You remember back in October when I bragged on Trey for selling so much popcorn?  And how he was the #2 seller - for the second year in a row - in our pack?

Well, apparently Circle 10 Council noticed, too.  And because of his efforts, Trey won a day of fun at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco.  It was a day full of activities, beginning with a tour of the stadium which - although we couldn’t hear a word of it - was still enjoyable since we had access to suites and all the amenities.  There were kid-friendly games and fun on the mezzanine level, including bounce houses, a hula hoop contest, games, and giveaways - all with a live Radio Disney remote broadcast.  We were treated to - of all things - a PIZZA party, which - ironically enough - was delayed while we waited for the pizza to be delivered.  Let that one sink in for a minute.  We enjoyed visiting with scouts from other packs and troops in the Circle 10 Council and watched our very first professional soccer game.  Though FC Dallas lost 2-0 to Chivas USA, it was a great experience and we loved watching all the pomp, pageantry, and excitement of the world’s most popular sport.

The only problem with the day was that I came to the park with a sweet little boy, but left with a creature quite different.  Trey went through an amazing transformation in the few hours we were there.  Take a look at his amazing metamorphosis….

It all started innocently enough.  Just a boy and his patches.

Then his face started to turn blue…

And eyes magically appeared on his forehead…

These were no ordinary eyes.  They were scary, red, glowing eyes…

And then he grew fangs…

And scales…

And a mean, mean face.

But underneath it all, he’s still that same sweet, fun, happy popcorn-selling scout!

Today was Pinewood Derby - Girl Scout style!

And it couldn’t have been a more different experience for us.  First of all, it’s not a Pinewood Derby or a Pine Car Derby.  It’s a Powderpuff Derby.  I suppose technically the name should be the Rainbow Sparkles Powderpuff Glitter Ponies Derby but that’s too much of a mouthful to manage.  There were other differences, too, from the check-in procedures to the impounding of the cars to the race order to the number of participants.  But the biggest difference for us came in the cars.  This was Trey’s car from the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby in January:

As you may recall, he named his car the “Road Rocket.”  It may not have run like a rocket, but it certainly looked like one.

Crisana’s car was…well…shall we say, a little more girly.  Okay, so a LOT more girly.  And it didn’t have a name.  It didn’t need one.

Yes, it was pink.  Hello, Kitty pink.  With stickers and flowers and other feminine touches.

And in case you hadn’t figured it out yet, it was also a roller skate.  Notsomuch a road rocket.  All it needed was a cool fuzzy rabbit’s foot hanging off the side to be totally retro.

Matt was able to find some information regarding axles and wheel alignment to make significant improvements on this car.  For one thing, it rolled straight, unlike any of Trey’s cars.  However, even with the improvements, one thing remained consistent: we did not win any of the timed heats.

Never fear, there was also a design competition for each level: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette.  The Daisy table was full of very creative cars.

But when the time came, which car won top design for the Daisies?  You guessed it.  None other than the Hello Kitty Rollerskate Car.  Yep, our girl (and her proud dad) won Top Design in the Daisy category, earning Crisana her very first trophy ever.

You couldn’t have seen a more excited, proud girl and her family.  She just beamed all day.

And of course, Dad was just a little proud, too.  After all, it WAS his idea in the first place.

You gotta love a man who’s secure enough in his manhood to make his daughter a pink car…and a pink Hello Kitty Rollerskate Car at that.

Okay, so no one’s in the hospital.  And hopefully, HOPEFULLY, this week will be our last time to make that trek, too!

Matt had his final scheduled treatment on Monday.  That means he’s home this week and has been puttering around the house, doing important things like catching up on tv shows, getting in his facebook hours, and taking lots of rests.  But today he did something different.  He went with me to my weekly Bible study.  We’ve been studying Genesis 1-11 and knowing how interested Matt is in “beginnings and endings” (i.e., Genesis and Revelation), I allowed him to tag along with me.  The women were very gracious in welcoming him and joining in discussions with him.

And at the end, they did something that touched my heart: they anointed Matt and prayed over him for healing.  The room was thick with God’s presence as I believe He came near to us in that moment.  Today, I’m grateful for Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals.  I’m grateful for women of faith who, by being humble servants, are lifted up as mighty warriors in God’s kingdom.   I’m grateful for their compassion and tenderness toward my husband.

But most of all, I’m grateful that no matter what lies ahead of us, I know there’s nothing to fear.

We - and apparently everyone else in the Metroplex who WASN’T at the Ft. Worth Zoo - spent the day at the Arboretum.  We were wowed by the brilliant rainbows of flowers, amazed at the creative architecture of the Storybook Playhouses and refreshed by wonderful conversation, fresh air, and time to be together.  Of course, we saw our fair share of brides and “quince” girls having their pictures taken among the various gardens.  And over the course of the past two days I’ve learned of two friends whose marriages are failing.

And my heart breaks for them.

But it also makes me realize how grateful I am for my own marriage.  Our marriage is far from perfect, and we’ve definitely had our share of troubles, but in a few months we will celebrate our 16th anniversary and we’re still going strong.  I’m grateful for a man who loves me in spite of all my quirks and insecurities.  I’m grateful for a man who acknowledges my strengths and encourages me in them.  I’m grateful for a man who has allowed me to find my passions and maintain a sense of myself even as we strive to “become one flesh.”

