He's Been In It From The Beginning

Have you ever looked back at a time in your life, at all of the details, and seen how it has been beautifully woven into a masterpiece of something magical?  That has been my realization over these last couple of months.  I've sat here in awe, amazement, and -mostly- gratitude for the wonderful story that God has made out of our lives.  Not all of it was pleasant but every single detail of it was necessary to make us the people that we are today, the parents that we have become, and the family that we will be.

The important groundwork/foundation was the placement of wonderful, Godly men into Stephen's life in January of 2011 and this helped to re-establish his relationship with God.  That was pivotal for what happened next...

On April 19, 2011, Stephen was laid-off from a company that he had been with for 14 years.  BUT I was so very proud of him by how he was a leader for our family and knew that God was in control and had a plan for us.  The confidence in him still amazes me.

During his 9 weeks of unemployment, our then-8 year old received a birthday invitation.

Let me say now... we normally do not talk to our children about finances because we believe that a child should not be concerned about such things.  However during a time like this -family crisis- they do need to be aware.

Anyway.  Long story, short...

Isabel made her friend these adorable flip flops for her birthday.  They were inexpensive to make and her friends LOVED them!  Many started to request that she make them for their birthday gifts - even after Stephen was back to work.  She was having a ball designing and making them.  One afternoon in August, Isabel and I decided to try to sell them.  Would there be interest??  We do live in Florida and flip flops are an everyday, any event, all year long foot wear - so we were betting with good odds.  And so was invented, IsaFlops (get it, Isabel & flip flops)....

We set up a Facebook page and word spread like wild fire!  She quickly received so many orders that I had to step into the production line.  Truth be told, Stephen had to put on his working hat one busy night!

She attended craft fairs.

Had home shows.

And even made orders for weddings.

But one thing that was important to me and Stephen was to teach her to be a good steward with her earnings.  We took her to the bank and set up an account.  Then we taught economics 101:  profits, expenditures, donations etc.

We let her choose where she would donate a portion of her profits to and she chose a little girl, Jeimi, in Honduras that her troop had been supporting through Compassion International.

It was during this time that I received my calling, whisper in my ear, tug at my heart to go to Haiti.  For those of you that haven't heard this yet...

I just realized that the day that I was sitting in church, listening to the youth give their testimony about their missions trip to Haiti, and I was called to go, was THE VERY DAY that Sam was born.  WOW!  Tell me that is a coincidence!  Nope.  Just another thread of our masterpiece that was woven in at the EXACT moment it needed to be.

Our family talked a lot about my desire to go on the trip that was scheduled for February 2012.  However, I didn't take into account that we had just financially recovered from unemployment and Christmas had just hit the bank account - OUCH!  I had resigned to the fact that, as a good steward of our money, I would need to hold off on any trips.

In early January, Isabel approached me about the trip.  Wasn't I going to be leaving soon? 

No.  We just can't swing that right now. 

She nodded and walked away.

The next morning she approached me again...  What about my IsaFlops account?  I've been thinking.  Its a lot more important for you to go to Haiti than for me to buy something for myself.

I was speechless.  (and for me, that's saying something!)  I talked with Stephen that night and prayed about it for the next couple of days.  Finally, I decided to look at the account and see how much was in there and you know what???  It was within TWO dollars of what I needed to go.  Wow!  That was my sign!

So, on February 6, 2012, I boarded a plane and took off on a life changing journey - that my 8 year old daughter had paid for!!  Here's a video of my journey:

http://animoto.com/play/ozT13nlYWGndJrCd33Uo8A

My life and my family's life has never been the same since.  Of course, we didn't realize how much this would change us FOREVER!

He can meticulously and perfectly help us weave the fabric of our lives BUT ultimately, it is up to us whether or not we follow the path that God has laid before us.

What if I hadn't listened to His call to go to Haiti?  If Isabel hadn't followed the nudge at her heart to give freely?  If Stephen hadn't put his faith in me - that this is a calling for our family?

