Reese's Pinewood Derby

Last night was our Pinewood Derby. It was a great success and everyone seemed to have fun. Scott and the boys made cars. Reese won the Webelos heat and came in 2nd overall, so he now gets to go to districts at the mall. His record for the past 2 years: winner as a Wolf, last as a Bear, and 2nd as a Webelos. He designed his car (red, of course) with a hole in the middle. It turned out pretty cool and fast too. Davis' car was red with black splatters. He raced in the sibling heat after the big race. His car was also fast and a winner. It was a good night. We have a great ward with lots of great friends. Reese is ready to receive his Arrow of Light next month. He has been working hard at this (actually been ready to get it for a few months now but since I have to plan it we've been waiting for a few more boys). We'll do this at the Blue and Gold Banquet. He loves scouting and enjoys working on it. Davis is ready to turn 8 so he can officially be a scout. He has been a "blueberry" (term used when Scott was growing up) scout for a couple of years now and enjoys it as well.

As a side note... I've been accused of having a "main character on the blog" by child #2...he is right... child #5 does appear on the blog a bit more than the rest. He'd like me to equal things up - so I'll give it a try :)

Also, I just had my past 3 years of blogs printed in books. They are really cool!!! What a cool journal...now I don't have to feel guilty for sitting down and writing.

Two Years Ago

the most beautiful 20 month old little girl was placed in my arms. I can't believe two years has come and gone since Mckenzie and I ventured to China to bring home our baby. She is such a blessing. She is independant, curious, brave, funny and just a joy to have. We love you baby and are so happy Heavenly Father sent you to our home.

You know your church meetings start too early when...

you wear one work shoe and one church shoe. Scott made it to the front door of the church when he realized his mistake. He headed home for a quick chuckle and shoe change and back he went. Fortunately, Scott received the obsessively early for every meeting gene and so he was not late even with the shoe problems (in fact, he was still the first one there...obsessive).

The afternoon naps with early morning church are heavenly :) I was laughing last night when I told Scott, "you know it is pathetic when you look forward to the nap before you even go to bed"

Siding and Shingles

One positive thing about building a house in a very slow market is that prices are really affordable. The crews are ready and willing to work at a less price than a few years ago. I keep reminding myself of this as we try to sell our house and have to adjust the price accordingly. It will all wash out. It is exciting to see the siding. Scott really wanted hardyboard and because of the lower prices it worked out. We are going to paint it a light yellow/brown, with white trim, a black door and black shutters. I've decided to take the window above the garage out and replace it with a vent. There just does not look like enough space for shutters. Someday, that room will be a media room and we were planning to cover the window but this change will make things much easier in the future. Anyway, lots of fun decisions.

On a different note.... 5 guys opened yesterday...yeah!!!

I went out to check on our house today. It is looking great! It was a bit troubling to pull up and see 6 trucks parked around the house...the crews are all really ready and willing to work. We have plumbers, electricians, drywallers (sheet rocking the firewall), heating and air guys and the crew putting up our hardy board all ready to work...and they were all working hard. The house is messy inside so I'm sure we'll be heading out this weekend cleaning up after everyone.

Hair Days

Meili loves doing hair and I received quite the treatment tonight- notice the bracelets hanging. She is a bit rough but really knows how to do a wild piggy tail (where is the advil?). Also, Mckenzie has a new hair style. The place that has done all of Lili's laser treatments gives free cuts with money spent...so, I guess that is a positive for so much money going towards the treatments. (post continues below...how do I cut and paste to put them together?)

I need to add...there is a much bigger perk to paying all of the money for the lasers and the proof is right here. She was beautiful before but wow... look what technology and fantastic doctors can do!!! We had an appointment with the drs. last week and they think her eye looks as good as it will get but her cheek will need further treatments (even though it is barely noticable to us). again...today's post continues on below.

Steve posted this darling picture of Lili on the Hunsaker blog. I love her sweaty pigtails and chubby fingers. She loves looking at the picture because it reminds her of corn on the cob and horse riding. It's that time of year for me to start reflecting on Mckenzie and my trip to China. Man what a hectic time. I remember telling Scott I could not do it. I believe at the point I received a blessing. And, we did do it. There were many miracles along the way (great travel partners, Gayle and her girls who took us to dinner both nights in Beijing, and a constant angel with me helping me out...but, I dare say the most amazing miracle has been watching this cute little girl transform into the most fun 3 year old and become one of us. I say it over and over but she is a huge blessing in our lives and we are grateful Heavenly Father trusts us to take care of her. I'm grateful for all of my children and for the trust Heavenly Father has in me as a mom.

Anniversary

I'm not sure what is the proper thing to do on a two year anniversary death day...??? My heart aches and my emotions are close to the surface but life goes on. I've tried to keep myself occupi

ed. I think my kids sense something is not just right because they have been exceptionally trying but hopefully, a little pizza and down time with the family tonight will be the cure. My mom just sent this picture of them getting ready for their big game. I was so glad when I heard this game was today because I knew it would be the perfect distraction. Aren't the snuggies cute (sarcasm...) My mom's boss gave them to them for Christmas and my parent's were thrilled!!! Miss you Ryan! Love you tons!!! Peace XOXOXO!!!

All grown-up.

It seems like my kids are all grown up. Lili enjoyed her first day as a Sunbeam in "Mr. Buffalo's class"(Sister Buffalo). I can't hardly believe that we don't have a child in nursery anymore. Wow....how time flies! We switched to the 8-11 time which is a huge change from our 3-6 time. It took Reese about 2 seconds of being home to get back into his pj's :)

Christmas play 2009 - late post

The first week in December our ward primary president (mostly...I think) put together the most amazing Christmas play. Reese played Nathan, the lead, who had a dream and ended up back in Bethlehem. Scott played his dad. His friend, Landon, played his friend Jessie (thanks Ashley...I stole your pictures). It was an amazing night. They worked very hard and memorized many lines and learned to talk to the audience saying lines loudly. Sister Steward did an amazing job on the stage decorations and putting it all together. The primary kids and choir sang many beautiful songs, we had great wise men and Mary and Joseph and a darling baby Jesus (the Wards)

updated photo

The framing should be complete today with construction doors in place tomorrow. It is really taking shape. We are very excited!

Christmas 2009

We had a great day! We have a tradition that the kids sleep in our room Christmas Eve. At 5am the boys started to nag us about going downstairs. I told them wake me up at 6...and they did. We had a good couple of hours enjoying the surprises the day brings. We then had a fun breakfast (Butterbraids...mmm) and just hung out. The boys and Scott got airsoft guns so we went out to our new house and they ran around for an hour or so playing. It was a lovely day. I love the family I've been blessed with. (also...love the rubber boots Santa brought us all (aren't they cute :))...they will be so nice to have with 5 acres of mud...great idea Lisa!)

Before...at 6:08 am....

After...9:08am...

Davis

I need to tell Davis that if he is going to sneak down to see his presents that he needs to put everything back the way he found it.

I wondered why he came up to wake us up saying, "I hope Santa brought me Bakugan"...this picture explains the answer pretty clearly.

Mckenzie's performances

Here are a few photos from

the recent school Christmas performances. Mckenzie loves her dance classes and her singing group. Her cute dance partner is her friend, Caleb. (Thanks for the pictures, Lora!!!)