The Pinewood Derby

Colt's Pinewood Derby was this weekend! I don't think I've ever been so nervous in my life. Chris and I kept saying to each other that we just wanted him to win one race. Just one race! We wanted it to be a fun experience for him . . . one that will make him look forward to next year's. Just one race. One race for such a sweet tender-hearted little man. I prayed for him.

He won 3 races, came in second in one race and third in another!! Relief. He was so happy! He placed third in his den and even got a trophy! The whole time Colt kept saying he only wanted a little trophy since it would be easier to hold. Unfortunately, he didn't get a little trophy. He got a BIG trophy. As we were leaving we heard him say to himself, "bigger trophies are better."

He had a great time and I think it set a good foundation for years to come!

Girls Night Out

Last week was my date with Colt. This week was Girls Night Out with Carena (courtesy of Chris's birthday gift to me)!

We got to see the Broadway musical - Mary Poppins! Holy cow we were so excited.



We got there early enough to walk around the grounds, run through some green grass and climb trees:

And of course, the traditional girls night out cigar - okay, it's a Twix bar:
We had really good seats (thank you Chris!) - this picture was taken right before we got in trouble for taking pictures:
The musical was FANTASTIC. As soon as the lights went down and the curtain went up, Carena was nothing but smiles. Same with me! It was a late night - but oh so worth it.

I love having girlie days with Carena. She's so much fun, full of life and brings out the best in me. Here she is, nine years old, and she's already the person I wish I could be. I love every second with her.

When we got home I told Chris that I hoped we'd make this a tradition - that my birthday gifts would be things I could go do with the children. What wonderful memories we were able to create.

The Best Date EVER

For my birthday (in November) Chris got me tickets to take Colt to see a play - The Goats Gruff. This Valentine's Eve we got to go! I was so excited . . .

First, dinner at Wendy's:


Then it was time for the play. Our seats were front row dead center. It was awesome! The play was wonderful as was the acting. I think that was Colt's first play. I'd look over at him from time to time and he would just be smiling from ear to ear.


After, we stopped at Sonic for an ice cream treat:


Before we went on our date, Chris told Colt to be a gentleman and treat me like a lady. During our date Colt turned to me and said, "Am I treating you like a gentleman?" Then he offered to pay for our Sonic treats.

Hands down, best date ever.

A Walk

So, for the past few months we've been a one car family. Chris has a bike that he uses to bike to the bus stop and back each day. It's been working out fairly well.

Wednesday, however, he needs the car so that he can be home in time in the evening to take Colt to Cub Scouts.

This leaves Jonathan and I at home. I like being at home. I like never seeing daylight, being holed up in the house. But sometimes it's nice to get out too.

Jonathan is having a little Valentine's party in his preschool class so he needed some Valentine's cards. Not feeling very creative I decided that store bought Valentine's were quite wonderful.

Since there is a grocery store about 1/4 mile away (if that), Jonathan and I decided to make the trek today on foot to get him some Valentine cards. And off we went!

We saw two orange trees draped over the cement wall, full of oranges. We noticed that some utility workers had been out and painted some ground covers blue. We heard some very loud birds. Jonathan jumped over the cracks in the sidewalk. We waved to a neighbor. Jonathan asked where we were going. I reminded him. As we crossed the busy road, Jonathan said, "hurry hurry . . . that was close."

We made it to the grocery store. Jonathan picked out some cute Valentine's and little treats to go with them. He also got Carena and Colt a fruit roll-up.

Since it was lunch time we decided to walk to Subway and get a sandwich. As we were eating our lunches, Jonathan exclaimed, "Subway! Eat Fresh!"

Then we headed home. About half way there, Jonathan began to feel the burn. "Walking takes too long," he said. "We're almost there," I countered. Then we saw the orange trees again and a squished orange on the sidewalk. Jonathan looked at that orange, "Poor orange."

"Mom, where are we going?"
"Home," I said.
"Yay!"
"What are we going to do at home, Mom?"
"Would you like to watch a movie?"
"Yes! Ghost movie."
"Casper," I guessed.
He nodded happily that I had understood.

This Is It

Tonight marks the beginning of the end. LOST enters its 6th and final season. What a ride its been. I can't wait for some answers, but I hope I can treasure every moment.


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