I would miss that opportunity to love, nurture and raise a child that God has ordained for Stephen and I.  Sam would never have a father, mother, sister and 2 brothers that love him and will call him their's - forever.  Isabel, Cole and Jack would miss out on the journey that will affect the adults that they will become one day.  I pray that they will ALWAYS decide to listen and follow the path that has been laid before them.

He never said it would be easy, but He promised it would be worth it!

Have you followed your calling?

We'll Always Have... Haiti

So my title is a little different from the famous line but the feeling is still the same... even though I am back here in Florida, I will always this amazing long weekend with a funny and cute-as-a-button baby boy.

As I said before, our flight was 6 hours late so we were fighting daylight when we arrived at Ruuska Village.  After our big 'Hello's' and introductions, we went up to the new roof-top dining area to eat.  My stomach was still all aflutter but my pint-sized date was very happy to pick up my slack and helped himself to half a bowl of my spaghetti.

The rest of the evening was spent visiting with the children and nannies.  Many of them LOVE to do hair.  And as it turns out... my hair needed to be braided.

This is me, half way through my make-over session.  We called it my 'Haitian Momma Hair'.

That first night -and every night- was heart-wrenching for me... this 15 month old baby was so independent that he didn't want me to hold his bottle or rock him to sleep.  He's so accustomed to doing it himself.  I didn't want to force the issue, so I would just lay him down and watch.  He would eye me curiously - probably wondering why I was just standing there staring at him.

Nap times were also a struggle - for me, not Sam.  I would begrudgingly lay him down for his naps every day.  As much as I wanted to play and snuggle 24/7, this little man still needed his sleep.

Saturday was our day around the Village (orphanage).  Sam loved this freedom of being able to explore everywhere.  Until they are able to walk independently, the youglings are corralled in play pens, walker, or strollers.  There are many reasons for this... safety for the child, they get FILTHY in the rocks and sand that make up the ground, and often times the nannies are busy cleaning and cooking.  It might not be ideal here in the US but it is still a pretty good living for a child in Haiti.

Sunday was VERY eventful for us!  We woke up early and got ready for church.  Our church has helped Ruuska Village establish and build a church that is open for all whom want to come.  What a blessing this has been to their community!  I was so honored to be able to attend one of their services.  It was beautiful!

Although we were dressed the part, Sam wasn't feeling the whole sit-here-for-a-couple-of-hours-listening-to-a-sermon thing - sounds a lot like his brother, right?  So he and I walked to the other part of the property, where several of the men from our church were diligently finishing up the roof on the church's permanent structure.  Sam loved to just sit there and watch all of the action.  He's such an observer!

During his nap, several of us went on a tour of Port Au Prince.  In my other visits, I had not seen the Presidential Palace or the 'roughest' part of Haiti called Cite Soleil (even though I kept on calling it Circus Soleil, there were not ANY similarities - trust me!)  The palace had just been recently demolished since it had sustained heavy damaged in the earthquake.  As we passed through Cite Soleil, it was a jaw-dropping site.  The kind of tent/shanty village/city you see in all of those documentaries and commercials on 3rd world countries.

I wish that these pictures were scratch 'n sniff because the smell is indescribable.

We stopped by several roadside vendors in our journey.  I was able to purchase several canvas paintings that I hope to auction off at an adoption fundraiser.  Here is one of the paintings, such talent!

That evening, we went to a local lodge that has a pool and restaurant.  Its a great place for missionaries to go take a break and relax.  The pool is always a big hit because, well, we haven't taken a real shower for several days - just sayin.  I was very excited to put Sam into his little swim trunks and take him in.  As I set him on the side of the pool, he laughed and loved to put his toes in the water.  That joy quickly changed when he realized that I planned on taking him INTO the cold water.  We lasted long enough to wash cool off.  I quickly warmed him up... oh I loved the snuggling!

Our food soon arrived and all 22 of us had a wonderful time of fellowship.  It was during dinner that Sam actually said, 'Momma'.  I got the attention of those seated near us and he said it again - 2 MORE TIMES!  My heart melted!!  I believe he wrapped me around ALL of his tiny little fingers with those 3 words.

