Lombardi Family

Memorial Day 2012

Jackson met his scout troop at our local cemetary to place flags on the graves of the men and women who have served our country Friday afternoon.  I was full of pride and joy for my son.  And thankful once again for the experiences we are getting with scouts.  Jackson is learning so much, appreciating so many aspects of our life we enjoy.  I'm grateful for our people who serve in our past, and for people who serve our community in our present life.

Friday evening Jackson and I went on a double date with MaryDale to g6 Airpark.  The boys jumped until they were sweaty gross messes, and Mary and I chatted away - it was perfect!!

Saturday Jackson played in his first baseball tournament.  Our league hosts the event, and several leagues thorughout our area bring their best teams.  Our league fielded 2 teams out of our 4 regular teams, and we ended up playing 4 games.  Jackson had fun playing with a new coach and some kids of the other teams.  He played nearly every position this weekend and got lots of at-bats.

The weekend weather altered the playing schedule quite a bit, as a result our last game was Monday.  Which was nice for out family because Mike got home Sunday night from his weekend golf getaway with his buddies.  On Monday Mike sat with me in the bleachers (a rarity) AND I remembered my camera.

Nice play dude!

Make the play....

Cup adjustment (boys are gross!  But in all fairness - the sliding shorts that hold his cup are a smidge tight so that dang cup just isn't fitting right - good thing the season is almost over).  

His favorite current position - catcher.  

Strike 1...looking (you sure Um?)

Strike 2...looking.  

Way to avoid getting hit - nice move.  

Strike 3...looking.  Not the best at bat - Jackson's been doing better about getting that bat swining, but this at bat got the better of him.  

Fun weekend.  Can't believe baseball season is almost over for the year, three more games.  It's a busy time of year as we wrap up second grade, scouts and baseball.  I can't wait to see what summer has in store.  

 

 

Easter 2012

Easter fell at the end of our spring and one day after my birthday this year.  When planning our Easter, I intentionally kept it low key.  But what's easter without some tradition?

Like coloring eggs on Saturday.

The pink ones turned our bright and beautiful  I put a little vinegar in the cup to help get the bright colors, but the yellow and green weren't very bright this year.

Just a few eggs this year - Jackson doesn't like to eat them, but dad and I do and we really like deviled eggs.  

Saturday on his way to bed, Jackson left his big basket outside his bedroom door.  Sunday morning Jackson woke at about 4:30 - he opened his bedroom door to find the bunny had caused some mischief.

He quickly closed the door and returned to his bed.  I heard the door open and then close.  I only imagined as Jackson crawled back into bed that he was thinking "what has that bunny done".  The excitement was too much for him - he finally came into my bed about 5.  Then he tossed and turned, tossed and turned - no one was sleeping.  At 6:30 I sent him back to his bed and told him to come back and get me at 7.  Sure enough promptly at 7 Jackson was at my bedside ready to see what else this bunny had done.

Jackson grabbed his little basket and followed the trail of candy filled eggs to this mother load.

A basket full of little lego sets, of course a chocolate bunny and jelly beans, "We Bought a Zoo", a new watch and this beauty.

Dad later told me that this is nearly more dangerous than a BB gun - who I am to know.  I thought this little cub scout would work his way into weaponery with something that he would use his own strength to propel.  

We had a nice brunch with my mom Easter morning, celebrating my birthday, eating a yummy breakfast caserole and sweet treats from our local bakery (Larson's in Vancouver - the marrionberry danish ring is a Lombardi favorite).  

In the afternoon we went to my future brother-in-law's, sister's house (got that?).  There are two darling children - Vincent and Ava - who were so glad to see Jackson.  It's fun to see the kids together, I love that they share an auntie and uncle who love all of them so very much.  And it's fun to see the dads and uncles watch after the kids while the moms and aunties visit.  It was so warm and family, I loved it!

Kiddos found eggs.

And had lots of laughs, running, chasing, and merriment.

Happy Easter!

Spring Break 2012

Spring Break 2012 came and went so quickly!  And it's hard to believe we are in the home stretch of the school year.  Where does the time go?!  

Jackson requested not to go to a camp in the community for the time away from school this week.  I can't say I blame him, the structure is so much like a school day, and he'll be doing enough of those in the summer I thought it would be nice for him to have a break.

