A Few of My Favorite Things

Arrow of Light

Logan earned his Webelos badge as well as his Arrow of Light.

Since I had just helped go over the Scout Oath and Scout Law this morning with Logan he definitely knew it the best to repeat it in front of everyone.  I had no idea the boys would be asked to repeat them tonight but man am I glad I reviewed them with Logan this morning.  

He did a wonderful job!!

So basically in all reality, I earned my Webelos and my Arrow of Light......LOL!

It sure takes a lot of mom help to get scout badges.  I would think this was a "dad sport" but in our house it's not.  And I think that is fairly typical.  Unless you just have that one dad that loves scouting.

It is no secret, I DO NOT love scouting!!! But I do love Logan and I want him to succeed at what he is interested in.  So as his mom I will try to be on top of things and help him get things done.  

Right now Logan has a wonderful scout leader, Angela Paull, who really did a lot to make sure all these boys received both awards.  I am so grateful for her and all that she puts in to her calling!

I have experienced the difference between a good scout leader and a not so interested scout leader..........and that difference is HUGE!

So cool that they are awarded the Arrow of Light with such honor.  This is the only cub scout badge that can also be worn on their boy scout uniforms.

Way to go Logan!!!

We are so proud of you!

#lighttheworld

We have really been enjoying the #LighttheWorld campaign the church has started this Christmas season. Today's challenge was to heal the sick. We talked about lots of things we could do to be more Christ like and to heal the sick. The kids came up with the idea to go buy some stuffed animals and donate them to Dylan's toy box at the Emergency Room. 

Look at those cute stuff animals. They are bound to make several kids smile a little. Those look like some pretty happy boys if you ask me! 

The kids got to go back in the ER and put the stuffed animals in the Dylan's toy box themselves. That was awesome!  Our good friend Isaac Rogers was working in the ER that night which made the experience even better. The kids loved seeing a familiar face while at the hospital. 

#healthesick #lighttheworld

Basketball Season is Upon Us

This year it seems as though EVERYONE on the team grew... 

With the EXCEPTION of Hunter!

It's funny but sad at the same time.

Last year he had at least one of his teammates close to his height.  This year not so much!

We can already tell that Hunter is going to get even less playing time this year.  Not going to lie, it's not easy for Hunter.  But on the flip side, he is learning a great deal more than just how to play basketball by being on this team.  He is really having to develop his character and learn to have a good attitude in spite of unfairness.  

I think its good for him and will really benefit him in the long run.

I will say Hunter's class is the BEST!!!

They really support each other.  They made shirts and everything!! These girls came to the boys tournament that took up all Saturday morning.  

That is pretty AWESOME in my book!!!

Love my #3!

I have to be proud of Hunter.  I don't think there are very many 13 year old boys that would keep getting up at 4:30 in the morning for basketball practice when they don't get to play.

He knows its just because of his height that he doesn't get much playing time.  It's frustrating in one sense because there is nothing in his power to change that.  But at the same time, we are trying to remind him that he just needs to keep at it if he likes the sport because he will eventually get a growth spurt.  He might always be the short one but he won't be this short forever.

It is fun to watch these boys play.  A few of them are seriously really good ballers!

Light Parade

It's no secret that I love this time of year!  It's crazy busy for sure, but I love it!  The Light Parade is my most favorite parade of the year. The kids always dance before the parade starts. These are the things that make it feel like the holidays for me. 

This is Hunter and his group. They did awesome tonight!!

Kiersten always look breath taking on stage!!!  Hallie Shupe did a fabulous job as Santa! 

Logan and his group were so cute!!

It was chilly but not one of the coldest light parades we've sat through. I love all the lights, the marching bands and of course.....

The big guy in red!  Santa ends the parade. It was a fun evening!  We always end it by eating at Casa. But tonight no one was in the mood for Mexican. So we opted to take the kids to the Brainding Iron, the Grill on the Hill. The kids LOVED IT!!!  They wanted to know why we have never taken them before. It was kind of funny how much they liked it. Especially considering a couple of them just had grilled cheese. Apparently they make a mean grilled cheese....lol. Kiersten couldn't join us because she was being an angel in the live nativity. 

She had an exciting new busy night. With the light parade performance going until 5:55 and the first show of the live nativity starting at 6:00, that caused a problem. But not when your neighbors are in the same dances and their dad is a Highway Patrol. Stewart was so kind to give the girls a police escort from the light parade performance to the temple ground so that they wouldn't be late. Kiersten thought going that fast was crazy fun!! 

It was a fun night for everyone!  

Our Angel

Kiersten was thrilled to get chosen to be an angel for the Live Nativity at the temple this year. 

She danced beautifully!!!

Kiersten, Hallie and Tasia Shupe, and Fallon Cochran

All beautiful girls. The rest of these girls are either seniors or already graduated. Kiersten was excited to have this opportunity as a sophomore and hopes to be asked again. 

I love that we have this Live Nativity here in our valley at Christmas time. It brings such a sweet spirit and really starts the month of December of right. 

It wasn't hard for Kiersten to play the role of an angel. She pretty much is an angel most days of her life already!!  

    

I love this angel of mine!!!

So grateful for the opportunities dance has given this sweet girl of ours!

Christmas SURPRISE!!!

Every year we get the kids a new ornament for their trees in their bedrooms. It is usually something special that they've loved or participated in that year. 

 

They have no idea that what they are about to open will be more than just a fun ornament. It will tell them a HUGE surprise and where they will be spending their Christmas!

 

They were ecstatic to find cruise ship ornaments inside their bags!!!  Woot woot!!! 

There was a lot of jumping up and down and lots of questions filled with excited squeals of joy! 

It was priceless!! 

Well everyone but Ella Jane got a cruise ship ornament. She got some kitty ornaments. Justin talked me in to leaving Ella with both our parents instead of taking her on the cruise. He is right, she won't remember it, we will be able to do things much easier without her with us and she'll love all the attention from her awesome grandparents. 

Still going to be hard not to spend Christmas with her. But we are hoping Santa can come to our house a few days early. 

The kids were bummed that Ella isn't going, especially Kiersten. But when they found out it isn't any cheaper to take Ella even though she's only two and hardly eats anything, they understood why we are having her stay home. 

 

So we are going on a Mexican Riviera cruise over the Christmas break!!!  We are all so excited!!

Thank goodness for good parents who are willing to keep Ella and watch our house while we are gone. Puts our minds at easy knowing things are well cared for while we are away. 

Hunter said, "So basically we are getting tan and fat for Christmas!!" Hahaha....basically yes!