Grand Prix

Last weekend was a big event for the boys. Grandpa helped make pine derby cars for the boys. Really, he did most of the work. The boys get into the AWANA Grand Prix event. They even made their own Grand Prix here at home. I'll have to get pictures of that. Our church AWANA group really does this right. They have a digital track that records all the race times and then your name and speed are recorded and immediately put up on the screen as soon as the race is over.

They have an announcer and trophies and tons of excitement. There are three categories for trophies: one is for speed (of course), another for car style and another for costume (or, dressing like your car). This year Glen wanted to go for style and speed. Ryan went for costume and design. Will just wanted to win something. However, none of the boys won trophies. Not even second or third. A few times Ryan's car came in second, but his time didn't win overall.

Glen took this disappointment well, but Ryan and Will ended up crying for most of the morning and afternoon. I told them that when they do eventually win - and it may be few years - that the victory will be so much sweeter. Every year there's a family (who has 8 children) that always wins. There dad is also a cub scout leader and he's done so many of these races that he really has it down to a science. I guess to win for speed your car needs to look like a little thin cheese wedge.

We're new at this so I know eventually we'll get the hang of it. By the time Tristan is ready to race we'll be pros.

Christmas Treasures of the Heart

Christmas Straw

Encourage kindness and unselfishness in the family by starting the tradition of "Christmas Straw": First collect some straw and place it in a basket by the side of an empty little cradle or basket representing a manger. On the day you begin, draw names. Then during the days ahead, each person does a thoughtful deed each day without their recipient knowing it (like making his bed for him while he's in the shower or polishing her shoes while she's at work).

These little acts of kindness have nothing to do with money or "store-bought" gifts. Instead, they are ways of meeting the needs of others. They may include leaving a note of encouragement or making a treat.

Each time someone does a thoughtful deed, he gets to place a bit of straw in the manger. By Christmas Eve, Baby Jesus (a doll wrapped in a "swaddling blanket" or nativity character) has a cradle full of straw on which to lie.

The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another...in love.

We're definitely going to do this one. I think I'll go to Michael's today and get a bit of straw and a little wooden cradle. This reminded me of our Terry Family Mission Statement. The last thing (and most important) on the list says "Charity begins at home and is the key to household peace." I want our home to be filled with love and good deeds this Christmas. (Hebrews 10:24)