Missed It by That Much

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby. Our ward went their own way this year and invited all the activity days girls to participate. The girls were super excited and I think the boys were originally fine with the whole thing. That did seem to change a bit as the derby progressed and the girls started winning everything. But despite a few grumbles, the boys were good sports and took things mostly in stride. They had all the kids take their first four runs and then planned to narrow it down to the top 12 cars to do another round. Unfortunately, the first runs took longer than they had planned and they decided to take only the top 8 cars to the next round. But they didn’t make any kind of announcement to that end. Matthew’s car was in 9th place at that point and he was pretty anxious as they started the second round of runs and he did not have a place in the lineup. After awhile it became obvious that they had taken only 8 cars and Matthew was disappointed. I would have been disappointed too. Once the derby was over, I took Matthew to the store to buy some ice cream. As my older kids have discovered in the past, ice cream can help soothe a disappointment. Matthew made his entire car all by himself and I made sure to let him know how proud I was of that. Many of the cars obviously had a lot of grown up handy work, but he built his all on his own. And it was fast enough for 9th place. I’m super proud of him. He did perk up after awhile and was able to admit that he was proud of himself as well.

As a side note, the first and second place prizes went to girls as well as the prize for the slowest car. Of four winners, only one was a boy. 😐

Life's Lessons Aren't Always Easy

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby.  Daniel and Nathan have both spent the past week getting their cars ready.  Daniel was excited to race.  Nathan, having never done a derby before, wasn't sure if he was excited.  Rather than just having one winner for first, second, and third places, our troop opted to have three winners in each of three colors: blue, red, and white.  Essentially, they would have nine winners instead of only three.  When the boys got home after everything was over, Nathan informed me that he had tied for first place in the white category (that translates to 7th place).  He had not expected to win anything and was pleasantly surprised.  He was very gracious about it, not boastful or bragging.  I was pretty darn proud of how he handled a bit of success.

Daniel was disappointed that he didn't do better.  He was presented with a certificate for the most artistic car, but he was a bit upset.  For a kid who has been largely successful in his endeavors thus far, it was a bit tough not only not doing as well as he had hoped, but to have his little brother do better than he did.  Daniel is very used to doing things the other boys don't get to do and getting things they don't get.  It is just part and parcel of being the oldest.  But as the other boys get older, I'm afraid he's going to have to deal with not always being first in line for things.  And like everyone, he will learn that we don't always get to win.  And as his mother, I have to say that I think it is good for him to experience all the ups and downs that life has to offer.