Soggy Service Project

Alexander is just loving being a Cub Scout! He has been working hard on earning his badges. This afternoon the Cub Scouts had a Soggy Service Project.

The soggy part wasn't intended although the invitation did say "Rain or Shine" and it was definitely rain! I have to admit I was less than enthused about the wet weather but who was I to complain? I wasn't the one getting rained on (well... for a bit at the end). The kids had a fun time raking leaves for one of the ward members. I think the rain is actually what will make this event even more memorable! When Alyssa and I returned from our grocery shopping we counted 18 bags out front and many more in the back. There were many piles of leaves that didn't get a chance to get bagged in the backyard due to time limitations and pouring down rain at the end!

We picked up some cookies while shopping and shared it with the Scouts at the end. Although I must say I was totally grossed out at the fact that they were

touching the cookies with their FILTHY DIRTY hands! Grant was the only man after my own heart who took the two cookies into his mouth and wouldn't touch them with his hands.

On the way home Xander said, "This is the most fun I have had in a long time!" I am so grateful for the Scouts program and the leaders who work so hard to help the boys serve others and become better young men!

The Motley Crew

Collin, Joshua and Xander

It's done!

After what felt like forever I have finally finished the picture for my living room! It really brings the punch that the room needed. I saw a really great picture which I could not afford and to me that is like a challenge- well I could do that! So with some convincing from my sister and lots of orange paint (it is 48x60) I set out to recreate the picture. Paul was a great help too with the projector set up and initial tracing. I started it in October when life was so crazy and some weeks I barely touched it but, I finally finished it yesterday! Now I have my dining room table back and a huge picture for my living room. Well that is until I start my next project...

What life's all about

A&A 4th of July 2003

As I sat at the computer this afternoon trying to catch up with all of the things that transpired at church today Xander comes up to me and says, "MOM I haven't given you a hug ALL day!" Followed by a huge bear hug! Now that is what life is all about receiving love back from those you love most!

You, and the rest of the world

Last night the kids and I did a quick family home evening lesson together. I must admit that I am pretty bad about FHE. We read our scriptures most every night, but fall short in the FHE area. I am so glad that we did it because this morning the kids asked if every Tuesday night we could have family home evening? And they said what a great time they had! It was mostly due to the game that we played at the end-Fruit Basket Upset- which is very hard to play with 3 people,

but we made it work!

The lesson was on Individual worth and likened different fruits to different people. Just because one is different doesn't make it any less important in the eyes of God.

In the story part of the lesson it spoke of a father giving advice to his son, "Young man, I want you to realize that this world is divided into two great groups—

you, and the rest of the world."
"Regardless of what the rest of the world does,

it cannot save you;

and regardless of what the world does,

it cannot destroy you.

It is what you do

yourself

that determines what is going to happen,

whether you are going to be loved and respected and happy and successful while you are living here, and whether or not you are going to meet your Heavenly Father the way you would like to meet him."

As I was pondering over this today and how it fits into the political scheme of things I still remain optimistic about the future. I am grateful for the many opportunities I have each day to make the world a better place...loving my family, saying kind words, having family home evening...The world cannot save me or destroy me I am the only one who determines that!

A surprise lunch date!

I had a surprise lunch date today! I didn't think that we would get together until sometime next Spring and then the opportunity arose and I took it!

My lounge chair and I had a fabulous lunch in the bright beautiful SUNSHINE! What a treat it was to bask in the sunshine on my deck in early November. I had to convince myself several times to get my butt up and get something done so that later on when the kids got home we could play outside! I hated to come in because who knows when this opportunity will come again. Well I'm off to finish chores and then maybe a quick visit with my good friend again! Enjoy the day!

The moments in between...

As I was meandering my way through the back country road to the grocery store I was appreciating how there are still beautiful Fall leaves on the trees, the yellow and burnt orange are a nice contrast and that I am glad it is only just barely November.

Then I pull up to the store and outside is the Salvation army guy with the red bucket and ringing bell. "WOW," I say to him, "You're early aren't you?" " Nope the first of November for the past 5 years that I have done this."

I go into the store and what do I hear piping through the speakers? Christmas music! Hey I love Christmas music I always start playing it the DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING! As I go up and down the aisles my eyes are bombarded with clearance Halloween, Thanksgiving baking items and tons of Christmas things.

Mind you I am not bah humbugging I am merely asking why we have to rush through everything just to get to the next thing? Do we stop and enjoy the journey? Do we take time to seal the small moments in time? Or are we just getting from one thing to the next barely coming up for air in between? That is the way October felt for me. I had 4 major things strewn out throughout the month and I felt like I was just wishing to get to the next thing and not enjoying the moments in between.

So today I am appreciating the Fall leaves, that it is still AUTUMN and especially the fact that I have about 8 weeks left until Christmas! Because I am SO not ready!

November

November is already upon us!

This month I am going to try very hard to realize and appreciate how blessed I am in my daily life. I am sure that there are many things that I have to be grateful each and everyday I just need to not let those things be overshadowed by the things that I am NOT grateful for!

Today I didn't go to church because I am sick. Thankfully this all came about AFTER the program last Sunday and continued on throughout the week. As I woke up this morning I was filled with gratitude that this was NOT the way I woke up last Sunday. It would have made such an important day so difficult!

The kids and I took some time to go over their Faith in God booklets. In this booklet the children participate in activities that help them develop- gospel habits and a variety of areas such as serving others, developing talents and preparing themselves to be young men/women.

We looked up a few scriptures and discussed how they apply to our lives and their understanding of these scriptures.

I am so grateful for inspired gospel programs that help us lead and guide our children in these tough times.