195 or JUST SAY NO!

One hundred ninety five. I can't believe it....I am still in shock! I happened to open my drawer at work only to find that I had spilled over my collection of pop tabs. I decided out of curiosity to count them. Big mistake, I shouldn't have. One hundred ninety five tabs later, in total disbelief, I put the cup back in my drawer. I drank a lot of DC. I feel really sick right now, but guess what?!!! I just popped another! Chalk that up to 196.

Why do I have this addiction? What is the "root" of it? How can I have drunk all that soda? Why am I drinking another? Why does my mouth water when I pass a QT? Why do I crave that burn? Why, why, why? Will I die of throat cancer? Stomach cancer? Colon cancer? Will I say on my death bed, "I should have known better?"

Does anyone know of a DC rehab center? Can you spell NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION? I really need to learn how to spell, "NO!"

I was so mad...

So, I noticed that my tire was low today when I got to work. There is a gas station about a 1/4 mile down the road and on my break, which is only 15 minutes long, I decided to run down there and fill it. I get there and of course there is this huge landscaping truck parked right where the compressor is. I pull in to a spot waiting for them to leave....5 minutes later they start to move and I think, "Yessss! Its about time, you landscaping people, you."

As I start to pull forward, and this is no exaggeration, I have to wait for 7 cars to get out of my way.."C'mon people get out of my way!" I can be heard to say outloud. Then I see him. An older gentleman in a green car with his steely white hair going the same direction as I am. "Oh no your not....Oh, YES he did!" He drove right into the spot by the air compressor, parked and started to fill his tires. So, I pulled in next to him, went inside the store, got my DDP for the day, came back and he was still filling his tires....Did I mention that I have only 15 minutes???

I am reaching the 12 minute mark by now, and growing more impatient as the seconds tick by. I go out and stand by my car fold my arms and wait. I am trying to control my thoughts but I am not doing a very good job at it. Then he sees me, our eyes meet and he says,"I see you have a low tire there, can I fill it for you?" I say, "Thank-you, I'd love for you to fill it up for me!"

I am not mad anymore.

For all you Blog Readers

For all of you blog followers, here is a great blog on Provident Living. http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-to-our-blog-welcome.html I added it to my sidebar since I thought it was so fab! I hope you like it, too!

FYI

For your information, I slept beautifully Wednesday night. I slept so well that I slept right thru the 5:15 am alarm for Seminary. SO sorry, Alex. For those who need to know, I did get EVERTHING on my list done...I know it was crazy long, but it had to be done so I could leave, stress free. I just have that kind of personality. Have I mentioned that I have a hard time being spontaneous? Let's just say I am working on it.

On another note, my weekend away was heavenly! The phone went off, the hotel was magnificent and the icing on the cake... it was all free! I have been extremely busy since returning Sunday evening, so I promise to post our photos from the trip over Thanksgiving. Can you believe it will be December in a few days? I better stop there or I won't be sleeping tonight!!

Insomnia "GOOD MORNING STARSHINE, THE EARTHS SAYS HELLO!"

I can't sleep. I read my book, I fell asleep, but I woke up at 2:30 and have laid in bed now for over 2 hours trying to fall back asleep. What does that mean? Does it mean that I don't need the sleep? (I don't know how that is possible, I am/was tired) Does it mean my circadian rhythm is off? Perhaps its the running list of EVERYTHING I need to take care of before Thursday that is keeping me up.

Let's see....maybe if I commit it to paper (or this blog) I won't forget what I need to do and thus allow me to sleep tonight, a deep and restful coma-like sleep. Ahhhh...Wait! Do you think that if I talk about sleep and have expectations about sleep I won't be able to sleep? I don't know...I really hope not.

My List: (so I can sleep tonight!)

Work:

• Download and work Fast Remits
• Verify Insurance
• Demographics
• Follow up with KHS
• Facesheets
• Post
• Close the Day
• Send Bills
• Follow up claims

Home:

• Clean all bathrooms
• Vacuum and dust entire house
• Change Sheets
• Finish Laundry (OK that is just Wednesday and Thursday's laundry...who are we kidding here. Laundry is NEVER finished)
• Unload/Load DW
• Sweep and Mop Hardwood
• Sort Coupons ( take with me)
• Alex Eagle Workbook - upload pics, merge files, put in binder, get signatures, get ride to see JJ
• Put away quilting stuff
• Check Diablo's foot today after mishap with quilting needle
• Get dinner started (do this over lunch)
• See if Ethan brought home his BR worksheet, get him going on that
• Put away groceries in storage room, vacuum and dust basement, change cat litter, put a smelly thingy down there....
• Make Calendar for Parents for the next 4 days
• Make Packing List
• Pack
• Email Anna about contract/training
• Send Anna's info by email to Shari, my BFF
• Ask Patrick if he got a massage booked or not

