Climbing the Ladder

Cleaning the office, although one of great importance, has become slight punishment (to all those involved.)  It's like pulling teeth to get them to tackle to floor.  I have even bought a backpack vacuum and lighter mop hand to help out, but it's still an overwhelming job.  Whenever possible, they sneak out into shop.  

It's funner there...there are boxes to play in, bubble wrap to pop, rollerblades to wear, and wiggle cars to cruise around on.

 Or maybe it's just climbing the ladder and being able to keep up with your brother.

 Dalanie is no longer content to be the cleaning lady.  She wants to use power tools, wrenches, and work with the guys.

Hudson is good to help show her the ins and outs of row cleaners and firming wheels.

Sigh... It looks like I've got a long life of cleaning the office ahead of me.

Practically A Man

 Brent and I were talking about Hudson's upcoming birthday one night after the kids had gone to sleep.  Brent had the realization, "Eleven years old, he's practically a man!"  I told him to slow the train down and that he couldn't be lamenting about manly things until he turned 12, for now he was still a kid.

His cinnamon roll is looking pretty lit up and very green and festive.  I don't know if his little smirk is from the thought of eating it all by himself or the wish that he is making. . .

It's always a fun day to dress up in green.  Family reunion shirts to the rescue all around.

 After school we went up to look for this kid a workbench.  After searching high and low, we found a good one at Lowes.

The next day, I backed out the car and left him alone with the instructions.  He needed a bit of help on the drawers and with holding things, but he got it put together largely by himself.  He was so excited to have his own space in the garage.  It makes a pretty nice workspace for him to tinker and fix.

We decided we needed another one to more efficiently use the space.  So he got to help put another one together.

Pinewood Derby

As Hudson's last pinewood derby approached, we joined forces to create a timeless car.  He used his dremel skills.  I used what little carpentry skills I had and we kept whittling away at getting the right shape.

He sanded and painted while I cut out vinyl.  And here is the finished proudct: Doc Hudson.

The fancy aluminum track, digital time, and instant replay always make it feel like such a bigger deal.  

Unfortunately, the car looked better than it ran.  But in our defense, we had a lot of fun working on it together.  Too many Dad's make it their pinewood derby.  I hope Hudson will remember the fun we had bringing Doc Hudson to life.

Gymnastic Date and Skiing Party

Grandpa had asked Dalanie on a date to the USU gymnastics meet.  And since Brent had to go make to Minneapolis for his trading training, we all packed out bags.  Delhi's preferred method is just to empty all the drawers of her dresser.

 Millie came along too, but Dalanie felt pretty special to have a date with Grandpa.

The rest of us crashed at Stephen's and B taught Hudson a things or two about Skylanders.

 On Saturday, Chod and I took the older kids skiing at Beaver Mountain Ski resort.

 I was the slowest skier.  Only Ruby was kind enough to make sure I had someone to ski with, otherwise they all would have ditched me for Chod.

 It was a fun day.  The kids decided that it is definitely funner to ski with cousins.

Blackfoot Art Center

Towards the end of the year, the girls and I were all a little tired of spending our Friday's @ Paunie's studio, so I decided to take the girls to the art center while the others were at gym.

Linlee and Dalanie got a watercolor lesson.  After the fact, I think they would have enjoyed the creation station more.

These two budding artists LOVED their time creating masterpieces.

 It's not like I don't have craft supplies, I just would go crazy if they had it strewn all across the house.  They were pretty proud of their creations.

Shop Days

It's true, the older you get, the more warped your sense of enjoyment becomes.  Take for instance our Saturdays during that winter spent at the shop.  Kids get dirty and tired, no housework gets done, and we work for a full day.  But these days are the ones that fill my heart so completely with a love for this family of mine.  We grow closer together and learn to enjoy doing things that aren't really that fun.  My chest nearly explodes with gratitude for work and family and parents working beside me while raising us.  These are the days I have truly come to cherish.

This kid is sure handsome in a hat.  His growing hands are becoming strong and able. 

 The girls love when they get to stock the shelves in the parts room.

 Of course, Alan always makes things a party.  Him and Hudson sing their hearts out to the radio.  It puts a little lump in my throat when I think that he won't be around next year because of a mission.  We have grown to love and appreciate Alan.  He's been a great mentor for Hudson to work alongside.

 And don't let me fool you, it's not ALL work and no play.  The treats are always abundant and lunches low on vegetables over at the shop.

 As the day wears on, breaks become more frequent and the kids usually have some sort of wheels beneath them whether its a ripstick, rollerblades, or scooter.

Spirit of America Recital

Everything about this recital was a lot of fun.  Who doesn't like to sport some red, white, and blue in the dead of winter?   And patriotic music has such a special place in our heart.

 The kids do so much better than I ever did.  I am glad their teacher has always invited and given them opportunities to play in front of others, so it's not that big of a deal for them.

It was a duet recital, so Hudson and Dalanie were able to play Stars and Stripes Forever,  together.  They did well.  You'll have to check out the video.

Life Unscripted

Let's face it, the kids are growing up right before my eyes.  I think they should have to get my permission, but regardless, it keeps happening.  And the longer I've been in this mom game, the more I realize that these little people are the ones teaching me.  They fill my life with such joy and happiness.  Here's a snippet of what they've been up to.

When our family room light went out, this is how I found Hudson practicing when I got back from walking.  Most kids would have used it as a good excuse to get out of practicing.  He impresses me with his ability to work through a problem and find good solutions.

 When it's been quiet for awhile I can usually find Delsie upstairs playing.  Her and Ruby are doll house girls.

 These two rule to roost in the mornings when Hudson and Dalanie are at school.  They have so much fun together.  (Oh, and Delsie is really into picking out her own outfits, OI!)

 This little one gets away with coming in to my room at night once all the others are asleep.  She likes to talk and has been making me pinky promise her things.

 Aunt Nik gave Delsie some kinetic sand and she loves playing with it.  I on the other hand favor playdoh over this stuff.

 Despite my dislike for stuffed things, the girls have managed to get quite a collection of friends to adorn their beds.

 Who knew that glasses could be so entertaining?  I ordered the green ones without prescriptions so they could have some to play with besides mine.

 Some might think a 10 year old boy would be too big for story time, but he still loves to listen to me read stories and read to his sisters.  You'll often find him thumbing through the story books that are left out.

 Delsie has a pair of pj's professing her love for mom and dad.  Often the day's events determine which ones she chooses.  All the kids love to be Papa Parish and pull their pants way up.

 After years of kids underfoot in the kitchen and adorning countertops, it's starting to pay off.  They have gotten pretty good at cooking breakfasts on Friday mornings.  Pancakes and eggs are their current specialty.