Pinewood Derby

Is there anything as exciting to a young boy as entering the Pinewood Derby? It seems to be a rite of passage, and I think most boys have memories of it from their childhood.

This was Dallin's first experience with the Pinewood Derby, and mine too. It is a whole new world of wooden blocks, carving, sanding, painting, measuring, graphite, weights, and on and on. I never knew it would be so complicated!

Dallin had help with his car from two great men--his dad and his grandpa.  They worked and worked to get the car just right.  Dallin painted it gold and black, gave it #33, and it was ready to go! 

The anticipation of the big day was almost too much.  Dallin was so excited, though he tried to be mature and stay calm.  Then, literally two minutes before we left the house, Karina dropped his derby car onto the hard floor and the wing broke off into three pieces.  Poor Dallin.  His face just crumbled.  But we whipped out some super glue magic and by the time we arrived, all was well.  Sigh!
Dallin placed sixth in his pack and we're so proud of his hard work!  He also won the award for Best Design.  And, as icing on the cake, his car gets to advance to the District competition!  It should be an adventure.  Way to go, Dallin!

What's so fun?

What could be so enthralling on the TV that my kids are so focused, coordinated, and entertained? 

Why, Power Jam, of course!

Who knew a workout video would be so entertaining to kids?

Young Student Pledges Support for Holiday

Young Student Pledges Support

In an effort to show his loyalty to upcoming Valentine's Day, third grade student Dallin Richards pledged his support for the holiday by plastering a slogan on the side of his classroom Valentine's Day box.  With the recent wave of superior holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, Dallin's pledge will raise awareness for Valentine's Day and remind us of its importance to our community, our state, and our country.  We thank Mr. Richards for his contribution and his assistance in helping us remember this important day.  May we all share love with those around us and continue in the example Dallin has set.  If you would like to pledge additional support to this cause, please send money or chocolate to:  The Richards Family, Estacada, Oregon.



Grunty turns 7

Oh, my Grunty Grant--how you've grown!  I was looking at you the other day from afar and noticing you're getting taller and skinnier.  Your little jeans hardly stay up, due to your lack of a substantial bottom (thank your dad for that).  You are active, creative, fun-loving, and sweet.  And a little bit mischevious.  And a bit impatient.  And very, very messy.  But I love every ounce of your being.

I love your soft, soft skin that still feels like a baby.  I love your messy blond hair that shimmers in the sunlight.  I love that you're so severely ticklish, even on the top of your head.  I love your bubbly laugh that just rolls off your tongue so naturally and joyfully.  I love your dance moves.  I love your karate chops and roundhouse kicks (although not when delivered intentionally to your siblings).  I love your energy and enthusiasm for physical activity.  I love your blue, blue eyes.

Happy birthday, my sweet middle boy.  You make me happy and I love you.

The Ultimatum

Several months ago, I drew a line in the sand.  

I put my foot down. 

I stood up and said, "ENOUGH of this!" 

And I told myself I would NOT buy new pants to fit my expanding waistline. 

I had no good excuse for gaining weight--no babies in my belly, no doctor's orders to gain weight for my health (wouldn't that be the day!), nothing--except I like to eat chocolate cake for breakfast and guzzle down hot chocolate with marshmallows every night before bed.  Is that a good excuse?

Anyway, when I gave myself The Ultimatum, I had no motivation to start exercising or to change my eating habits.  But I knew, eventually, someday, however long it took, I'd get tired of wearing the same pants every day.  Or they'd bust open when I bent over one day and then I'd have an exposure problem that would really cause my motivation to change!

Sure enough.  After awhile I got tired of the same old jeans.  I had other pairs I could wear, but not comfortably.  And I had to wear them with a baggy shirt in order to hide my chunkiness spilling over the top.  It was depressing.  I had a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. 

So, when the New Year rolled around, I decided it was time.  Time to move on.  Time to say goodbye to my trusty Old Navy jeans and head onward to designer jean pastures.  Time to change my lifestyle and my eating habits, yadda, yadda. 

And I did.

And now, I see a whole world opening up to me again.  My closet is slowly but surely allowing me back inside!  Hello, long black skirt that used to be too tight!  Oh, how do you do, my favorite charcoal-gray, ribbed, slim-fitting sweater?  So nice to finally get to know you, adorable jeans I bought a year ago and saved until I could fit into you comfortably!  Don't worry, pin-striped pencil skirt; it won't be long before we'll be spending time together again.  I've missed you.

I'm not exactly where I want to be yet, but I'm well on my way.  I'm feeling a thousand times better about myself than I was before and I'm excited to continue down the path of a healthier lifestyle.  I guess since we are often our own biggest critics, an Ultimatum is what we need in order to get something done.