Sometimes You WIN, Sometimes You LOSE

Yep, I have to brag.  Yesterday Mike, Sam, and I participated in the Sweetheart Run on Naval Base Kitsap. My little Sammy, age 8, took first place in his age division (age 8-12 year) with a mile time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds.    He was 2nd place overall.  Only a 17-year old  boy could beat him.    

I took 2nd place in my category with a 5k time of 22 minutes and 32 seconds.  This is a personal record for me!!!!  PLUS, Mike and I took third place in the pairs division meaning that we had the third fastest combined time as a couple.  The prize was a tin of Dove chocolates.  Sweet!    

Now that brings me to the other part of my story....the Pinewood Derby Race.  Things didn't turn out so well for this race.  Sam was very excited to compete; he designed and constructed the car with very little help from his dad. Good ole' number 41 was a good looking car indeed, but not so fast.  I don't think it won a single heat! Just look at the picture below.  His car is the red one on the far right in last place.

  By the end of the night, the red racer was in 20th place.  Sam didn't let that get him down though.  He said, "well, at least I wasn't last."  I didn't have the heart to tell him that he was quite possibly the lowest man on the totem pole! I felt so bad I cried, but I felt much better after he competed in the Sweetheart Run.  'Cause you know, sometimes you WIN!

Christmas Cocoa

Each year at Christmas time, my Aunt Angela hosts a Christmas tea party for all the moms and daughters in our family living in Utah.  It is a really big event and all the girls come wearing their best over-the-top tea party attire (think of feather boas, white gloves, lots of  sparkle, and crazy hats). I have never actually been to one of these fun parties since I live too far away.  However, I decided that Grace and her girlfriends would enjoy having their own Christmas Cocoa this year.  

Hosting these girls was sheer delight.   I am certain we will do it again next year. In fact, I think we might just have a new Christmas tradition. Next year we'll invite the mommies too.  I better start working on my outfit!

The girls also made these adorable fingerprint reindeer ornaments.  

Snow Day, HOORAY!

Sam has been earnestly been watching the weather on I-Touch for days. Thank goodness, it finally snowed! School was cancelled today and the kids made good use of their snow gear.    

Don't you love this chubby little snow angel?  

Many people ask, "what do you do about your (very steep) driveway when it snows?  To which I reply, "it makes an AWESOME sledding hill!"

I love looking out the window and seeing this--my 4 kiddies playing together in perfect harmony.  HOORAY FOR SNOW DAYS!  

The Best Christmas Pageant

 Sam had the privilege of playing the part of Joseph in Silverdale Third ward's nativity pageant.  The darling Allie Baldridge was Mary.  Each year our primary children put on a great performance of the nativity story.  

Grace and the rest of the rowdy sheep herd.    

Listening to the angel choir sing while waiting for show time with best buddy, Grant Largey.

The primary children and young women all had parts in the program, but the young men did not perform.  However, I looked over while the young women were singing and saw them waving candles in the air in time with the music.  Silly boys.

Audrey participated in a bell choir and also played jazzy Christmas songs on violin with the the "ward band."  Later she played the part of the innkeeper in the nativity play which explains the headband she is wearing.

Sugar Plum Fairy

Once again the Hatch Piano Studio managed to put on a great show for their Christmas piano recital on December 16, 2011.  This time Sam and his piano teacher, Camdon, wore tutus and danced and twirled around the stage for the finale. Sam is such a ham; he'll do anything for a laugh! 

 Oh, and he played some nice Christmas songs on the piano too.  

Sam and I played a lovely duet together for the recital.  Well, it really wasn't that lovely or together at all, but still fun!  It's definitely a learning experience to say the least.  

Poor Lola

Poor Lola was recently surrendered to the Humane Society.  Mike decided that one of the pets had to go and Lola got the short end of the stick.  The cat and dog were constantly battling.  Besides, she has been holding a grudge ever since we brought Gunner home nearly 2 years ago.  She was no longer an enjoyable pet, just a  nuisance.    I just hope she ended up underneath somebody's Christmas tree.  Grace and I were a little sad the day she left.  Jared is also going to miss her.  Mike, on the other hand, is thrilled to have a cat-free home.  He must have felt at least a little guilty.  Just ask him about his nightmare involving Lola!   

I have to share at least one story involving Lola.  It seems timely since I am posting about her.  One day this fall  Jared was riding the bus home from school. As is often the case, he texted me to ask for a ride up the hill.  He informed me that the bus was nearing his stop very soon.  It must have been raining or something because I recall that I quickly jumped in the car, backed out of the driveway, and went screaming down the hill.  I arrived at the bus stop just as a dozen or so junior high kids were piling out of the big yellow bus.   Jared was squished in the middle of the pack and all around him kids were smiling and laughing when I pulled up to the curb. I assumed Jared had said something witty or that they were trying to bum a ride since they were all looking my way.  

Neither was the case.  I soon learned that Lola had been on top of my car the entire time!  She managed to cling to the luggage rack and hang on for dear life as the car skated down the steep hill.  By the time Jared tried to rescue the poor car, her claws were cemented to the roof.  Jared quickly swiped Lola from the top of the car, hopped inside, and then sheepishly said, "that was special, Mom."  Poor Jared.  Poor Lola.

So good-bye, Lola.  You were a good mouser and furry friend.
     

Cancun 2011

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