Monday, March 31, 2008

Start Your Engines!!!

Last Saturday was our ward's annual Pinewood Derby. Eric volunteered to run it and so we have been steeped in it for weeks. The trophies have been at our house for the last month and Noah has been eyeing them in hopes of bringing one home to keep. This was his last Pinewood Derby and I must say we were all hoping the best right along with him. Pinewood Derby is a huge family affair in the Ciminski house. We start about 6 weeks before the event discussing what the car will look like. Noah has always designed the cars himself so they tend to look a little different than the usual derby car does. Once Noah designs it, Eric cuts it while Noah supervises. Noah then sands and sands and sands. Then on to the paint job. This for Noah is just as big a deal as the design and again, a lot of thought goes into it. Once I get my marching orders, I pick up the paint and he tells me how to paint it every step of the way. Noah is a decal and sticker guy so we can't forget those. Noah said that he liked this year's car the best. It's a stretched Mini Cooper.

After it was all said and done, Noah won 2nd place overall. The whole family was excited. Noah has been carrying around his trophy and placing it where he can always see it. I believe that right now it's in his window sill with the window open so he can see it from the street when he walks home from school today.

Here's Noah with our Cubmaster Bro. Bianez who dressed up as Evel Knievel for the occasion. Bro Bianez is a great Cubmaster. I wish every ward could have one as great.

Monday, March 17, 2008

100!

6 weeks ago in an effort to be more active, I set a goal to walk 100 miles by April 1st. I mapped out a 3 mile walking route in my neighborhood and got to work. This morning I am happy to report that not only did I meet my goal, but I have time to spare. My goal now is to get in another 100 miles by May 1st. I challenge all of my readers to get out and start walking as well! No matter where you live, if you accept my challenge, drop me a line and let me know. I will keep a list and then we will see how we all did come May 1st. A great program for mapping your own personal route can be found online at http://www.mapmyrun.com/. Keep me posted on your progress!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Snow!

Tuesday and today we have received a fair amount of snow. It is still snowing and coming from Arizona, it's still very novel for us and the kids. Today was reminiscent of living in Flagstaff about 15 years ago. Big, soft, pillowy flakes and everything is quiet. After school I went out with the kids and we had a snowball fight. We even built a snowman that Heber named Joe Bob. Here is a picture of our handiwork. I'm pleased with him. I think others were too because more than a few people have stopped to show their kids or take a picture.