On Sunday night, I put together an agenda for Jackson's week.  That was brillant for us. We also  found several items that Jackson could accomplish for a few segments on his scout uniform.  Monday morning Jackson went right to his agenda to see what he should be doing, what was next. The combination of having a couple of goals to achieve, and an outline of how he should be spending his time  worked well.  But mid-day Monday Raegan, Mark & Derek called to throw a wrench in our outline.  They invited him to Kids Club.  Jackson quickly got his objectives for the afternoon acoomplished and off he went.  He was dog tired after a great afternoon of chasing around with his buddies and then 2.5 hours at baseball practice.  We are thankful for wrenches in the best laid plans, and friends that include Jackson in their day.  

Tuesday, Jackson again spent the day with Mark & Derek where the explored every inch I'm sure of OMSI.  Tried lots of the experiments in the science labs and the boys got some reading done as well (keeping us on target for some of our week's accomplishments), and Jackson got to journalling Tuesday evening.  

Wednesday Jackson got to hang with his Grandma Pat.  I'm sure a nice break from the busy-ness that Monday and Tuesday had.  But she also helped keep him on track with reading.  

Wednesday evening Mike and I picked Jackson up and headed for Tacoma to visit my aunt and uncle.  We got to their house about 8, and Jackson walked in like he was in his home away from home.  They welcome him with open arms, and he just settles right in.  And I'm sure it's like a tsunami when the three of us walk in, they are so used to their routines and space and then we just take over.  

Thursday morning, Uncle Bill and Jackson and I ventured to NW Trek, a short 30 minutes drive from their house.  This wildlife park was great, a fun hour-long tram ride where we got up close and personal to so many animals.  And then a tour around some of their great exhibits.

These moose sure have interesting faces.

And these bison are HUGE!!  Pictures don't do these animals justice.  2000-3000 pounds, their head 10% of their total body weight.  Amazing creatures.  All I could think of is the wagon trains coming over the peak of a prairie and seeing a nothing but bison for as far as the eye could see - amazing.

And of course elk, these beauties are so much larger than deer - you don't realize (well at least this city slicker didn't) until you see a deer almost right next to them.  But again, beautiful animals.  

Big Horn Sheept.  Aren't their horms interesting?!  

Mountain Goat.

Little deer.

And cow elk.

And then these grizzlies.  This was a little unexpected.  I saw before we went that grizzlies were at NW Trek, but to see them so close was amazing.  And two of them!!  This guy was a character too, looked right at us and moved his jaw up and down, like he was talking to us - his paws criss cross applesauce.  

And this beautiful red tail hawk.  He was a rescued creature, we learned that hawks get their red tails when they are about 2 years old.  

And we had this great adventure of exploring with Uncle Bill.  Jackson loves spending time with Uncle Bill, I like hearing about his life and the stories he tells.  He became an eagle scout in 1948, something in my 39 years of life I never knew about Uncle Bill before.  This trip we saw his Eagle Scout certificate and badge from 64 years ago - so neat (I kind of geek out about scout stuff now that I'm a scout mom) :-)  

Thursday afternoon we headed north to Woodinville to pick up a wine shipment at Chateau St. Michelle, did a small bit of tasting - and Jackson checked out the recent vintage of grape juice which this time wasn't too bitter.  

On our way out of Woodinville, Mike pulled into Willows Lodge for a nice relaxing evening, a big surprise to me.  We ate dinner at Red Hook, and relaxed the evening away.  In the morning we got in a dose of exercise and then off to the spa for me for a nice massage while the boys solved the wrold's problems in the hot tub.  So grateful for a warm pre-birthday celebration.  

That was spring break, a break from our routine - a flavor of sunshine and relaxation.  That's what breaks are for.  

 

 

Dollar Store Scout Craft

Our scout leader asked for some parents to cover a couple of upcoming meetings, I volunteered.  

Of course I did, I usually volunteer, and right after I raise my hand or timmidly say "I can help", I try not to catch my husband's eye.  His non-verbal communcation usually says "you already have too much on your plate".  But I think it's important for Jackson to see us participate and I think as parents we get to share in the responsibility of having our kids participate in anything; sports, school, scouts, etc.  

And I don't know about you, but when I volunteer for something it's always well intentioned.  I think to myself, I have 7 days between now and then, even a weekend - I can easily find something for us to do and have it completely prepped well before our next meeting.  Well lo and behold, the day of the den meeting gets here and do I have a plan?  Oh no.  I just put in a 60 hour work week, a busy weekend of "catching up", and the time just melts away.  

