not win his first heat, so his dad added more graphite to it. His car did really good in the next couple of heats. It is so much fun to watch the cars when they are neck and neck. He ended up getting beat, but not by much at all. Only by a couple of PH's (lol). Job well done, Connor!

Gator, did a great job decorating his derby car. In fact, for being the youngest he ended up having the fastest car out of the three boys. It was really fun watching his car. He lost his heat only by a few centimeters. Very close! Awesome job, Gator!

The final races of the day were for adults. It was a lot of fun seeing the dads and moms race their cars. I had to laugh, cause my brother brought his car for show-n-tell from thirty-one years ago and ended up racing it. In fact, he ended up getting first place in his heat. How fun is that. So, I guess high mileage isn't always bad. =) Fantastic job, Jerry!

Thanks for a great day, fellows! I had a great time watching you guys race and look forward to next year already.

The Calm Before the Storm....

Yesterday, Mack and I went outside and played...before the big blizzard that is coming our way hits. There is something about trees covered in snow that is so soothing. So, I thought I would share a couple of my favorites with y'all. It will be interesting to see how much snow we get today and into the evening. I'm sure I will be posting more snowy pictures real soon. =) I hope you all are safe and warm and at home. Have a great day.

Memorable moments from Thanksgiving 2008...

Thanksgiving entertainment patrol. Save a horse, and a cowboy, ride a dog.

This is the look I have when I have been beat by a seven year old playing scrabble. However, he did have help from his mother. Yes, this makes me feel much better.

Celebrating my brothers 38th birthday. He had two little turkeys to help him blow out the candles.

I took the two oldest boys to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Park Rapids. It was a lot of fun. What beats free food, Christmas caroling, nativity scene and a visit from the jolly old man, himself?

Oh, my gosh! I loved this movie! I have not laughed so hard in a long time. A must see.

I ended the day so thankful for all of our many blessings on this very Happy Thanksgiving!

Ahoy, Matey...

A couple of days ago I went shopping at Wal-mart and saw that their left over Halloween merchandise was at least 75% off. So, being the bargain shopper that I am, I thought I would cruise the isles. Of course most of the good stuff was already gone, including the candy. Bummer. However, something else caught my eye just as pleasing. Okay, so I may be a little corny but I always thought it would be fun to dress up my Dory dog. So for a mere buck, I purchased an innocent little costume. Nothing to flashy or racy. Just an island hopping, gold stealing, water lovin' pirate. So, when I got home I immediately proceeded to dress up the dog. I just could not wait to see her and take her picture. Well, getting the attire on and making it stay on was another story. Not to mention the dog was not thrilled, in fact she gave me attitude and lots of it. I have never seen a dog get so pissy in all my life. Oh, how I got my dollars worth. I loved it, in fact I'm still busting a gut over it. I hope you enjoy it to. Her face tells it all. If she could talk, I'm sure she would have said something like this "Arrr, this sucks".

Trick or Treat...

I had the opportunity to see several crazy costumes today. Trolls and pirates and hunters and marshmallow men and army guys and Tobi of the Akatsuki (don't ask, I have no clue) and that's just to name a small handful. But I would have to say the hot thing this year was making your costume "dead". Creepy! Like dead princesses, dead cheerleaders...what the heck? What happened to the colorful M&M's and the perky pigtailed cheerleaders? I want to see preppy primary color garb back. You know the stuff that screams trick or treat cheer!

No matter what though, I still like going and seeing my nephew's dress up and seeing them having fun. Yes, even if they choose to dress up as something dead and yes, even if one decides to put his orange balloon sword behind the others head to make it look like a giant penis is going to attack. Yes, even then!? =)

Hope everyone had a great night with lots of treats. :)

Box in a Bag...the Little Guy

I had to. I just had to. Make a box in a bag in a small version, that is. Don't you think everything (ok, a lot of things) looks cuter when it is little? Well I know I do. So if you would like to whip one of these up here is the info. I used Real Red card stock from SU, Chalkboard designer paper from Provo Craft and purchased at Michael's , and "ruler" ribbon (Thanks Peg). I cut the designer paper at 2-1/2" x 6-1/2". The square to make the "box" bottom measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/2", scored at 1/2" on each side. The scalloped strip is 1/2" wide and 2 1/2" long. You can fit about five little candy bars inside the bag. What teacher wouldn't want one of these? Speaking of teachers, can you believe school starts in just one week. Where did the summer go?

Speaking of little things, I would like to introduce you to "Ethel." She is sooo cute! My Aunt and Uncle just got her and they stopped over to my house for dinner. I just adore her.

I just couldn't resist taking a picture of her favorite napping spot, next to one of my flower gardens. However, she did not get much rest with my four nephews arguing over her. Poor little girl.

One more baby to share with you. My nephew Bridger caught a baby salamander. I have not seen one like this before. It was black with small spots of blue on it. It was neat looking. I just love the expression on Bridgers face. Priceless!

Well I hope you had a great weekend. Take care and happy trails.