Pinewood Derby (January 2011)

This year was a first in Pinewood Derby racing because it was Braden's last year and Hansen's first year. Ben Blaser, Sam's cousin, had been at our house back in the spring building the shelves for our storage room and the kids had gotten to know lots about him - including that he is an artist. They asked if he might paint their cars for them. As you can see, he did an awsome job with a spider and web on Braden's and a skull and fire on Hansen's. The race placement wasn't as awesome as the paint jobs but the boys were awarded 'Most Creative' (Braden) and 'Best Paint Job' (Hansen).

My Grandpa (January 2011)

We found out in Sept or Oct, 2009 that my grandpa had cancer. It was spreading quickly and he was given a few months to live. I wanted to get my kids down to see him and was worried that January might be too late. He held on for us though and we got to say good-bye.

My dad asked me a couple years ago if I would help him compile my grandpa's life history. My dad asked him questions and recorded the sessions. I typed it and compiled it into two books. It was a great opportunity for me to really get to know my grandpa. I was amazed at how sharp his memory was. He could remember names of friends, teachers, neighbors and pets from childhood. He also remembered amazing details about stories from his childhood and teenage years. I'm glad my dad asked me to help him with that project so I could have stories and examples to pass on to my kids. My grandpa had a tough life but what he never let it get him down. He wore a smile, looked on the bright side and assumed all would work out as it was supposed to.

Together We Can . . . (January 2011)

A Reflections Contest was announced at school through PTA. The theme was Together We Can. Students were encouraged to come up with an art project, poem, story, dance or song based on that theme. Braden and Hansen came home excited to begin their project and after some discussion, this is what they started working on:

BRADEN:

HANSEN:

Judges for the Lake Ridge Elementary contestants awarded Braden's project 1st place and Hansen's 2nd place. They were then sent on to the District and State finals. Braden won 1st in District and 2nd in State. Below is a picture after the final awards ceremony in the spring.

Christmas Eve Sledding (Dec 2010)

We've started a tradition of sledding on Christmas Eve. We drive to Grimes Creek where we hope there is enough snow but plenty of runs for everyone. This year we went with my brother-in-law, Tom and my neice, Shay, my brother, Bryan and his wife, Denise, the Christensen family and our neighbors, the Moore's.

I love taking pictures in the snow. The white makes a perfect background and the sun doesn't seem as harsh as it is in the summer. And, it doesn't hurt when your subjects are so adorable!

Halloween (2010)

This isn't the best picture but for some reason it's the only one I have of my little spooks and thier pumpkin creations. Braden was dressed as a 'brain' but we misplaced the mask part and couldn't find it for all the festivities (Boo!). Hansen was a ghoul (against my wishes) and, of course, if he put on the mask you can't see his face for the picture. Maren, as usual is a fairy/princess/butterfly. The only difference between this year and previous years is the color blue (she wanted pink but it wasn't available in her size). Ryen is his favorite character, Buzz Lightyear! Thanks to my sister Amber for giving him a this outfit for his b-day in July.

Happy Halloween!

Soccer (Sept 2010)

This year we signed Braden up with the Nampa Select soccer league to give him a little more competition than what the Rec league could provide. He played Center Midfielder and did a great job! It was so much fun to watch him play. He played with three of his friends; Christopher Kielman and Tyler Whipple both played as Forwards and Austin Crofoot was the most amazing goalie ever. In the fall season, we were placed in the 'B' bracket and won every game. When spring rolled around we were moved up to the 'A' bracket. This was a lot more challenging and we lost or tied most of the games. However, the kids were playing the top-rated teams in Idaho and our boys finished 7th in the state.

Toothless (Sept 2010)

Hansen has been waiting for this day for a long time. He didn't like being one of the last in his class at school to lose his front teeth. In fact, one of the kids in Hansen's class started a club and you could only be in it if you lost both your front teeth. (I would have liked to loosen that kids' two permanent teeth!) Come to find out, this all got started because Hansen and this other kid liked the same girl and Hansen wasn't hiding it. It made the other kid feel like he had to retaliate. The girl Hansen liked was older than him and already had her permanent teeth.

It's hard to convince a kid that teeth come out at their own pace and that some day all these other issues will be dust under the rug.