So Tuesday (the night of said scout meeting) when Jackson got home from school, we sat side by side at our office desk while he worked on the evenings home work and I madly searched Pinterest for just the right thing.  I found it!!  Pop-pom/marshmallow popper.  I made a list and headed toward the party store.  I realized that the dollar store was right next door so I told Jackson we would go there first to see what we could find then pick up any unfound supplies at the part store.  

What do you know that the dollar store had absolutely everything I needed!!

1 package cups $1

2 packages pom-poms $2

1 package marshmallows $1

1 package1 balloons (12 inch works better than 9) $1

$5 and I would be ready for the boys.  Thanks dollar store!!

I did a little prep work first.

Tied each end of the balloon and then snipped a little off the wide end (to fit over the cup).

Cut the botton off each cup.

Then I assembled one shooter to make sure it would work ok.  Then, ready, aim....

FIRE!!!  They worked like a charm.  

At the scout meeting, the boys assembled the shooters, then we set up a little competition.  One was how many marshmallows could each boy get into the bucket in one minute.  Then next was who could shoot both a marshmallow AND pom-poms the furthest.  Prizes were awarded for both categories, and then we ended the night with a snack for each boy.

A couple of hints about working with the boys.  Take deep breaths and plan on having a cold beer when you get home.  But seriously...we meet at Jackson's school, turns out that when mini-marshmallows get stepped on they make a mess - that part might be better outside.  Having a couple of other dads help to wrangle kids was a HUGE help (thanks Dads!).  And mini-marshmallow did much better than pom-poms, so maybe next time add in bigger marshamallows.  

I learned this at the derby too, always take extra supplies for siblings and/or other dens because inevitably other kiddos want a piece of the crafting fun!  

It was a good night, I'm so glad to have made a contribution.  It's a good reminder that it takes a little planning to make these scout events happen.  To appreciate what scout leaders do, as in child rearing, it takes a village to have a healthy scout troop.  And I'm so glad I'm not a teacher, it's just not my strength.  

Derby Day

March 17, 2012 was our first ever pinewood derby.  The boys had done their research, had a plan, and put it together.  First was "cut night" at a den meeting in early March.  

 

Then there was sanding.  Jackson comes from a long line of quality sanders (OK, just me) thanks to my dad who only let me sand his wood working projects, never use other cool power tools.  And I had to sand and sand until it was a smooth as a baby's butt, but I digress, back to derby cars.  

After sanding, there was painting. 

I didn't appreciate the spraying of paint close to our cars, so Mike ended up creating a spray box.  There were several coats of base, then red and a stipe of black.  

And one very proud derby creator.  

Race day was long, we got there a smidge early to help set-up (although kuddos to our scout group - much of it was already done), then there was a dad and sibling race.  It's a chance to confirm the track is working well, the timing mechanism, etc.  And the kids loved seeing their dad's cars!

A couple of scout leaders get the cars ready at the top of the track (that's Jackson's car on the far right).

And the boys line up and watch the cars come down the track and cross the finish line.  

While other dens were racing, the boys carried there cars very carefully from the finish line back up to the starting line.  

And we had a craft for the boys - making clothes pin derby car neckerchief slides.  The boys painted them and made them their own.  They were a hit!

Jackson finished 18th out of 22 overall, and at the end he said he was proud he did so well on his first time out.  And of course I'm proud that he is proud.  

So the 2012 derby is in the books, and plans are already in the works for making next year's car even better.  Here is to doing your best.  

Mom & Dad Time

Mike & I planned a meet up in Vegas wtih friends.  Unfortunately the worse snow storm to hit Denver in 20 years happened and all flights out got cancelled, so our friends didn't make it.  

We had a great time in spite of the change of plans.  Nothing like grown up time.  Spa, black jack tables, Pink Taco and drinks make for a great weekend.  

And my favorite part of the weekend, returning home.  When the bus came down our street I ran to meet it, my feet pounding the pavement, my arms wide open to receive the biggest, tightest hug from my boy.  I'm a sucker for a reunion.  And grateful, so grateful to have time with my husband!

Cub scout chess

Learning chess at cub scouts.

Wolf trail complete

Last night the wolf pack completed their final achievement on the Wolf Trail. What a fun couple of months this has been. Turns out the wolf trail has a great combination of physical activities, arts and culture, patriotic, community focused, spiritual and 'boy' related. I had no idea and have been pleasantly surprised. I'm excited Jackson has accomplished this goal, the trail is a great way for Jackson to measure his progress.