Church:

• Meeting with Connie tonight to go over VT changes (take info with me)
• Call Connie to see if she got the email with the changes to be made (break)
• Ethan to scouts
• Check with E-dog to see if he had any homework for scouts
• Find E-dogs slide for his bandanna
• Phone calls (see planner, do over lunch while making dinner)
• Notes written (see sticky note in planner-do on breaks at work...TAKE STAMPS to work)
• Alex to YM

Funny thing, I feel better already. List making is cathartic to some degree, however, it can also be depressing. No elaboration needed here. Is it bad if I have a DC before 6 am?

Oh what is that saying from the movie, Willy Wonka? Something about starshine and greeting the world.. I can't recall it so I will have to remember to ask Landon when he wakes up for Seminary. At least I'm awake and Yikes! Where does the time go when you're having fun? I best get on with my day, there's no turning back now....

P.S. Per Landon, the exact quote from Willy Wonka is "Good morning Starshine, the earth says hello!" Which is what the subtitle of this post has now become. FYI I had my diet Dr Pepper at 6:45 am and on the way way into work an "Energy Vitamin Water. I hope that helps. My eyes are POPPING out of my head already...

Rapunzel, what have you done to your hair?

For months now, Madison has wanted to cut her long tresses. After much deliberation on just "how to cut it, the deed is done. Wtih a total of 6 inches gone, long layers and most importantly "bangs" she looks marvelous. It withstood a soccer game and thus passed the test. Gone is the long straight pony. Say hello to the cute, and stylish zang-bang!

Sunrise, Sunset

It used to be before the time change that I was fortunate enough to see the sunrise each morning as I drove east on I-435 toward my place of employment. Since daylight savings, the sunrises before I leave for work (and it is SO much easier to wake up) and I miss that. I am now so lucky at 5:05 pm each day to see the most gorgeous sunsets as I head west toward home each night. I am amazed at the variety of the scenes played before my eyes each night and I wonder, "is anyone else seeing this amazing picture?" I often call home and tell the family to run outside to see the beautiful sky.

I especially wonder if that lady who gave ME the finger the other day because SHE was texting on her cell phone while driving down the freeway and just about hit ME even noticed? She flipped ME the bird because I happened to honk MY horn before she clipped me.. anyhow. Yes, I know that I am #1! So are you!!! (I just rocked the world for some of you, didn't I) That is beside the point.

I have been lucky enough to sit on a beach in Hawaii and watch the sun slip beneath the waves of the pacific ocean. I have sat on sugar sand beaches in Florida and Mexico and witnessed the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico. I have seen it set behind the Rocky Mountains of Colorado & Alberta. I have stood on mountain tops in Utah and watched it settle into the evening sky. I have seen it descend into the wheat fields over the plains of Kansas and over the deep, rich soil of Iowa. Each time as I view the gift I am reminded of my blessings.... I woke up today, I am married to a wonderful man, I am a mother.....and the list goes on. Next time you see a sunset, maybe it will fill you with gratitude for your blessings great and small.

Money Saving Tips

I just came across this great webpage that has invaluable tools for helping to stretch your budget. BeCentsable has great ideas as well as links to printable coupons etc. Check it out!
http://www.becentsable.net/search/label/Shopping%20Tips%20and%20Articles

Things I love...and longing for.

I am looking out my office window at the beautiful fall folliage. From where I sit, I overlook a park and the fall colors are absolutely breathtaking. I love the vivid orange and red leaves mixed with the green of those leaves yet to change and the dull brown branches of the leafless trees. (Now if only Planned Parenthood weren't also in my view it would be better!) The crisp fall air reminds me to pull out my favorite sweaters and flannel pjs. It makes me long for hot cocoa loaded with marshmallows, a fuzzy blanket and a great book to curl up with on the couch and read. Did I mention that I love to read? I love this time of year.

