Powderpuff Derby

The Girl Scouts held a Powderpuff Pinewood Derby.  Lizzie and I looked on-line and she fell in love with the first design she saw.  Brian liked it too - just one simple cut!  They had so much fun making it.  We knew it definitely wasn't going to be the fastest car because we didn't add a lot of weight.  Lizzie enjoyed the race.  

She, and her daddy, were pleasantly surprised when they called her name for "Best in Show" for the Daisy Scouts.  She was so surprised that she didn't even move.  Later she told us she had no idea what "Best In Show" meant and she didn't know why they said her name.

Lizzie, her mouse, and its cheese are all ready for the race.

Waiting, waiting, waiting. . . 

 Each girl ran four heats - one on each lane.  Lizzie's car actually won a heat!  We were shocked!

 Getting her trophy.

 Lizzie and dad with the Best In Show trophy.  

Pinkalicious

Lizzie went through a stage during which EVERYTHING had to be pink!  She still likes pink,  but she has branched out and will wear other colors!  :)

During the pink stage, we discovered some fun book.  The first was Pinkalicious.  Soon to be followed by Purplicious, Silverlicious and finally Goldalicious.

We had the opportunity to see Pinkalicious the Musical at our local community college.  It was fun to see the story come to life.  Both Lizzie and myself giggled out loud several times.

All ready to go to the musical complete with her pink cupcake shirt!

Lizzie and friends on Pink's bed on the set.

 Lizzie friends and Peter.

 Lizzie and Pink

Jacob's Baptism

Brian and I have dreams and goals for our children.  There are many things we want them to "be" and "do."  For us, the most important thing we desire for our children is that they know and accept Christ into their lives.

After much talk and study, Zach made this decision on July 1st, 2007 and Brian baptized him.  Jacob has been talking for baptism for quite a while.  After some study of the Word, Jacob came to us and said he was ready to be baptized.  Brian talked to him and it became apparent that he knew what he was doing and the Lord had laid it on his heart that it was time.   Brian once again had the privilege of baptizing one of our children into Christ.  I truly don't think there are words to express the emotions or thoughts of that day so I won't try.

I will let the pictures talk. . . 

I love how Jacob is looking up to Brian in this picture.  He really does look up to him as a dad and a spiritual leader.  It is a humbling realization.

He comes up a new child of Christ.

Pinterest

I admit it. . . I am addicted and I need an intervention!  I am addicted to Pinterest.  If you have not become a part of this fad, you have GOT to check it out.  I have found several ideas on Pinterest and have already tried several.

1.  I made an awesome roast from a recipe I found on the site.  As a matter of fact, Brian said it was the best roast I had ever made.  Then he corrected that statement and said it was the best THING I had EVER made in the crockpot!

2.  I hate the harsh chemicals we use to clean our bathtub.  The fumes are terrible.  I tried using equal parts Dawn dishwashing detergent and warm vinegar.  It worked beautifully.  Maybe you already knew about this trick.  Me?  PINTEREST!!

3.  I decided that this year the kids would make "homemade" Valentine's Day cards for their classmates.  We perused the site together and they each settled on an idea.  Here are their final creations:

Jacob's said, "Hey Friend,  Hope you have a BALL this Valentine's Day."  Each bag had a bouncy ball in it.

 Lizzie's cards said,  "I have my eye on you, Valentine!"  Each card had a magnifying glass attached.

Those are just a few of the things I have tried and I can't wait to see what other cool things I find on Pinterest.  If Brian doesn't organize and intervention, that is!

8th Grade Basketball Banquet

Zach was not looking forward to his Basketball Banquet this year.  I admit that I wasn't excited about attending either.

We joked that when he got his stats they would look great - 100% for everything - no turnovers, perfect from the field, perfect from the free throw line, etc.  It is easy to have those kinds of stats when you are injured and didn't play the entire season.  Despite that joking, it was hard to go knowing that those stats would say that.  He would have been happier had they said 25% from the line and 20 turnovers.  Well, not happy, but you know what I mean.

The 8th grade coach gives out awards for those who are in the "Free Throw Club."  If you hit 25 free throws in a row during practice, you are in the 25 club.  If you make 50, you are in the 50 club.  You get the point.  You can't just SAY you made them either.  They have to be witnessed by more than one reliable person.

Not long after Zach was cleared to do stationary shooting during practice, he came home excited that he had hit 40 free throws in a row.  He kept saying that he thought he would get a plaque for that achievement.  I didn't want to get his hopes up.  I wasn't sure if they would count since he wasn't "dressing" and participating in full practices.  So, I just teased him about why he missed the 41st!

We were excited for him when he did indeed get a plaque and became a member of the "Free Throw 25 Club"  during the banquet.  I was surprised at my reaction - I had tears.  It was nice to see that even through all that "junk," Zach had the integrity, loyalty and sportsmanship to keep on going and not quit.  He went to practices and participated to the level at which he could.   Even Brian got choked up and couldn't speak for a few seconds.  Just a few seconds though.  He had to remind Zach that only 10 more and it would have been the 50 Club.

I know that what Zach dealt with this season is minimal compared to the things that others are experiencing right now.  However, during this time, he has reminded me of the importance of loyalty, integrity and never giving up.  Maybe those reminders are just what I need as I walk with those who are experiencing their hard times right now.

Congratulations, Zach!

Lizzie Plays Basketball

Lizzie decided that she wanted to play basketball this year.  It has been a while since we have had someone playing basketball at this level and I forgot how "interesting" it can be.  The important thing is that Lizzie says she likes it!

It took a few games, but she finally learned that she needed to be in FRONT of her player when on defense.  

 Practicing lay ups.

 Playing point?  Something like that

 As the ball gets further and further away from her, the tongue goes out further and further!

 Well, she knows she should have her hands up on defense.  BUT, now she needs to learn that she needs to turn around towards the basket if she ever wants to get a rebound or not get hit in the head!!!

Illini Basketball

Brian surprised Jacob with tickets to the Illinois/Michigan State Basketball game.  Jacob, being the only Illini fan in the house, was surprised that his dad would not only get those tickets but actually take him to the game!  Being the awesome dad that he is, Brian not only took him but also let him get concessions!  

Jacob had a good time AND the Illini actually won by 2!

Ready to head to the game!