Ticket sales

Michael is an ambitious kid! He set a goal to sell 100 tickets for the Utah Scouting Expo and he did it! He collected $1,000 for the Boy Scouts. It was an exciting day at our house when we delivered the money to the Scout office because we all had a part in helping him sell tickets. 

At the Utah Scouting Expo, Michael received the top district salesman award. His award included a camp stove, a solar flashlight, a sleeping bag, a camping mat, and lots of other cool scout stuff that I can't remember but Michael was thrilled about!

He also received this carved walking stick for selling 100 tickets.

In addition, his commission paid his way to summer scout camp and he won this long board that has become his favorite mode of transportation :)

Nice work Michael! You rock!

Scaling back summer lists

Our first week of summer started with a bang! We went to Disneyland with Todd's family for his parents 50th wedding anniversary. It was a blast! More on that trip later.

On the drive home I was making a list of fun summer activities to do with the kids and mentally thinking of all the projects I want to accomplish (including staying caught up on this blog). Then,  I received a text asking me to meet with the Bishop the next morning. Suddenly I knew that I would probably need to scale back on my ambitious summer lists. I was right!

I've been released from my responsibilities in the Primary (children's organization at church) and I've been asked to be the Cub Scout Committee Chairperson. Seriously?! Me?! I'll be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed. However, the person that held the position before me did a fantastic job. I just hope to not mess up what she has done! I look forward to working with the Cub Scouts.  They are a great group of boys. If I can just get them all off to camp with health forms, permission slips, and chaperones, and plan a successful summer picnic for their families, I'll be doing well! Oh, and I also need to learn to track all of their badges and pins and buy their awards. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, I'll do my best to catch up on the blog.

Mother's Day 2014

I had a fantastic Mother's Day full of letters and loves and yummy food. After dinner, we played games as a family. After the kids went to bed, Todd and I looked at pictures and reminisced about our time in England. I am so blessed.

 These 5 are growing at an alarming rate. I love where we are right now. The thing is, I've loved every stage up to this point. But, time flies and I seem to be begging it to stop. Let me savor it all. I want each of them to grow and experience all the joys of life. I just pray for memories that will stick to my mind like glue cause I never want to forget Michael's brace-face smile each morning, or Benjamin's tight squeezes, or time spent chatting with Mary while I fix her hair each morning, or Luke's stories about Kindergarten or Sara's sweet baby breath. I am truly blessed to be a Mother.

Speaking of growing children, our baby is not a baby anymore. She is growing more independent each day. Lately she loves to get her own water. Puddles near the fridge are common these days :)

Mother's Day program

The Kindergarten presented a lovely program for their Mothers in May.  My child is in the center top row with both hands in the air (in case you missed him) :)

 Following the program Luke presented me with a beautifully colored Thank you heart card and some other priceless treasures.

 Then we went to the cafeteria to practice going through the school lunch line. I'm going to miss this kid like crazy next year when he's gone all day at school!

We ended the day with a visit to Luke's classroom so I could see where he created all of his masterpieces this year.

10th birthday party

Benjamin's birthday party this year included 5 of his friends. We had lunch and cake at our house followed by swimming and water basketball at the rec center. Happy Birthday Benjamin!

From Bear to Webelos

Benjamin received his Cub Scout Bear award the day after his 10th birthday.

 A silent shout for Benjamin!

 Way to go buddy! Here we come Webelos den!