My upper-body workout

There is nothing like a gaping hole...

To reverse a remodel.

On Thursday, our bathrooms started leaking into our kitchen. Friday, the plumber came: "It all has to go." Today, I took the sledge hammer to the ceiling to expose all the pipes for Wednesday's re-piping. At least we can update our kitchen to a standard-height ceiling with recessed lighting.

Pinewood Derby

Today was the district pinewood derby. Our pack is small enough that all the boys are able to participate at the district level without a pack competition. I was nervous all week that Aaron's car might do poorly against other cars that had already won pack competitions. We spent a lot of time discussing with Aaron the importance of good sportsmanship, that he was racing against the best cars in the district, etc. Michael and Aaron planned, painted, and added weight to the car during the past few weeks. This morning, we search through our 3 pinewood derby kits that we had and chose the best wheel/axle combinations we could. Then we placed them on the vehicle, and we were ready to go!

Michael and Aaron walked to Parkway Baptist church, where the competition was held to register Aaron at 9AM. The race was scheduled to begin at 10AM. I joined them with the younger children at that time. After the standard delay of such events, the races began. Each car was to race in each lane one time (for a total of 4) in heats. The first round began, and Aaron won his first heat! (All the cars were sorted by a computer software program to race against cars with similar performance after the first round)In the 2nd round, he came in 3rd. In the third round, he came in 2nd. Finally, the last round, he won again! Overall, Aaron had the 16th best average of all age groups (almost 100 cars), but was beat out by 3 wolves, and did not get a trophy. He was a bit sad to miss out an a trophy, but he also realized that he had a good time and that his car had done really, really well. He just had some tough competition. He had the best showing for our pack (all ranks), with his friend Luke at a near tie.

After the derby, we took the kids to Wendys for frostys.

Easter Sunday

After a week of rest and recovering, we were grateful to come to Sunday morning with everyone in the family feeling well, or at least nearly so.

Today was Easter and Cory's birthday. We enjoyed church this morning, with Carissa giving a talk during primary, and both Mom and Dad singing with the choir.

After church, Cory was able to open his birthday presents. A dinosaur, two board game and a book. He and Aaron are excited to play battleship after school tomorrow.

The Stark family were kind, and hosted us for an early dinner and an Easter Egg hunt. The children loved each other's company, and the adults enjoyed each other's company

Desert today was also Cory's strawberry shortcake birthday cake.

Tuesday, the sicknesses continue

Two quotes sum up the day:
"Mom, I threw up too."
"Dad threw up big time!"
These were said as first Carissa, then Andrew, then Aaron and finally Michael lost their lunches. Patrick was feeling well enough to eat dinner and keep it down. He, Cory and myself were the only people at the dinner table.
I felt especially bad for Andrew, he was trying hard to avoid throwing up stomach acid. I finally gave him a 3 ounce bottle of water, and he was able to empty his tummy.
I made a quick run to the grocery store, and the man behind me at the check out asked if their was a special concoction made of banana and ginger ale!

Spring Break- Monday

This week is spring break in Auburn. I was hoping to start a blog with the interesting things that I had thought to do with the children during spring break. BUT, plans change. Patrick and Edmund are both sick. So today was spent at home. I did take manage a trip to the public library for the oldest three children.
I also exercised for about an hour this evening.