When I close my eyes and take in a deep breath, I am brought to a simpler time in my life. I smell home. I don't absolutely get it, but it gets me everytime I do it. In some small way I am comforted by the smell of the changing seasons. I have some weird habits and one of them is smelling things. ( I get you, Gale, because I am the same way.) I have this thing about smells and what they conjure for me. I love the smell of a baby fresh from the bath, I love the smell of pine as I hike in the mountains, and I love the smell of fresh baked bread. Most of all, I love the smell of my husband's neck just before I bite it...

P.S. I got my hot cocoa and it was fabulous!!

MAN CHILD

I have been putting off writing this post for about a month now. I just don't want to think about the fact that "ma baby es a ma-an" (said with a strong southern accent for effect) I think it is because one part of me looks at the future and thinks, "have I taught him well enough" to go out into the world and do what is right? Judging by some of our political discussions which have become heated at times, I think not. However, he often-times, suprises me with his caring and compassion for others which then makes me think I've done ok. There are other times when I think "I can't wait for him to be gone" which usually happens after one of our heated political discussions.

I will miss him regardless of our political views. Just last night I wrapped my arms around him and had to go up on my tip-toes to kiss his cheek. The thought came to me how often as a toddler he would reach up and say "Hold you, Mama?" I am growing verklempt just thinking at how quickly those moments in time pass, and how often because we are selfish, we let them slip by without savoring them. It makes me feel old thinking that he is 18 as I can clearly remember what 18 felt like.

For me it seems like yesterday when he was my little buddy, now he is a man. Go forth and Serve, Landon. Make me proud. I love you!!!

HALLOWEEN FUN

We had a great Halloween this year. I know it helped that it was a Friday....Also, I think in part because the weather was soooo beautiful! It made for great trick or treating.

We started off the festivities at our ward Trunk or Treat on Thursday evening....everyone got a bit freaked out by Patrick. No one knew who he was....which is exactly what he was going for.

For the "real" thing on Friday evening, we started off at Chipotle to get our "free" burritos for dinner ( i just love FREE). It was fun to see what people came dressed like for that. Landon had to work both nights and it was a bummer not to have him with us. We got there "just in time" as the line was forming for the giveaway...Yummers!!

Then it was off to our evening chock full o'fun....Madi went out dressed as Alice Cullen (a vampire) from Twilight, Ethan was a Soldier Zombie, I was a punker/goth girl and Patrick was his ol' redneck self. Madi and Alex both went off to parties and fun, while Ethan and Patrick went with friends gathering candy from the willing neighbors. I passed out the candy at our house which was oh so much fun! I just love to see what everyone comes dressed as. Around 8:30 we put the candy on the porch and headed over to a friends party for more food and fun. It was a blast! Oh boy, did my feet hurt the next day from those high-heeled boots!!

Civic Duty

Landon and I went this week to the JO CO Election office to cast our advance vote for the upcoming elections. GO MCAIN*PALIN!!!! Congratulations Landon, you are officially a MAN!!

As we were waiting in line, the thought occured to me what a big deal this is...this democracy thing. There are people all over the world who will never experience this, never get a chance to vote for their officials. Yet, so many of us Americans take this for granted. What a shame.... I am proud to be an American! This is a big one, people, so get out there and VOTE!!!

LIFE JUST GETS CRAZY SOMETIMES

Do you ever just have those days or weeks where all you can do is put out the most dangerous of fires while others still burn in the background? Mine has lasted about 3 months now. It is amazing to me how fast the days are flying by without getting much further ahead. There always seems to be something that comes up that needs my immediate attention diverting my time and resources from that which I want to do. I am the queen of putting out fires, I could be an honorary fire cheif....A fire that burns out of control can be dangerous..regardless of how much water you have. I am still progressing, but in spurts. I have learned how to dovetail my dovetailing and multi-task like nobody's business. But, can you really dovetail time with your family? I am thinking that the Lord would understand if I tatooed "no" on the palm of my hand. Might not be pretty, but it would serve a good purpose to remind me to slow down, to breathe and call for back-up.

EVANS FAMILY CHALLENGE

It was our Stake Conference weekend this past Saturday and Sunday. I loved the fact that I had no responsibilities whatsoever. My kids even noticed a lighter, happier Mom and commented on the fact that I seemed to be smiling a lot that Sunday...that aside it was a wonderful conference focusing on specific things that we can do to strengthen our families for the days ahead. One of the speakers referred to a talk given by Sis. Dalton the general YW president. In it she encouraged the YW to be 100% ers in these areas...personal prayer, 5 mins of daily Book of Mormon reading and smiling. For FHE, the Evans created their own personal family challenge to include: 100% in personal prayer, 100% in daily family prayer, 100% in daily 5 min reading of the Book of Mormon and 100% in family scripture reading. I believe that if we can be 100% ers in these areas that we will also be smiling more often! I can't wait to see the effects take place. Are you up for the challenge as well?