That night, I watched him fall asleep - knowing that it would be our last night sleeping under the same roof for awhile.  I was mentally preparing myself for the day ahead of me.  Actually, I had been preparing myself for several weeks.  I knew the joy that would come with meeting him but was also anticipating the heartbreak of having to leave him.

That morning, I gathered all of his belongings.  They fit into one plastic bag.  Could you imagine ALL of your child's belongings fitting into one bag?  Anyway.  I made sure that his new 'Sam' shirts were on top, so I could show his nanny - Ecefi - his name and try to explain 'Sam Davidson' to her.  Being that she doesn't know English, I don't think I was successful in explaining my desire for his name.  Oh well.

I went by myself and set his bag down in the 10x10 room he shares with his nanny and 3 others.  I turned around to see Ecefi standing outside of the little building.  She smiled and held open her arms.  I literally ran over to her and squeezed her with trembling arms.  I sobbed.  I had promised myself that I would hold it together but it looked like I was loosing that battle.

I was able to gather myself -a bit- and returned to our room where my roommate, Mary, was enjoying her last Sam moments too.  For the next 1/2 hour, I cherished ever second that we had together.  I tried to focus on the fact that this was just 'good bye for now.'  I was doing really good with that too - until it came time for me to let go of him.  Sam clung to me and started crying.  My heart broke and I joined him in his tears.  I kissed him on his head and prayed that the Lord would give us both the strength to get through this.  I wanted to find a way to let his little 1 year old heart know that I wouldn't leave him, if I had the choice.  But there was no way... I was Momma and I was now leaving him.

I was very thankful for a young lady staying at the orphanage.  She came over, assured me, and then took him out of my arms.  It was sort of like pulling a band-aid off.  Its going to hurt bad, so you might as well do it fast.

I piled into the van with the rest of our 16 person team.  The conflict of emotions that I had on that slow drive out of the village was INTENSE.  As we all said good-byes to the children and nannies from the van's windows, I saw Sam still crying.  I wanted so badly to climb out of the closest window and go cradle that precious child that has a hold on my heart.  At that same moment, I was eager to return to his sister and brothers (and daddy too!)

What happened next was AMAZING... on our way to the airport, I had this calm come over me.  This voice whispered to my heart that this baby was in God's hands and his angels would watch over him while I couldn't.  I'm certain that this strength came to me from the many family and friends that were praying for us that day - knowing that our good-byes would not be easy.  I thank each and every one of you for sending me peace and strength in a time that I had none and really needed it.

I am so thankful for this journey that we have been sent on.  We are thankful for this child that God has deemed us worthy of loving and raising.  I look forward to our future visits to Haiti and to Sam and, even more, to the time when he is able to come back with us.  For now, we will always have Haiti.

Hi, I'm your mommy

I knew this day was coming.  I had been mentally preparing myself for the first time I got to hold my new son... but nothing can quite prepare your heart and soul for the avalanche of emotions you feel when you see, hold, and kiss YOUR child for the first time - whether its physically giving birth to them or not.

Last Friday morning started out at a feverish pitch.  Half of our missions team had traveled down to Miami the night before our flight, in hopes on getting a better nights sleep (normally we meet at our church at 2:30 am for the drive to Miami International.)  This ended up being a lost on me - being that my mind wouldn't stop racing for me to be able to sleep!  We met up with the rest of our group at 5:30 am in front of the Insel Airlines terminal.  However, we soon learned that our 8:30 flight had been delayed to 1:30 pm for mechanical problems.  UGH!  My chest constricted and my heart sank.  All I could think of was that I was losing five hours with Sam.

But all was still OK.  After all, the flight wasn't cancelled.  Right?

Our group quickly set up camp close to one of the handy, new airport phone-charging stations for our 5 hour wait.  We ate, drank coffee, played on our phones, ate AGAIN - anything to pass the time.  FINALLY, our boarding call came.  I was blessed to have a fellow team member sitting beside me.  She was an awesome support system for me as I was a bundle of nerves - a mixture of 50% laughing excitement and 50% crying emotions.  I'm pretty sure that the Haitian gentlemen sitting on the other side of me thought I was 100% crazy!

