The Orchard Team Huddle

Many noteworthy things have happened in our family in the last few weeks but I just don't seem to find the time to jot them down. Here is a recap: Pinewood Derby - Not Russell's favorite father/son bonding activity. I rejected his idea to pull out a previously used car of Douglas' and he and Stockton got to work on Stockton's first car. He chose the body style, designed the paint job and had a great time the night of the race. He had a good middle of the pack car and got an award for the fastest looking (clearly, LOOKING is the key word here!). Report Card Dinner - Both of the boys did a super great job last term so we took them to Chilies to celebrate. We ordered two of the 2 for $20 meals so each of them got to choose an appetizer and a dessert. Although it was a fun family night activity, Russell and I remembered why we really look forward to our Friday night dinners out. Mason is just not the most enjoyable little guy at a restaurant. Practice makes perfect, right? ...

I seem to be at a loss for words lately. Just a quick update on what we've been up to. Russell was able to go and get our car from St. George. I was glad to get rid of that stale-cigarette-smoke scented Elantra . I was grateful for the temporary wheels but really do like my big SUV better. It's running like a charm and I am looking forward to 3 years of worry-free transmission! It seems everything is breaking at the same time. I was paying bills the other day and my adding machine died. My Kitchenaid is currently dead and the boys tell me the Playstation is acting up. I guess we will tackle these items one at a time as our money tree has lost all of it's leaves. And did I mention that at some point I need to get braces for Douglas and I just paid for 2 boys to play Jr. Jazz at $57 a pop. Sheesh ! I know it is just going to get worse! Life has slowed drastically from a hectic and exhausting whirlwind to a more relaxed TV watching, cocoa sipping, dark too early pace. I am g...

Treat: Helping with Stockton's school party. I can't imagine not being there. My assignment-nachos and a pumpkin toss game. Mason ran around the gym and was MORE than helpful! Trick: I was so busy entertaining Mason and 34 fourth graders that I didn't take a single picture of Stockton's costume. He dressed as a Dallas Cowboy fan with a jersey and some shorts. His face was painted half blue and half white with stars. I figured I would get a picture on Halloween night but he changed costumes on me. Treat: Friday off of school. We jumped in the car late Thursday afternoon and headed to St. George for the last baseball games of the year. Our friend Jake accompanied us. Trick: We left after Mason's nap but not to fear...we had our Teletubbie DVD. As soon as the moment was right we turned it on. Mason said "no" and didn't watch any of it. He chose to scream the last half hour of the trip instead. Thursday night was not filled with peaceful slumber. Maso...