THE PARK POST

Jackson had an interesting season of basketball with the YMCA this year. He had a female coach for the first time (and her son helped out as well). He was on a team with 14 boys and and got very little playing time. There was one boy that was very advanced and he played the whole game and shot every basket almost. We were under the impression that when you play YMCA at 8 years old, everyone plays the same amount of time and it's just for fun. Well, we have realized that here that is not how it works. Mike went to the guy in charge and told him he didn't like the system and that the kids weren't getting equal playing time. The man told him that if he didn't like it he should volunteer to coach next time. He was not very polite. Well, the day of the banquet Mike realized that the coach's husband is the man in charge of the YMCA! No wonder he didn't appreciate Mike's comment about how the coach wasn't playing the kids equally. Yikes!!

We had some beautiful days here this last weekend. The kids were convinced that it was swimming weather. We tried to explain that just because it feels warmer doesn't mean the water is warmer. But our kids don't like to listen to reason (or to their parents for that matter), so we decided to let them test it out for themselves and see. Here is Jackson telling us the water is not even cold. Ironically he could barely breathe once he jumped in and he was out quicker than I've ever seen him move. There was a lot more deck work happening than actual swimming, but that's probably because the water was too hot. :) This was Sydney's favorite part of the February swimming experience. Note to self: If you are still wearing moon boots, it's probably too early to be swimming.

Sydney learned how to tie her shoes this past week. With every new ritual leading to independence I feel surprisingly content. Some people talk about being sad when their kids get older and no longer depend on them as much, but I haven't experienced that feeling yet. I'm all for independence!! Here's proof for Grandma and Grandpa.

Is the pinewood derby really for the cub scouts? I witnessed my husband working on the car a lot more than Jackson did (although Jackson did help paint it black). There was a lot of sawing, sanding, and admiring taking place. I knew Mike was getting serious when he pulled out the canola oil and started greasing the axels and adding weights to the back of the car. I also saw our neighbor who is an amazing "fix-it" kind of guy feverishly sanding his son's car and making a perfect Camero replica from scratch, not a kit like we had bought at Hobby Lobby. Last night was the race. Unfortunately Jackson came home from school with a fever and went straight to bed. Undeterred, Mike took the girls to the derby to race "Jackson's" car. The car came in 7th of 15 but won "best workmanship." The winning car had a golf ball on top, and I heard a lot of post race analysis as to how we could win next year if we added weight in certain places. I think I can safe...

We woke up Friday morning and heard on the news there would be a big storm coming across the South. We didn't know if we would get much of anything since we haven't had any snow at all. It started out small but just kept coming for about 12 hours. We were happy to have it (even me). They closed everything down here in Columbus over a few inches of snow. I do have to confess the best part was the next morning it was sunny and beautiful and it rapidly all melted. It was perfect. The kids were already out of school for the weekend, but they enjoyed the snow nonetheless.

Sydney has really taken a liking to dress up and performing to the Webkinz songs on the Web. "Moustache Louis" is her favorite. I thought this video was pretty cute.

watsup with txting i dont get it bc it dont make cents lol gtg luv your bff, MOM

Thanks to all the advice about using glue instead of sewing. Problem is, I already had finished the feat. :) It took me a good 6 hours due to the fact I had to unpick and re-sew them several times because of poor placement, mangled thread, and sewing the sleeve to the chest pocket. I will say this, I learned a lot. In the midst of all the crooked stitches I realized that I was getting better every time. I honestly can say I learned some real patience that day and I was dang proud of myself when it was all over. Even though I gained great insight through my experience, I will definitely be pulling out the glue next time. (Sewing in a circle is really challenging and time consuming)

Is there anything sweeter than seeing two people really in love, ready to start a life together? Katie and Nick are now officially engaged and we are so excited for them and can't wait to meet Nick in July. Nick came to Katie's school and had friends and family bring her favorite flowers one by one and then he came in and took her up in front of all the 3rd graders at Long Peak and proposed. I think Katie had a hard time containing her excitement. They both look so happy!

Last night we held New Beginnings for the Young Women in our Ward. Our theme was Depend on the Savior (DOTS). We had all kind of dots everywhere: gum balls, dippin' dots, balloons, polka dots, etc. For my part we played musical chairs blind-folded and had the parents or leaders guide them to their chairs when the music stopped each time. The girls couldn't talk, they could only listen. When they took their blind folds off they realized everyone had won the game and they were all in a circle facing each other. We talked about how Heavenly Father's plan is for everyone to win and if we "connect our dots" in the right order and do those things he has commanded us to do we will see the big beautiful picture he has in store for us.

Today's the day I tackle sewing the scout shirt. I don't think Jackson will ever notice how bad it looks.

First it was the axe, now the fire pit.

Yesterday was my Grandma Fabrizio's 82nd birthday. She is a woman I admire so much because she practically raised herself and her younger brothers and sisters. She decided to break a bad family cycle and become a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother and has remained faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ even though she wasn't raised that way. No one will ever cook like she does. I can already taste her warm cinnamon rolls and donuts. It's no wonder I love to eat, it is in the blood.