Saturday, April 28, 2007

Raingutter Regatta...it could go two ways!!!





Today was Jacob's Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta. Our ward decided that too many boys (or their fathers) have become proficient at Pinewood Derby Cars, therefore they opted to have a Raingutter Regatta race instead. So I, not having the first clue about building a Pinewood Derby car, much less a Boat, agreed to help Jacob build his Boat. Last year Jacob built a Truck for his Pinewood Derby car. When it weighed in as too light, I suggested that we glue BBs to the bed of the truck to look like it was carrying a load in back. Well, Jacob didn't win the race, and of course that was because of MY suggestion to put BBs in. He reminded me of that recently and truly believes if it hadn't been for the BBs he would have won. Never mind all the super cool, suped up, aerodynamic, slick and greased up cars that were entered...it was MY fault he lost because I suggested BBs. Go figure.

So when I took on the Raingutter Regatta I realized it could make or break me as a worthwhile mother. I got on the internet and did a little research to find the tricks to making a winning boat. I found that the catamaran does a much better job and Jacob and I went to designing the boat. I tried to let Jacob do most of it, but helped out a bit. We came up with a pretty decent design, however, neither of us are excellent at decorating such a thing...believe it or not, I can't paint decently to save my life...not even if it is just to paint it one color. So the boat was pretty plain...silver with a Blue Foil Sail.

As we were preparing to go, Jacob was certain he was going to win as he was convinced we had a secret weapon in building a catamaran instead of the typical boat. I warned him that about 1/2 of the boys would likely have done the same as they had access to the internet as well. It came to the moment of truth...the event that would make or break me as a mother for at least another year. The first race, Jacob lost...OUCH! I could see the tears being choked back....I just knew I was going to hear it soon...all my fault! The next race...JACOB WON!!! Yea!!! There is hope. Third and Fourth races...JACOB WON!!!. That put Jacob in the final race for his Den where he had to race the boy who beat him before...twice. If he didn't win both times, he would come in 2nd. First race...JACOB WON! Second race...Jacob Lost...but only by a little bit. Not wanting the excitement to go completely south, I cheered him and told him he came in 2nd place and how great that was. Jacob hugged me and said "Thanks Mom for helping me with my Boat!!!" YES!!!!!!!!!! I am a good Mom! And that's what it's all about!!!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

A little political humor....

PERFORMED BY ROBERT LUND (2:23)

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HERE I AM WITH PRESIDENT ROMNEY
Parody of Allan Sherman's "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" (itself a parody of Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours")
Lyrics by M. Spaff Sumsion
PERFORMED BY ROBERT LUND (2:23)
Download MP3 (3.3 MB)
Featured on the Dr. Demento Show April 15, 2007
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Hello Hillary, Hey Giuliani
Here I am with President Romney
How he won this was a riot
Newsweek caught you two in bathrobes at the Hyatt
Mitt says our land needs reformin'
'Cause it's not completely Mormon
So protesters must speak softly
And the War on Drugs now targets tea and coffee
For his talks with dignitaries
Mitt just sends the missionaries
And state dinners - gee, they're mellow
All the heads of state bring casserole and Jell-o
Heads on Rushmore - you would dig 'em
Mitt just sculpted Brother Brigham
And the anthem needed switchin'
So it's now "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission"
Oh my word
He got elected
Oh my gosh
How unexpected
'Cause he's quite
Distinctly male and white
Despite
His V.P. Gladys Knight
Oh my heck
The far right trounces
Mormon lives
So Mitt renounces
Plural wives
But deep down they're OK
As long as none are gay
Now I don't know where we're headin'
But it might be Armageddon
So you sinners better move it
'Cause we're in the latter days and Mitt will prove it
I must meet the Elders' Quorum
At the White House here in Orem
So I'll run now - this is awesome
We'll be swearing in Chief Justice Donny Osmond!

Monday, April 9, 2007

Easter Traditions...

One tradition I started with my kids last year and continued with this year is making Peeps S'mores. I give the kids (among other things) peeps, hollow chocolate bunnies and graham crackers in their easter basket. Then in the evening just before we go to bed, we start a fire in the fireplace and roast peeps over the fire. If you do it right the sugar carmelizes nicely, they turn a beautiful golden brown. Then we use the hollow bunny and the grahams to make s'mores. The kids really look forward to this somewhat cruel practice...Here are some photos of the event...





LENT IS OVER WHEN?....

Well, I made it through Lent. Actually, I was reading on the internet and it appears that there is some controversy among the Catholics about when the Lenten Fast actually ends. Some say on Palm Sunday...the Sunday before Easter. Holy Thursday....the Thursday before Easter. Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Anyway...this year I decided it ended on Good Friday. This was more of a pending PMS/emotional decision. So for 3 days solid I ate mostly sugar beginning with a wonderful butterscotch rice crispy treat and going on to 3 Cadbury Creme Eggs...which I bought for Easter, Sugar coated almonds given to me for Valentine's day...all in just a few short hours on Friday. Saturday was ever more decadent...starting with the 4th Cadbury Creme Egg and a sleeve of Do-si-dos Girl Scout Cookies for breakfast, a 1/2 eaten bag of wonderfully stale marshmallows, another sleeve plus 4 of Girl Scout Cookies...Trefoils this time. I did eat a little spaghetti before continuing with my shameless binge. Of course Sunday I found myself surrounded with a cornucopia of sweet treats. By the end of the day, I was thoroughly disgusted not to mention nauseous....swearing I was going back to NO SUGAR on Monday. This morning I got up and ate a piece of left over stuffed French Toast with Buttermilk Syrup...OH MY GOODNESS! But that's it...I am going back to NO SUGAR...I mean it...really!!!