We had the normal organized mayhem of finding our luggage at the Port Au Prince airport - all 32 bags of humanitarian aid.  It still amazes me to see how we manage to stuff get 32 large duffel bags, 16 people with their carry-ons and two drivers into 2 vehicles.  We are QUITE the sight!

During our drive to the orphanage, I had talked with the ladies in our group about getting pictures or video of Sam meeting me.  However, those plans flew out the window upon our arrival... 

There is always a flutter of commotion once you get to the Village (the orphanage).  The bags need unloading, Barbara comes out to greet everyone and give room assignments, and children swarm around the new arrivals.  Me?  I made a beeline to the opposite side of the orphanage.  I knew that is where Sam's room was and I NEEDED to get there now - like I needed the air in my lungs.  As I was approaching the building, a young girl looked at me and said, "Davidson?"  I believe I may have yelled, "YES!" to her.  She went running to the room and I was close behind.

The metal, security doors on the houses are open during the day and curtains cover the doorways for privacy.  As I stepped onto the front porch, Sam's nanny -named Ecefi- stepped out from behind the curtain holding a child.  My child.  The face I had been dreaming of for the past 2 months.

She smiled warmly at me and said, "mama?"  All I could do was give a slight nod and then she handed him to me.  I was trembling and crying - happy tears.  We all shared a joyous laugh and huge hugs.  Sam was eating a roll that was as hard as a rock - but he was thoroughly enjoying it since he is getting in several new teeth - and he didn't grasp at all that our worlds had just been rocked FOREVER.

I stood on her front porch for several minutes, soaking him in.  His long fingers, growing hair, incoming teeth, and big gorgeous eyes.  As I started to make my way back through the village, with my son in my arms, it dawned on me that I had left my 'camera crew' behind.  I had run off and left them.  In hindsight, I'm quite ok with our first picture being AFTER I had dried up the waterworks.  

...besides, we had a whole glorious weekend for pictures!! 

Off to the Haitian Consulate We Go!

The first step in the adoption process is to get together your Dossier (that's a fancy term for folder of paperwork.)  I was told that is takes about 3 months to gather the necessary documents - and from the stack of paperwork that is on my kitchen table right now, I see why.

                                           My pile of paperwork after making copies at Office Depot

See what I mean?

Anyway...

I was really wanting to deliver our dossier in person and knew that we had about 1 1/2  months to gather said documents.  For those of you that know me, I can be quite determined when I have goal.  Just ask our friends about my determination to not loose a golf-cart race at Fort Wilderness Camping... just sayin'.

Since early-mid December, I have been focusing on my goal.  Finally, I was victorious last week when I made the journey to Orlando.  This last item on our dossier to-do list was to have certain, important documents 'stamped' at the Haitian Consulate.  It basically is a Haitian Notary for the documents.

The papers that I needed to have stamped arrived via FedEx around 10:30 in the morning and we were headed out the door a little after 11.  Yes, I was slightly determined to have this completed ASAP.

I herded the children into the car for the hour and 20 minute drive.  I even won extra credit points that day because Cole took his schoolwork with him to complete on the way - bonus!  The drive was uneventful but the natives started getting restless right before we arrived.  I didn't think that it would take too long and promised them all lunch AFTER we were done.  Turns out, that might have been a bad call - bonus points lost!

I had called the Consulate that morning to make sure that I had everything I needed - don't want to go all the way there without my ducks in a row!  As we were walking up to the building, I was giving 'the talk' to older kids about being on good behavior.  The moment we walked into the office, the receptionist called out, "Hello Mrs. B."  Apparently, there weren't too many non-Haitians coming into the Consulate that day.  She showed us to the waiting area and the older two were enthralled with all of the Haitian pictures, writing and people around us.

Jack, however, was not thrilled.  He had been strapped into a car seat for the last hour and 20 minutes and was NOT happy with sitting in the stroller.  He wanted to stretch his legs... for Jack, that means to R U N.  I believe he sat in the stroller for 3 minutes.  Maybe.  I was now trying to wrangle hold a very squirmy Jack, while listening to instructions from the Consulate receptionist that was kindly walking us back to the office.

