New Love, Rewarding Work, & Derby Cars

I have been in my current calling for just over a year now; Den Leader.  I'll admit, I jumped for joy and cried for hours all in the same day when this call was extended to me.  I was so sad to be leaving a calling I was so comfortable with; the ward primary chorister.  I was also excited to be going in another direction, one where my family has strong roots...we're talking EVERYONE in my family is into 'IT'.  The scouting program.

Here's my confession:  It took me nearly six months to really like my calling.  And now, at just one year into it, I LOVE my calling.  I guess you could say it's my new love.  It's a lot of work; hard work, tiring work, but rewarding work.  Like anything we do, some days are better than others, but I am finding such joy in learning along with these boys.  They are growing up MUCH too quickly! 

After hours and weeks and months of working on preparations for the 2010 Pinewood Derby, I have to say, that I think we pulled the event off, just by our toenails!  Really, there was a lot of work that went into this fun evening, and a few last minute details that we scrambled to make happen smoothly, but all in all, everyone had a good time, even Ryan and our little boys.

Some of the things I made (and if you'd like a .jpg or .pdf of it, DO ASK!  I'd love to share these!) for awards and whatnot...this is just part of it.  (ideas for the below graphics and such from www.theideadoor.com)

every car was registered 

(half sheet, for boy to fill out, complete with car specks)

every scout had a pit pass which corresponded with his vehicle

only those with pit-passes were allowed in the pit and next to the newfangled aluminum track

(quarter sheet, hole punched with string to wear around their neck)

every scout received an award

(this was one of MANY! seriously, nobody went home empty handed)

Tanner's favorite part of all this computer hoop-a-la was watching me line up all those checkered squares.  LOL!

The reason that I'm sharing these with you, is because I'm so proud of myself for actually getting them done, looking decent!  Making the logo of the car that is in the backgrounds took the most work, but it was so stinking fun!!! 

I also got to make the parking lot, seen below.  THIS was a major feat, and probably the most fun.  I'm such a poster and permanent marker geek!  I have three shoe boxes full of markers and goodies. (I get this trait from my mom and dad...mostly my mom.  I learned from my mom the tricks of the trade of making posters...I used to watch her make poster after poster for some event or another.  My favorite being the Young Women Torch posters she'd do up back in the day for special meetings and such. I think I get the "nice-computerized-must-look-official-and-professional trait from my dad.  I spent many hours lining up and printing certificates for member's of my dad's ward when he was the bishop...I think all of my siblings have had a turn doing that!  We finally got smart and just taught my dad how HE could do it all by himself. However, I secretly loved to do it. )  Can I just say that there is nothing better than a nice, new, chiseled permanent marker with all of it's juice?  That's ranked up there with sharp sewing shears.

Some of what the cub scout boys made (don't these look AWESOME?  They also made derby cars from Twinkies, a car stand, and lots of noise!)

Some of the mess my future cub scouts made

I wish I would have taken the time to get a picture of our judges, because one of them sure was good lookin!  Of course, it was my husband.  :)  He needed a break from the kids and I figured I could let them hang out with me (aka: follow me and get in a lot of little boy trouble when I wasn't looking!).

This was such a good night.  I regret not taking pictures of all the wonderful things all the leaders helped to do.  I had only a small part in this event.  If just ONE person would have dropped the ball, the whole night wouldn't have been the same.  I have the wonderful privilege of rubbing shoulders with so many great people, mentors, and scouts.  I know that I'll cry the day that this calling comes to an end for me!