P.S. If you call at 8:45 pm we won't answer the phone....

Perfection...

I love Dove dark chocolate. We have this basket full of Dove chocolate at work and occasionally I will dip for a weekly treat. (OK really, there is so much candy at our office that I really do have to limit myself to one or two a week) Anyhow, I love getting the fortunes as well and I collect my favorites. Coincidentally, this one came at a time when my need to find perfection in my life was blinding me to what was really important.

I believe there are things in which we should strive for perfection in....we all have those personal lists of what we should be perfect in, but mine was overwhelming. No matter how late I stayed up I could not be perfect in everything I did. It reminded me that I needed to prioritize. I needed to look at what was really important to be perfect in. The things that mattered most to me were being set aside for laundry, cleaning, and other just as routine tasks that round out a day. What I needed was to be reminded that the laundry and cleaning and sometimes Relief Society can wait while I perfect my relationships with my husband, my children and my God.

A Daily Scoop

For a few months now I have been following the blog of a young mother who lost her infant daughter to a tragic accident. To work through her grief, she blogs. She is a talented writer and although her grief is very real, so is her testimony of the atonement. She inspires me to be a better mother, wife, and friend. Visit her blog at www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com

ALL FOR FREE

Check out my stash of free items! I am completely amazed at the wonder of it all. By being a savvy shopper at CVS and using coupons I actually got all of this for free...4/12 pks of Dr Pepper, 2 bags of Lays chips, 2 hand soaps, 2 toothpastes, 1/4 pk razors and 2 zip fizz...In addtion, I made back 8$ to spend at a later date. So I actually made money on this shopping trip. Amazing!!! My new favorite webspot is www.moneysavingmom.com Every day there are new posts of what is on sale along with links to printable coupons. Why didn't I discover this sooner?

THE BEGINNING AND THE END

Today is the beginning of a new school year for Madison (7th) and Ethan (5th) and the end of another summer. It is always with some regret that I send my kiddos off to school. Regret that the summer ended so quickly and that we didn't get to spend more time together. Ahh...the anxiety of a working mom! I do however, love the preparation for school..buying new clothes, shopping for school supplies (oh how i love the smell of office depot!) and the anticipation of a new teacher.

I had mixed emotions when I waved to Madi as she boarded the bus for Jr High at 7:10 am...she is growing up so fast. I held the tears back and it helped that I had Diablo with me who was a distraction...He cried when Madi got on the bus and I had to restrain him from running after her! It seemed like her years in elementary school were LONG and these next 6 years I know from experience are gone in a blink of and eye. Before I know it she will a SR!

Ethan didn't want us to come to school with him this morning..he thought he could handle it all on his own. Talk about independence! He continues to amaze me with his humorous insight and 10 year old wisdom. Only two more Halloween Costume Parades to go!!

We are trying hard to follow the Dave Ramsey program to get ourselves completely out of debt before Landon heads out on a mission in 18 months. But, I need help! I would love your advice and wisdom on how you save money budgeting and particularly how you make your grocery dollars stretch. With the high cost of fuel, most of our "expendable" income goes to that and food. There never seemes to be enough to go around.

Lots to think about...

While on vacation I found out that my childhood friend, Stacey French, passed away after a tragic accident. She left her two daughters behind, as well as a new husband and step children. Each time I would travel home to Canada, I would see her at her store in the Food Court at the mall. We would chat, I would buy a diet coke or sometimes she would give it to me "on the house." We would trade quick stories and that was that.
When I heard of her passing, I immediately had this flash of memories that played like swift movie clips all connected together into one. I saw us walking to primary afterschool, stopping at her house to raid her mother's food storage for koolaid packets and jello that we would eat on the way...I saw us picking flower on the way for our primary teacher...and getting yelled at by the lady whose garden we "borrowed from"...I saw us in Jr High at Basketball practice...then as Football Cheerleaders...the list goes on. Most of all I could hear her infectious laugh playing as the soundtrack.
I cried for her family who lost a brother and a son just a few months past. I cried for her daughters who will not feel the arms of their mother around them. I cried for myself that I wasn't a better friend. It strengthened my resolve to wrap my arms around those I love more often than I do and to tell those I love, "I love you" at every opportunity. Our time here on earth is not our own, I want to live with no regrets.

