Race Day

Race car fans it is that time of year again......Race Day!

This was Chandler's last Pinewood Derby and Jake's second. Each of the boys decided what shape car they wanted. Geoff cut them out then the boys sanded and painted it all themselves. Neither car took home a trophy but surprisingly enough Chandler's mini van style "Tails" car came in 5 out of 16. The car was already heavy and only required 4 screws in the bottom near the back tires. Jake's car although a bit more "racey" might have been slowed down by the 1 oz weight we managed to set down in the car like an engine. Both boys had fun and were proud of their work, which is truly all they needed to do.

Upcoming events.....Chandler will get his Arrow of Light!

Finished quilted Pillows

Well they are done and I must say that I was more than impressed with the boys desires, dedication, and accomplishments. They each picked out their own fabric, and although I did try to persuade it did not work. I then let each of them decide what they wanted to do. When it came time to cutting I insisted on helping. Jake sewed much of his by hand and he did a really good job. Hayden started his by hand, but he soon decided to wait for the sewing machine. Chandler from the start knew he wanted the sewing machine. I showed them each how to use the machine and they took it from there....with the exception of Preston who held on to my hands as we sewed (is that a word and did I spell it right?). Well they are already contemplating a family quilt. Jake and Hayden watched the sunrise this morning and think that for sure it would be a good idea to do a quilt with a sunrise, daytime and a sunset. I think they might be a bit more ambitious than me....but we will see what will comes next.

PS I had to post individual pictures because they each showed the kids personality....and Chandler's "unique" taste in fabric. Hayden says....."Take a picture of me," like he is Donkey from Shrek. Preston does his shy pose and Jake is as proud as can be.

Boys can Sew

Well as most of you know I began quilting 3 years ago. The boys have watched me make several quilts and liked looking at them and using them. Hayden and Preston were often my compaions on trips to Joanns, where they too, at times would pick a fat quarter of fabric to take home....Hayden would unwrap it and sleep with it.

Well, while I was in California the boys went to a church activity focused on preparing for a mission. Here they learned basic skills and one of them was sewing a button on to a piece of fabric. Well that is all it took and the boys were hooked. They called me and wanted to know where needles and thread were.

Well for over a month they have wanted to "sew" "make a quilt" so I finally took them to the fabric store and decided we would make a quilted pillow. So here it is, the process. I helped them cut and they sewed. We will have finished projects soon. Next posts.

New Years Day - Sledding

Well the snow has been in abundance this year about 15 inches over the average and 30 inches more than we had last year. New Years Day we took the three little boys sledding, Chandler was busy at a friends house making a caramel pecan cheesecake. The snow was great, the hills perfect....but let me tell you it was so cold.

Well I think that I fianlly got caught up today.....I will edit later. To all of our Family and Friends Happy New Year...Let's Make this one GREAT!

2007 Christmas with the Mellons

It was another good Christmas for the Mellons.....our first White Christmas. We were exhausted by Christmas and we had to wake the boys up at 7:00am. But once they were up we couldn't get them down. I think they enjoyed the entire day. We built Lincoln Log houses (yes the ones that Preston was smelling) we built Lego's and more Lego's, played music...of course Rock Band, we danced around remote control cars and jumped out of the way of Heelys. I am looking forward to my relaxing day at the Spa. Note....this tree is not ours, but it is the only picture of Geoff and I that is decent.....let's hope the next time you see a full view picture of me I am 20 lbs lighter.

Prestons Party

Of course I too had to be in two places at once.....I rushed from Karigon to Country Knolls Nursery School for Preston's party. He had a lot of fun making a gingerbread house...I think he had more fun liking his fingers. We sang some Christmas songs and ate some goodies. The other picture is of his friend Jade and her mom MaryJane.

Jakes Class Party-Fieldtrip

As Jakes class mom it is my responsibility to help with the class parties and field trips....So I guess I should say that I was fortunate to spend the last 2 days of school before the Christmas break helping out. We had a grinch holiday party. The boys and girls did a gift exchange where they read this cute story and passed the presents back and forth (left and right). The next day we went to the science museum...We learned a lot about atoms....and liquid nitrogen....let me tell you that 3rd graders are very loud.