What will be next?

Last week in Erin's science class her teacher taught them to make "bridges" from rolled up pieces of paper and then see how many books they could stack on it without it collapsing. Cameron is always up for a challenge so this is his tower. I am not sure how many books he really got but it is a pretty big stack.

Another project he has last weekend was making his own skateboard. He took the wheels off his "real" board so he could turn it into a snowboard.

When I suggested we throw away the wheels etc. because they were just "junk" he without a doubt informed me that they indeed were NOT junk and although he didn't know what he was going to do with them he would one day need them. I am glad "one day" came along sooner than... 2 years from now. He got Louis to help him put them on another board with is much smaller than a regular skateboard and easier to use in the house. (I wonder when he will find out where I hid it?)

Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby. The Olympics of Cub Scouting!

This was a night Cameron had been anticipating for nearly 2 months. The car had been "displayed" on top of the refrigerator since its finish 1 month ago. We got to the church early and found good seats. Last week at den meeting the boys had a practice run and Cameron's car came away nicknamed "The Bullet". I had heard that several kids (and dads) were determined to juice up their cars just to beat Cameron's. Would it work? Could it be done?

There were 13 boys all hoping their car would be the fastest and then be awarded "First Place".
After several heats only one would emerge--triumphant! (Cameron's car is on the left.)

Cameron did well. He came away with two awards-- 2nd place and "coolest shape". The best part was seeing all the fun he had. The most important question after all this is, "Will Josh be back home next Christmas for Derby car #2?"

A Book Never Written

A couple of nights ago while Louis had taken Erin to basketball practice and the other girls were in the bath, Cameron and I spent some time cleaning his room. When finished we began to look at one of his Boy's Life magazines. They have a whole page of jokes at the back. One type of joke is the "Book Never Written". It is a made up book title and the "author" is supposed to be the "joke". Here are some Cameron and I made up that night.


How to Catch Flies.
By: Cal M. Newer

How to Chase Cars
By: Golden R. Treever

How to Have Fun Cleaning Your Room
By: Em Possible

Beginning Shaving
By: Nixon Kuts

How to Fly a Rocket
By: Bern N. Fuel

I’m Bored
By: Minnie Termites

These last two are courtesy of Louis

How to Ruin a Picnic
By: Aunt Coloni

How to Get Rid of Company
By: Pass N. Gas

He wants to send them in to Boy's Life and hopefully have one of the printed.

The passing of the prophet

Last night Mom and Dad called me to tell me that they had just heard that President Hinckley had passed away. He was 97 yrs old and the prophet for nearly 13 years. My initial reaction was that of sadness but quickly changed to peace and thankfulness. He had lived such a great life and was such a great man. It was time for him to be reunited with loved ones. I can only imagine the welcome home he has received in the spirit world. It is comforting to have a testimony and know how the church will function until a new prophet is called.

This morning I was preparing to tell the kids that he had died. I was at the computer reading about President Hinckley when Cameron came down. I called him over to me and solemnly told him that the prophet had died. He gave me a look and then said, "I'm hungry. What's for breakfast."
Erin got up a little later. She came down and poured herself some cereal. As she was eating I said, "Erin, Last night the prophet died." Without saying anything she looked back to her cereal bowl and kept eating.
Makenna...the more sensitive one....I called her into the kitchen...still looking/hoping for that teaching moment. "Makenna, President Hinckley died last night." I said. She looked deep into my eyes and asked, "Where are my pancakes?"
What can a mother do? Hopefully FHE will go over better than my attempt this morning. They will have a lesson on succession in the presidency.

Sided and Trimmed

This is how the house looked yesterday afternoon, with all but some of the decorative trim up.

The driveway and sidewalks are also done.

And the sheetrockers started this afternoon too.

Two Reality Checks

As I was making crepes this morning, Makenna and I had a nice conversation.

She began things by stating that she was smarter than me.

Spotting a true teaching moment, I proceeded to explain to her the meaning of the word 'deluded.' Specifically, 'You must be deluded if you think you are smarter than me.'

I continued, 'Now, someday you may become smarter than me, but today is not that day.'

She pertly replied, 'I'll be smarter than you when you are dead!'

Who can argue with that!??

Fluffies

Cameron came into our room this AM while we were still in bed, and decided to lay down next to me. He soon shifted position and laid his head on my stomach as his pillow.

"Hmmm, kinda lumpy!" he said. "And fat!" he added for good measure.

Ever the innovator of mayhem, he then sang out, "Fluff the pillow! Fluff the pillow!" and raised his head up and slammed it back down on my stomach a number of times.

Naturally, I began feeling unwell, so I said that maybe I should stay home from church, keeping Allyson home with me.

Cindy mused, 'Yes, you, Allyson and Cameron probably should stay home from church.'

Suddenly regaining my health, I promptly jumped up out of bed and went downstairs to make some crepes.

OSU SOSO RIP*

*Rest in peace, or rest in pieces--whichever....

Reason #783 that we don't need a dog.

Tonight as I was sitting at the computer, Cameron came through the room with Allyson following behind. "Mom, I am taking Allyson for a walk. See?" This is what I saw...

You see... he walked in front pulling the silky pajamas. When she got close to them he would yank them quickly away. She erupted in laughter and the whole thing started again.

Hope springs eternal

So... picture this. The kids all went back to school from Christmas break on Thursday, by Friday afternoon it was time to tackle Cameron's room (best when he is not at home---don't check the trash!). While I am sorting through all the tinfoil pieces, rocks, nails, screws, memorabilia from the Air Show 2 years ago, broken erasers, little tiny bits of old pencils, Lego pieces, etc. etc. I found a nicely folded paper. It was folded and shaped into a sort of funnel with a note inside it. Having gotten the same thing from Erin just before Christmas with a note inside gushing about what a great mom I am, I figured it was probably a nice note from Erin gushing over Cameron. "I love you and am so glad you are my brother." etc. etc..
I had all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings being so grateful for how loving my children are and I would be sure to save that wonderful note. This is what it really said,

"Cameron,
I am soooooo mad at Mom right now. Aren't you too?
Write back,
Erin"

Needless to say....out went the fuzzy feelings and into file 13 went the note. Not the first and I am sure not the last. Oh well...one can hope.

Another brick in the wall (yeah, that's Pink Floyd)

Some of our family wanted to see the house with all the brick (at least all that we could afford....!)