Vacation come and gone.....

We looked so forward to our Utah vacation! It is hard to believe that it has come and gone already. Here is just a sampling of how we spent our time. It was great to see so many of my first cousins at our "Alley" family reunion at Bear Lake. It was a diet coke fest, for sure! We loved spending time with them. It was so great of the Utah Evans to let us camp out at their place the whole time. We can't wait to return the favor someday. The boys enjoyed their soccer camp at good 'ol BYU. It was fun taking the campus tour in golf carts with Landon and Bradley. Madi stayed behind for 10 more days to visit with the Péo's. Jeff flew her home a week ago Sunday. It was wonderful to see my brother Dusty and his family as well as Delise and her's. Not to mention spending time with Mom and Dad. It had been a long 18 months. Darin and his family were definately missed!

PUPPY!!!

Here is an updated picture of our sweet pup. He discovered the sunny side window here just big enough for him to warm up in. Both ears are up now. (one used to be floppy) He is doing pretty well adjusting to his new home. Madison carries him around like a baby most days. He is definately spoiled! He is getting braver by the minute with Sydney our cat.

Sleeping Beauty

Landon is snoring away upstairs. You can see from this picture his shoulder is bandaged and the immobilizer/stabilizer that he will have to wear 24/7 for the next 30 days. The surgeon told us that tommorrow will be a hard day for him once the block wears off. He also said that this surgery is one of the most painful you can have....I hope he does ok. He has been sleeping for about 3 hours now. I bet he will be hungry when he wakes up.

Landon's Surgery

These pictures were taken right after the anaesthesiologist did the regional block in his neck. He was sedated and was LOOPY! I got to ask him a bunch of questions that he may or may not remember that he answered for me. Oh, it is good to have leverage!
Landon's surgery went very well. The surgery only took about 1.5 hours. The labrum was torn completely in 2 places which was allowing that piece to float and get caught in the joint. (no wonder it hurt) They were stiched back together and the little pieces that were floating were removed. It was all done laproscopically so just 3 little incisions to heal on the outside. He had a regional block which allowed him to wake up from anaesthesia pain free. He should be able to rest comfortably most of the day without pain meds. We got home about an hour ago and put him to bed. He asked for Chipotle...so we know he's doing ok!

WEBELOS CAMP

Ethan had a fun 3 day webelos camp this past Thursday thru Saturday. He earned all the pins you can earn at camp plus recieved his "whitlin' chip" which means he can carry a pocket knife "officially" now. I'm pretty sure that getting being able to carry a knife was the highlight of the camp. His days were long...6:30am to 9:30 pm. He and several of the other boys slept each night at the leaders house making it a real adventure. When the big boys and I got to camp Friday afternoon at 5 pm it was 100 degrees with about 50% humidity, the camp was under a heat advisory. We had brought up dinner to eat there with him, however, Ethan was waiting at the picnic table and was ready to go home. It was too hot to eat outside! In fact he was too hot to really care about showing us around. So, we hopped in the van, cranked up the air and headed home!

Girls Camp

Madi survived girls camp. She actually more than survived it, she loved every minute of it. She was the most organized packer of all. She had her clothes packed in outfits in gallon zip lock bags! She met lots of new best friends and swapped cell phone numbers with all of them. We thought she texted alot before, we were wrong. I had to go up one evening to present a fireside. I was so sad that I couldn't be there all week long. It was fun to see all the girls. I smuggled in some cold caffeinated beverages for my girlfriends who now owe me...big!

DIABLO!

DIABLO IS HERE! Diablo was born about 5 weeks ago. He is a teacup chihuahua and is waiting patiently for us to pick him up in Utah. We are so excited to finally meet him.

SPURTS

We have been really bad at blogging lately. Have you noticed that we seem to go in spurts? I don't have an opportunity to sit and add things very often. I have to fight to get my time on the computer. So, take it or leave it, it is what it is. We love to hear from you no matter how often we post.

Alex's first Stake Dance

Alex turned 14 this spring and finally decided it was time to go to a stake dance. It was a black and white themed evening. He sure is a cutie!

Ethan is 10!

Ethan turned 10 last week and we celebrated with a few of Ethan's friends. We ate pizza, played outside and took the boys to Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull. It was fun! I can't believe my baby is 1o!!!! Where does the time go?