Way to go Jackson!!!

Jackson's first phone call

Well it's happened - the phone has started ringing, and it's not for me anymore - it's for the young boy of the house.  

This afternoon at 4:43 pm, I picked up the phone as I normally do, by saying "This is Elizabeth" - not the most friendly, I realize, but's it's my cell phone and it's what I say.  On the other end of the line there was some stammering, some fidgeting, and I said "Hello?"  

This time, I heard a little himming and ha-ing.  I asked "are you calling for Jackson?"  

"Yes" came the little voice.  

"Who's this?"  I asked.

"Cameron".  

"Oh Hi Cameron, Jackson just went out to play.  Can I take a message?"

"Umm, I don't know."

"Do you want me to have him call you, honey?"

"Yes."

"Is your number 555-1212?"  

"Yes"

"Ok, I'll have him call you back.

"OK, bye"

I hung up the phone and smiled, chuckled, sighed, and of course remembered how my mom always said my friends that called me needed better phone manners.  Cameron had fine manners - I just caught him off gaurd.  

My husband who was standing right beside me didn't call me out on it this time, but he says I need to stop calling Jackson's friends "honey".  I probably do.  

I can't believe I have an 8 year old getting phone calls.  I can't believe I have an 8 year old who likes to sport a mohawk.  I can't believe I have an 8 year old.

December was a crazy blur

December comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.  I know it's not spring, and I probably have that lion/lamb thing all backwards, but it accurately represents how I feel.

I always look forward to Christmas.  I love the "magic" of it all, lights, a beautifully decorated home, doing things out of the ordinary and special for the holidays, and friends and family.  I have great anticipation for this time of year, so I'm full of energy and a to-do list a mile long.  And my December 26 I'm pretty done.  

This year is no exception, I had a great couple of weeks in early December when my energy was high, and then a super busy work load and feeling the need to create a fantastic holiday gets the best of me and I have a couple of rough days just before Christmas.  But it turns out by Christmas Eve when there is nothing left to do, or rather when everything is done whether it was how I had pictured it or not - I am content.  

This year my (future, official) brother-in-law gave me a boost in my joy when he asked Mike's sister Jennifer to be his forever and ever.  We were in on it from the before he popped the big question, when Joe called Mike to have "the talk".  When Mike called me with the news I cried (of course - that's what I do).  I'm so happy for them, they have lots of love for each other and take such good care of each other, they are blessed to have one another in their lives and now they'll have a piece of paper to prove it.  So two days before Christmas it was just the boost my Christmas spirit needed.  

So here is our holiday season in pictures.  

Creating the Advent Log is a MUST. 

Walking and knocking through a neighborhood with scouts for a community food drive.

Decorating Jackson's room with his tree and special ornaments.  I love putting the special winter bed linens on his bed and getting it all ready for him as a surprise when he comes home from school the first day after Thanksgiving.  He loves that too.

The scouts ran an Elf training course at one of our December meetings.  It was the cutest!!  They had to put on an elf hat, put a package in a big bag, run through someone's legs, put the package under a tree, eat a cookie, put a candy cane on a stocking, and run back to tag the next elf in.  The pack was split into two and they raced each other.  Fun!!

And then a fun little gift exchange (that included siblings - hence the little cutie next to Jackson).  One of the Den Leaders told the night before Christmas adding lots of "right" and "left" and the kids passed the packages all around the circle.  I love that one!

Of course somehow yet again we managed to find the perfect tree.  Happens every year amazingly enough.  

We traveled to the North Pole on the Polar Express.  Although since we recently drove to Vancouver, Canada and Jackson knows the North Pole is further than Vancouver, he seriously doubted how we could make it all the way there in about 30 minutes.  Ah the magic of the season.  

And then Christmas morning.  A giant basketball hoop just for this boy!  He was so excited!

Christmas was a joy.  We created wonderful memories with friends and family throughout the season.  We saw plays, we played games (Christmas-oploy), we watched movies (A White Christmas captivated Jackson this year).  There were crazy things too, like Grandma Sharon telling Jackson that Santa stored the hoop at her house, Jackson didn't believe her.  I was reminded that when I wrap the gifts early it makes me feel organized.  And a simple meal is really delicious on Christmas day.  

Merry Christmas 2011, and welcome to 2012!!