She's a Winner!

Our girl Porky Pine was a big success at the pinewood derby on Friday night. I attribute it to the fact that I was sport enough to turn a blind eye as dear hubby used the kitchen counter as his surface area to shave down the wheels. Isn't that what garages are for? Oh well. I'm happy he had an opportunity to create a car with the girls and participate in a pinewood derby with his kids--something I didn't think he'd ever be able to do with no boys in the house. Anyway, Porky Pine was pretty enough for the girls and fast enough for an impressive 2nd place finish. People are incredibly talented and creative--there were some mighty fine cars on display. Leah thought it was only fitting to wear the beautiful witches dress to the event. The girls were so proud of the car and this picture was taken even before the races began:


We've implemented a new system around here using tickets to help motivate the girls. It's been a great initiation week and the girls have been happy to pitch in and help. My favorite part is that they are asking if they can babysit Meg or sweep the floors and Leah is thrilled to offer to clean the toilets. I think Brita gets bored easily when she watches Meg. To ease the pain during one of her babysitting sessions, she dressed Meg in some sort of interesting getup and as usual, Meg thoroughly appreciated, and I'm sure even expected, all the attention.


Jared had kind of a slow week at home and a busy week at work. I suppose that's a good way to balance it out. He was disappointed to not be able to play basketball this week due to a pulled muscle. He doesn't complain often about physical pain, but when he does he sure hams it up. He may not have felt too comfortable, but it was good for a laugh from me anyway.

Saturday was by far the highlight of my week. I attended the stake activity prior to the general Relief Society broadcast and had so much fun with the ladies. It's always fulfilling to be surrounded by such positive women in a relaxed atmosphere. The broadcast was a big boost for me. Like I've heard so many other women express, I also connected with President Uchtdorf's message. I especially appreciated his acknowledgment of us as creators in so many senses of the word. Creation is such a powerful thing and through it I find so much energy. I am resolving to explore my creative potential in areas I haven't considered before. His insight and his powerful message were so motivating and reassuring to me. I find myself looking forward to General Conference more and more all the time. I suppose I feel the need for guidance and for the peace of the spirit more, especially as I take on and recognize more roles in my life. I know that General Conference provides answers and leaves me with a peaceful hope. I also know it took me years to develop such an attitude about General Conference, yet I want my girls to have the same thirst now for it that I have. Instead, they are complaining already. Oh, what to do?! Do those conference activities really work for some families? I sure can't relate.

With all the economic flurry that's going on, we're hanging tight to see what's going to happen. Jared will likely post soon concerning that. In the meantime, we're doing our best to strengthen home and family and to find joy in the meaningful things.