VICTORY!!!

Aidan Ryan Harrison

with his winning pine wood derby car

What a VICTORY for Aidan and by extension our family! To be honest we had been dreading the pinewood derby. We are a family that simply tries to follow directions. We are given the pine wood derby kit, or purchase one, and we complete the car as directed - who would of guessed that by doing so we would come in practically last place year after year. For 3 years in a row we would leave the fun filled event frustrated and with tears and sadness in Jordan's eyes. It was heart breaking and really devastating. Sure you wipe the tears, give the pep talks, and plenty of smiles but no one likes to see their car lose. We were determined to do better with Aidan, we asked others for help and tired to improve. Unfortunately we received the same results as the prior years. This was Aidan last pine wood derby race and we decided to look online for ANY hints, tips, clues, or advice that would help us at least place better than we had done before. We weren't even hoping to win just not come in last place. As the event was approaching we were trying to be hopeful and optimistic, however our history placed doubts in our minds. It was finally the moment for the first race.... and he won to our great relief!!! Then he won again, and again, and again. He won 13 races in a row!!!! We could not believe it! It was more than we had asked or hoped for. One thing is to not come in dead last and quite another to win the entire event! On the 14th race he came in 2nd to everyones surprise but it didn't phase us at all because it was such a personal victory to overcome the challenge of creating a fast "winning" car. You should have seen Aidan's face when they announced that he was the winner and moving on to represent our ward in the regional event. We were all smiling so much our cheeks hurt. It was such a wonderful experience and one we will NEVER forget! A big congratulations to Aidan and Daddy who helped build the car. We also need to give special recognition to Jordan who stood at the finish line filming each car as it sped past to prove to the judges who the actual winners were, in case it was unclear, and to Noah and Mommy for cheering every participant on especially Aidan. What a story, what a night, and what a great VICTORY!

The Present

"Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Treasure of Eternal Value", Liahona, Apr. 2008, 2–7

GAS

I almost had a heart attack when I finished filling my gas tank this morning. The total read $74!!! It was just over 18 gallons and I have a 20 gallon tank. I can't believe to fill my entire tank would cost over $75 maybe even $80. Its just getting out of control. I went to the cheapest gas station in the area and it was $3.95 a gallon. There are MANY that are already over $4. I am in shock. When Obama became president gas dropped to $1.50 and we were all celebrating because that was the "normal" price for a long time but ever since we had tension/war with the Middle East the prices started skyrocketing. I remember when the prices started going up we were so surprised and everyone was wondering how high it was going to go. We began paying $2 then $3 and we were all complaining but then you get used to it and think wow I found a place for $3.25 what a deal! So the day we saw $1.50 you can imagine our excitement... well it was short lived and the prices started soaring again. I never thought it would get this bad and I never thought I would ever think that finding a place for $3.50 or now even $3.75 would be a deal. What are we going to do?!?!? I used to be able to fill my tank for around $30 but $75!!!! Even if I had all this extra money I still would not want to pay $75 for gas. Its simply outrageous! We love going out anybody who knows us can testify that we are NOT homebodies we love to be out and about however that might have to change. Lets hope it gets better in the months ahead.

He passed!

A big congratulations and shout out to my dear hubby Brandon who passed his series 63 securities exam this morning!!!!He got an 82%. He passed the series 6 last week. He was planning on having a extra week to study in between exams but he had to take care of our 3 sick boys while I was working , barely got a chance to study, and still passed with flying colors! So happy for him!

LOVE

"Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 21–24