I’m grateful for a husband who listens to me, who allows me to vent my hurts, anger, and frustration.  I’m grateful for a husband who - every once in awhile, not so often that I expect it, but just enough to keep me surprised - brings me flowers “just because.”  I’m grateful for a husband who takes time to be with me, to do things with me, so that we can deepen the bond of our friendship.  I’m grateful for a husband who still wants to go on dates with his “girlfriend” so we can keep the romance alive.

But most of all, I’m grateful for a husband who, when I shared the news of our friends with him last night, said, “As long as we keep putting Christ first, and not you or me, I think we’ll be okay.”

I love that man.

Last night was Simon’s worst nightmare: country music!  I knew we were in for an interesting night with steel guitars, fiddles, and a two-step beat.

There were several winners this week, in a number of different categories.  And here they are:

Most Twangy Performance: Hands down, Michael Sarver.  I know, I know, he was singing a Garth Brooks song, and that in and of itself begs to be twanged.  But dang the twang, it was just a bit much.  Love ya, Michael, but learn to sing straight.

Best “Crescendo” Performance: She began this performance weak…especially for her.  But about halfway through she hit her stride and she finished strong.

Most…um…shall we say “Unique Interpretation”?: Adam Lambert.  From the outfit to the arrangement, everything about this performance was weird, awkward, and slightly off-kilter.  Don’t get me wrong, I love this guy and I think he’s a great performer.  But he just didn’t really connect with this genre…and it showed.

Best Inspirational Performance: What can you say?  This guy has an incredible story.  This competition is more than about singing to him.  He sang from his heart.  You could see it.  You could feel it.

Best Lullaby: Anoop.  I would type more, but I’m getting very sleepy……….

Well, with all these winners it will be hard to choose a loser.  But I guess I have to do it.  Bottom three?  Michael Sarver, Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds.  Gone?  Michael Sarver.

I’m not Irish.  I don’t even play one on TV.

But I was a teacher, so I have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day more often than most.  Usually I celebrated with cute leprechaun-themed worksheets and green bulletin boards.  I’m happy to say I’m celebrating differently this year.  Usually I have something cute and entertaining to say on my blog.  But today, I don’t.  So I’m shamelessly borrowing these “fun facts” about 4-leaf clovers from the internet.  Enjoy!

• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14!
• One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.
• Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

This week’s menu will come as an absolute shocker to anyone in my family.  Yes, first it was Barbecue and this week it’s FISH!  Salmon, no less.  It’s true.  This from the girl who was nearly disowned from her lobster-lovin’ New England family.  I still don’t like lobster, and my husband has tried to no avail to get me to like catfish and crawfish…but I can now claim to like salmon and shrimp.  And the best part - my kids love it too!

BAKED SALMON

2 lb. salmon fillet

2 T butter (I used Smart Balance)

1/4 C white wine or chicken broth

2 T lemon juice

1/2 t pepper

1/2 t dried tarragon

Place the salmon in a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, skin side down.  Brush with softened butter.  Combine remaining ingredients and pour over salmon.  Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve with couscous and warm wilted spinach.

This recipe can also be grilled.  If grilling, place the salmon in a grill basket, brush with butter, and grill for 5 minutes.  Then baste with broth or wine mixture while continuing to grill 15 minutes longer or until fish is cooked through.

Me and fish.  Whodathunkit?

Insomnia is a great thing for catching up on blog posts.  Since I’m trying to keep things in chronological order, many of them are buried in previous month’s archives.  If you’re interested in reading a months’ worth of Sunday posts, here they are:

February 1

February 8

February 15

February 22

March 1

March 8

Next week is spring break for the kids, and that means a time for us to get outside and do things together that we don’t normally get the chance to do.  As I look forward to a week off, I’m grateful for…

• two great children that I enjoy spending time with
• a job that I can’t wait to get back to…even though I’ll enjoy the time off
• the privilege of being able to stay home another year
• a schedule that allows me to take breaks with my children and build wonderful family memories
• beautiful weather to get out and enjoy the outdoors

It’s going to be a great week!  I love spring!

We’ve made it through auditions…

We’ve made it through Hollywood week…

We’ve made it through the round of 36…

And now we’re down to the final 12…er…I mean 13.

Thirteen’s not exactly a lucky number, especially for the two contestants who will be voted off tonight.  There were some truly stellar performances: Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta.  And there were some performances that were truly “meh” at best: Matt Shawver and Anoop Desai headline that list.  But the two I predict will be leaving us this week are:

Michael Sarver…I like the guy, but this was not a good performance.  It just didn’t work for me.  Despite the likability factor, we need a guy who can perform and connect with the audience, and tonight he just didn’t do it.

Jasmine Murray…she is cute as a button and that girl can sing.  But again, she just hasn’t shown that “star” quality.  She is very at ease on the stage and I think she will go far - but I just don’t think she will go far in this competition.

Okay, that’s it!  We’ll see how I do!