 I don't know HOW he does it but Jack is like trying to hold a cat that doesn't want to be held.  Know what I mean?  It feels like one of those toy plastic tubes that have the gel on the inside and keeps slipping through your fingers.  He has such hidden talents. 

There were two ladies that share the office we were led to... and it wasn't that big to begin with!  I stumbled my way into the office with my little B's following suit.  The lovely Haitian ladies eyed each other cautiously.  I think they had a sixth-sense that my children were ticking time bombs.  To be fair - only one of them was an explosive bomb.

This turned out to be the LONGEST hour and a half process of my life!  After Jack coughed directly at one of the women -seriously, she flinched and I don't blame her- I ended up putting the offspring into the small 'holding room' that was beside the office.  I spent my time checking on the process of the paperwork and putting a lid on the ruckus that Jack was causing.  At one point, I came out of the office to find Jack in a standstill run...  his legs were going but Isabel had a hold of the back of his shirt.  All the while, he was screaming like a banshee.  Yes, my son has a healthy set of lungs.

I was a sweaty mess by the time I was handed our completed, Haitian stamped documents.  YAY!  I even took a break from the mayhem and asked the two -cooperating- children to smile with the Haitian flag that was in the waiting area...

What you don't see, is the little two year old that had taken this opportunity to help himself to the water cooler.  Oh, the fun never stops.

At the end of the day, I was questioning my sanity - and parenting skills - when I looked back at the events and appreciated the nuggets of awesomeness that God had placed in it...

One of the directors of the consulate had pulled me aside at one point (thankfully at the only time that Jack was content in my arms) and gave me her number, telling me that she would be available to us for anything that Sam or our family would need.  It was during this conversation that a woman, sitting in the waiting room and over-hearing us, came over and hugged me.  She was crying and said, "God bless you for taking care of His children."

After leaving the consulate, I treated the kids to Burger King (something my stomach later regretted) and the woman that took our order was Haitian.  It seems that I have become accostumed to the accent and picked up on it quickly.  She and I had a lovely drive-thru conversation - I even pulled out pictures of my new little man.  Then I made a quick stop at the Bass Pro-Shop.  A young man was very diligently trying to sell me a vacation-something.  After I tried to tell him three times that I wasn't interested, I finally said that we were in the beginning stages of an adoption and our funds were tied up right now.  His jaw dropped.  He came out of 'salesman mode' and then told me that his mother had adopted him and followed it up with 'God Bless You.'

Yes, He had my day overflowing with the good, the bad, the ugly, and the AWESOME!  I love motherhood!

Kids, We Need To Talk....

"Kids, we need to talk to you about something"...

This is how Stephen started the conversation with our two oldest children, when we told them about the adoption.  Both had just finished brushing their teeth and getting ready for bed.  Jack (our 2 year old) was already in the land of nod.  Honestly, I didn't even know that we were going to be talking with the children about it because I wasn't even sure if Stephen was ready to take that step forward.  I was leaving it up to him to when our family would take that leap.  As I said before, he needed to be 100% on board.

Well in that instant that he said those words, my head jerked around to his direction and I believe my jaw hit the floor.  Stephen just gave me this small smile of acknowledgement.  Yes, we are about to go to the point of no return.  Keep in mind, we hadn't really talked about this with many people.  We just asked our small group and some close friends to pray for us, that we would follow what God's will is for our family.  Stephen and I both knew that once the children knew, there is no turning back for us - as it was almost a given that the kids would be stoked and very-much-on-board.

The children, however, were in a frozen state of fear.  They had no idea what was about to come out of their daddy's mouth.  Cole said, "are we moving" and Isabel quickly followed that up with, "mommy, are you going back to work?"  Well, I guess we now know what each of their fears are??  We put them out of their miseries with a fast 'NO'.  

Stephen took a deep breath and continued  - 'mommy and I have been talking and praying about something for a long time and want to talk to you both.  How would you feel about our family adopting a baby from Haiti?'

After a quick breath of relief, they erupted in a unison YES! 

Then the flurry of questions started.  Isabel: Can we adopt a boy?  Cole:  When can we get him?  Isabel:  What is his name?  Cole:  Who is he?  Isabel:  How old will he be?

