Valerie is a born and raised Southern California girl. She is married and a stay-at-home mother to three wonderful blessings. Before her calling to homeschool, she wrote for public television, taught kindergarten, and was a live-in Nanny. She is currently Moderator of an International Yahoo GroupJust4homeschoolfamilies, The Heart Of The Matter online magazine; as well as Senior Editor of an monthly newsletter Words Of Encouragement.
Last night was a fun night. It was our AWANA grand prix. What fun! With both my boys competing this year, they were excited. They worked for weeks on the their little wooden cars. One painting their car yellow with gray stripes and the other painting his fire red. Dear ol "dad" helped polished the wheels and sand the rough spots... all weighing under 5 ounces.
The church where AWANA is held was decorated with racing stripes, streamers and the track. Loud music about fast cars played in the background and kids walked around with billboards around their chest advertising the price list for hotdogs and cotton candy. Excitement filled the air as more and more people began to show up for the event.
My boys thought for sure that their cars were the fasted and the coolest in the Nation. Special paint, granite and polished axles gave them that confidence. However, upon arrival we noticed that not all the kids did their own cars. There was a hand crafted "Super Dog" race car, a "Black Widow" race car, a "Fuseball" table race car, and even a "Fisherman in a boat" race car! It was obvious that parents had taken this race a little serious. Needless to say, we anticipated a little extra weight secrets hidden in these treasures, too. So, we watched as each car raced. Coming in Second, then third... being passed up every time by one of the specialty cars. Oh well. Yes, we did not win any "place" in the races nor did we win any "Best design" or "Clubber Choice" awards, but we had fun!!! The boys did not complain.
The evening ended with a little extra time with a toothbrush and a pep talk from Dad (I think he was most disappointed about loosing). My oldest son said he was going to try to pass an Awana law next year. Something to the effect that dads can help with the wheels, axles and assembly, but not with the design. Great idea. Of course, we agreed that he should give that proposal a shot. Many parents should of stood up their with their child for the trophies they received. Their handy work was amazing!!!
Of course, I think if it was "just mom" around this evening, I could have given the "Not everything is about winning" speech to the boys; but unfortunately I was out numbered by testosterone. I am slowly learning that in "guy-ville" it is all about winning.... at least in the pine-car derby.