Hair Cloud

We were hoping that this day would come, and it did. Landon finally cut his hair so he no longer looks like Syndrome from the Incredibles. He had a lot of hair...he sure looks handsome now!

PROM!!!

It was Prom yesterday for Landon's High School. He took his friend, Bree who Ethan says is a hottie...She is a darling girl who Landon has been dating for a while now.

There were 22 kids in his group that all went together. They rented a Navigator Limo that took them to dinner downtown at Crown Center. From there they headed to the dance and then ended up at the school for a 3 hour "after Prom Party." What a night! It was 3:20am when he finally got back in, happy but exhausted. Prom isn't cheap these days...I believe Landon's total spent was 300$...Yikes! He paid for it all himself, which means he is now broke...but, oh the memories..it was all worth it...

Preparedness Fair

In addition to all this Court of Honor and Birthday partying, I was also involved in a huge tri-ward Preparedness fair. It was months in the planning and hours of worry hoping that it would all come together. It did, and it was a huge success! We had specialists there from the community..red cross, police, firefighters, fema...as well as home storage tips, 72 hour kits on display, taste tests for several types of powdered milk, displays on energy sources, financial planning, and emergency communication. It was very well attended by the wards as well as the outside community. This was just one of the many poster displays on how to build your home storage. We even made it to the paper!! What a crazy week it has been....

Alex is 14!

Alex is finally 14! It marks a milestone in his life...he is now old enough to get his Learners Permit (scary!), be ordained a teacher, and go to stake dances (very scary!) We started celebrating at 6:30am before everyone had to leave for school and work. He got lots of clothes, some spending money and a great new soccer bag. He requested an Ice Cream Cake, so I came up with this frozen Oreo Dessert that was dreamy! He had a great day. We will definately keep you posted on when he is legally driving so you can stay off the roads!

Court of Honor

After years and years of patient encouragement and forceful reminders, it is finished! We celebrated Landon's Rank of Eagle Scout with a lovely Court of Honor on Sunday, March 30. We shared the event with Andrew Birkinsha and his family. It was a night to remember in so many ways....lets see.....we sent out announcements stating it was at 6:30 pm...the ward announced it to be at 7 pm. KU was playing Davidson in the elite 8. We weren't sure they would win, but they did...There was torrential rain.....Patrick loaded the van for me, but forgot the cakes...and took out the tablecloths...I had to run home to get them. I prayed for green lights all the way. The trip takes 14 minutes one way..I left at 6:30 and got back at 6:50. Can you tell I am still a little bitter? I couldn't find my camera (someone had packed away my basket with all my stuff in it and I didn't find it until the very end) and this is the only picture I have from the event. At least I have this one. I am just glad it is over.

Madison Turns 12

Madison had a great time turning 12. There was a lot to look forward to. She had a party with the family and then had a friend party with 20 girls at an ice skating arena. They skated for over 2 hours and had a blast.



Madi has more friends than anyone I know. She has this incredible, friendly, compassionate personality that people want to be around. We are certainly proud of the young woman she is becoming.



So, give it up for Madi the 12 year old preteen princess of 116th Street.

Pinewood Derby

Ok - So we have entered alot of cars in pinewood derbies in the past 10 years. We had some cool ones and some interesting ones, but this year we had a fast one. Ethan and I worked hard to build his hotrod truck with axle polishing and perfect placement. The wheels were polished smooth. I think that the glossy paint was even a factor.

We raced through the prelims and advanced to the final heats. Ethans' truck and the final winner had to race and re-race as the winner depended on the lane assignment. We finally lost two races in a row by a fraction and finished with a very exciting 2nd place.

I am no wood craftsman or any other kind of craftsman. I am an engineer and people sometimes confuse this with handyman skills(does not translate). I can design it, but don't ask me to build it. So finishing this well is a particular source of pride and joy. Ethan did do most of the work by the way.(sidenote)

The best part of the whole evening.........At the end a reporter from the local paper was interviewing the 4 top place winners(including Ethan) and this crazy cubscout kid comes running across the gym, trips, and crashes into all of the boys, their awards, and cars, and they all go flying into the gym partition like bowling pins(He is shouting the whole time "Hey wait for me, I want to be famous too!!!!)

Darci asks the mom standing next to us if this kid is on medication or something and she leans in and says "No, he's just home schooled". That is funny as heck.

Good times. Even Madison was excited to see her brother be so successful