Stephen and I slowly started going through all of the questions with them.  When we got to the question of WHO, we showed them some pictures of little boys that we knew were waiting for their forever home at the orphanage.  Right away, Cole fell in love with our Sam.  

Then the serious talk took place.  We needed to make sure that they understood the level of commitment we were making...  

1.  Our family would need to make some financial cut backs for the foreseeable future.   We were going to have to make decisions based on the financial obligation we have to this child and bringing him home.  This could impact vacations, gifts and possibly extra-curricular activities.  -Check 

2.  Our decision right now is a life long commitment.  Even when our children are grown, he will always be their brother, our son, family.  'This little boy's children would one day be your nieces and nephews', is how we worded it for their level and understanding.  -Check

As we continued talking and looking at pictures, I noticed that Cole had run from the room.  He didn't seem upset but I wondered where he had gone.  He quickly returned, but he was now holding his piggy bank.  My little boy, all of 7 years old, came up to me, handed me his piggy bank and said, "take this and use it for the adoption.  It's not much but I've been saving it for something special and this is VERY important."  Wow.  My middle child.  My wild child.  He had just said two sentences that completely made every question and concern I had go from my heart and mind.  Oh the water works started and I was done for the night.  

We hugged them tight and kissed them good night.  Yes, we were a family with a shared vision and plan.  Was it daunting?  Extremely!  But we knew we were in this together and united for the long road ahead.

The Journey of Your Donations

Every wondered what happens to the humanitarian donations you give to Ruuska Village - the orphanage that our church sends missionaries to and where Sam is?  So many of you have generously donated food and baby items to me or fellow members of our church.  I want to show you where, how, and to whom it goes to.

                                        Donated Peanut Butter from my Father-in-law's Church... AWESOME!

It first starts with a nudge or a tug on your heart.  That feeling that this is something I need to do.  That's always followed up the that pivotal moment of:  am I going to or not.  I personally believe that every donation -no matter to what organization- becomes a blessing to both the giver and the recipient.  The donated gifts are often times given to a missionary and that is the last that you see of it, but now you will see the rest of the journey...

For every missionary traveling to Haiti, we are able to pack two 40 lb bags full of goods (formula, diapers, peanut butter, canned good, etc).  The airlines allow each person to check these two bags and then we are able to have one carry-on and one small backpack. Keep in mind, this means that we pack all of our personal belongings into the carry-on bags only.

Usually, our groups are pretty large.  My first trip had 15 members.  That means that we strolled into Miami International Airport with 30 large Army duffel bags - this is after our 3 hour drive south at 2:30 am.  We look like quite the Motley Crew.  As we check into the airlines (usually American Airlines or Insel) each person takes 2 of the bags with them up to the counter.

Then the 1 hour and 40 minute flight to Haiti...

                                                Our first glimpse of Haiti, as we are flying in

Once in Haiti, we are taken to the temporary baggage claim building - the original airport suffered extreme damage in the earthquake and is still under construction.

When we have located all of the bags, the FUN part begins.  Ruuska Village arranges for a driver to be there to pick us up.  We hustle past the sea of baggage handlers that are looking for tips for helping travelers with their luggage.  And then we load our 30 Army bags into the back of a pick-up.  Its quite the sight and I don't think that the FDOT would approve.

                                             The bags are tied to the back of the truck with rope

Us passengers load into the back of a tap tap (the Haitian equivalent of a taxi) for the 30 minute drive to the orphanage.

We have arrived at our destination!

As soon as we arrive, the bags are unloaded and they are taken to the Food Depot.  The Food Depot is a room lined with shelves.  This is where all of the items that will be given to the children and women are stored.

At times it looks completely full, but it only lasts that way for less than a week - then its close to bare shelves again.

Barbara - the American woman that has been the sole director for 20-something years - has designed a system where the women of the village come to the depot to receive their rations. The women line up outside of the food depot for their rations with big tubs for collecting their goods in.  Diapers and formula are common but there are periodic items like deodorant, shampoo, salt, matches and such.  It looks quite chaotic to us but you quickly start to see the method to the madness.  These tubs are also used to wash clothes, dishes and children in.  Handy huh?

