Pinewood Derby 2010

Well, the grin and the photo finishes should tell the story, but...

.

Kade won First Place in the Bear Den! He was thrilled!

.

We weighed in a little light and had to glue a pile of coins onto the bed. Cory and Kade did a great job this year! Kade picked the great green too. :D Love my boys!

Back to School

I really wish I had pictures to post this time, but that is one of the things I need to improve upon... I have actually taken a few photos this year, but they are still stuck on my camera awaiting release.

.

I just wanted to provide all with an update regarding our busy lives...and perhaps a partial explaination (fear I totally butchered the spelling of that word, wish this had spellcheck) as to why my blog is once more neglected.

.

This semester I am enrolled in a nice variety of courses: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism with a lab, Macroeconomics, Pyschology of Language, Human Needs, and Family Relationships and Gender Roles. Add to that my after school piano lessons four days a week, arranging transportation for Riley to her Achievement Day activity 2x a month, Scouts weekly (with the grand Pinewood Derby this week), my church calling, not to mention all the other things I am expected to accomplish--laundry, cleaning, cooking... (sigh) It is all working out well, for now, but I have "free" time at the most inconvenient moments throughout the day, like right now as I wait for another class.

.

We are freezing here in Kansas. Things warm up, just to cool down again. The other day we got into the 50s and the kids were thrilled to go outside again. Today we are back to having a high in the 30s with the wind blowing, but not as bad as yesterday. Oddly enough, our grass is turning green--and it's still too cold to wash my car!

.

In any event, we just wanted you all to know we are alive and well.

.

Happy New Year!

Riley's Award

In December Riley was nominated by her teacher, Mrs Johnson, to receive the Most Improved Student award for her school. It was a great honor that she was approved and awarded an inscribed medal by the mayor during a city council meeting. Mrs Johnson was prepared with a camera for the occassion and sent me these fabulous pictures of the event.

Riley being awarded.

Riley and Mrs Johnson.

Riley with her parents. See how she's still smiling?

Riley with her family--including the reluctant brother...

Riley waiting before the meeting started. She said she was a little nervous, but she did just fine. We are so proud of Riley!