                                                     
These women are the nannies that are hired by the orphanage to care for the children.  They live in the orphanage. Each is assigned a room and has about 3-4 children with them.  The nannies are responsible for feeding, bathing and caring for these beautiful children until they go to their forever homes.

And there it is!  The whole process.  From God's tug on your heart to the delivery of goods to these needy children.  Thank you for taking the time and money to show your love -and God's love- to His children!  And thank you, as a mommy, for helping give those babies food in their bellies, a dry diaper, and smiles!

And we're off to the races!

So this isn't adoption related, but it was a funny story!

As many of you know, Cole is in Cub Scouts.  He's what they call a Wolf (2nd grade) and he really enjoys all that scouts has to offer.  This time of year, the cub scouts hold their annual Pine Wood Derby races.   Every boy makes a race car out of wood and they race these cars down a large ramp that is about 30 ft long.  They even have computerized timing set up on each lane to see which car is the fastest.  I am told that our pack likes to spare no expense and go all out!  That sure makes things fun for us.

Many boys spend all year long perfecting their cars:  sculpting, painting, and polishing the axles.  The scouts have very specific requirements for these cars.  They have to be within certain length, height and weight limits.  Unfortunately, our family has not yet gotten to the place that we prepare for this evening fun in advance.  I do believe that Stephen started this process the weekend before... AND he had two to complete help make because siblings are able to join in the fun too!

Cole chose to make a mining cart - this coming from the game Mine Craft.  Isabel started out wanting to make a surf board car but this was later mended to a skate board (apparently they are easier to sculpt with the limited power tools we possess). 

The morning of the races, we still needed to paint the skateboard and glue the accessories onto both carts.  Here is Cole's gem mining cart drying.  There is a comb underneath it to angle it towards the heater that I had blowing at it to aid in drying it faster.  There are beads (gems) drying in good ol' Elmer's glue.

Isabel's 'Skating Serpent' was ready for action!  She cut the wood with Stephen's drill, painted, and glittered it herself.  It's a cool skateboard, right?

I thought Cole's mining cart was quite an ingenious idea.  He even put one of his lego mine rock monster to sit in it.  I didn't take pictures of the finished product because I was waiting to take a picture of him in his Cub Scouts uniform with his car at the race.  The best laid plans.....

Stephen took the older two kiddos to the church, where his pack meets, ahead of me because Jack and I were driving my car - Jack often gets DONE with pack meetings way before they are completed and we make a hasty exit before things turn ugly.

Anyway.

When I arrived at the church, I was greeted with Stephen and Cole huddled over one of the tables, working at a feverish pace.  Apparently, Cole's car was too heavy... WAY TOO HEAVY!  Stephen was having to chisel parts of the sides off, take out the Lego guy, and even drill holes in it to try and make it lighter.  He even enlisted the help of a fellow dad to hammer off one of the ends of the carts.  OH THE CARNAGE!  Wood pieces and gems were flying everywhere.  This was taken after some of the sides had been chiseled.

Cole handled it well and even resigned himself to the possibility that Isabel's car would be entered in his place as our 'family' derby car.  In the 11th hour, after much sweat, and as they were closing the car registration table, his car weighed in at exactly the max weight.  HALLELUJAH!  I do believe I heard Stephen mutter something about finding the nearest beer about this point.
 
Both kids had a blast racing their cars in their groups.  But it became quite obvious that they were not the fastest cars on the track and Jack was reaching his time limit so he and I headed home.  Baby boy was making a scene and needed his bed.  Fast.

When the rest of my crew got home, I was told that indeed their cars were not in the finals.  HOWEVER, they do have awards for 'superlatives' and Cole's now-train-wreck-of-a-car won the 'Most Unusual Car Award'.  He even got a trophy!  He was the toast of his own little town - and I think Daddy was quite proud too.

Here is the result of our wild night at the races:

Notice all of the willy-nilly drill holes.  *Sigh*  It really was quite the masterpiece at one point but what a story it now has!