Arrow of Light

On Tuesday Brady got his Arrow of Light. Great Job Brady!! We are so proud of you : )

They started the ceremony by talking about the things he had to do to get his Arrow of Light. This award is the highest that the cub scouts can earn.

They painted his face representing the Bobcat trail, the Wolf trail, the Bear trail, the Webelos trail, and finally the Arrow of Light.

Here he is getting the Arrow of Light and giving mom her pin and a big hug.

Then he had to cross the bridge from cub scouts the boy scouts. The other boys held up their neckerchiefs and he walked through them.

Then he was greeted by his boy scout leader (which happens to be his dad). Patrick didn't realize that he was part of the ceremony so he didn't wear his uniform.

Then Brady signed the bridge.

Awesome Brady. I can't believe you are old enough to be a scout.

Thanks for the nice evening.

Soccer Season

Soccer season has begun. It takes over our lives but I decided this year that I was just going to enjoy it. It won't be long until I miss going to their games.

This is Savannah's first year playing high school soccer. She has had four pre-season games and two real games. They have a good team. It's fun to watch this age because the girls are getting good.

Savannah has quickly found out that many of the teams will push , jab, elbow all they can get away with. Some teams just play dirty.

Savannah going after the ball.

A good push. Can you say foul?

Tanner and Brady are playing rec. soccer. I don't have any pictures of Brady yet but here are a few of Tanner.

Tanner is a really good goalie.

He just dives for the ball.

.........and gets it.

Go Tanner!

Pray for my Sister

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=12073652&hl=4

She hasn't come out of it yet.

Update - Just got back from the hospital. At about 9:00 she woke up and seems fine. She doesn't seem to have any brain damage that we know of. She has some broken bones in her face, lots of stitches, broken ankle, and broken leg. Really, she looks great for what she's been through. Sadly the guy she was with is in really critical condition and they don't think he'll make it. So Sad : ( My sister has no idea how lucky she is at this point.

The driver of the cab ran a red light and hit the scooter.

More:

Last night they said she didn't have a broken leg or ankle (they can't make up their minds). She has several face fractures around her eye sockets and a broken nose, a puncture wound in her foot, and a really sprained ankle. The guy she was riding with has passed away. His parents decided to donate his organs and Saturday they took him off life support. It has been so sad. Please pray for his family and friends. My sister will be released on Tuesday (she's hoping). It'll take a while but she's expected to make a full recovery.

I told her last night (Monday) that she must have some special mission to accomplish because she obviously had angles protecting her. It's amazing that she came out of this without any permanent damage.

Thanks for your prayers : )

Crazy Grandma Rodeo Queen

This is my mother on the 4th of July. Notice my Dad doing the commentary!

Go GRANDMA!!

Soccer

Savannah

For making the high school soccer team!

You're awesome!

Birthdays, Birthdays, and More Birthdays

WHEW!! We got through the month of July! We have four birthdays in July and with all the holidays and camp-outs it just about does us in (in a fun way)...... kind of.

Matthew

First to celebrate was Matthew. My baby turned 17. This was a hard year for me because life will be changing too soon and I don't like change. I can't believe that it won't be long until Matthew will be going on a mission. I don't feel that old. Where did the time go? Was I a good enough mother? Did I do my best to teach him what he needs to succeed in life? Hopefully good enough was good enough.

Matthew, I'm so blessed to be your mother. You have a calming affect on me. I'm so proud at who you've become. You're an awesome musician and come up with amazing compositions. You have insights that I have never thought of and a spirit that is so pure. I love talking and being with you. I've learned more from you then you'll ever learn from me. Happy Birthday!!

He wanted cereal for breakfast but he got this. We had already

bought him a box of cereal for his birthday. We rarely buy cereal so it's a treat when we get it.

He wanted cinnamon rolls and lots of ice cream.

Food is always a hit for a teenage boy. He also got a nice Schwinn bike but I didn't get a picture.

New ear buds.

A few of his friends came over while he was gone and decorated his car.

Here are a few of them.

We also went to the 3-D Toy Story movie.

Mom (Mary)

I don't know what my problem is but I don't like having birthdays any more. I really HATE getting older. We spent the day at homeschool park day ice blocking. It was fun. I didn't do my hair or makeup. That's how I was feeling. Later we had dutch oven Italian chicken and rice and peach cobbler and homemade ice cream. Matthew kept saying we needed to do something but I just wanted to stay home for my birthday (other then park day).

I rarely get to relax so it was nice.

Brady

Next came Brady's 11th birthday. This year was a friend party year. Brady loves birds and bird watching so we went to the Aviary. He loved it.

He picked crepes for breakfast and lasagna for dinner.

Brady, I can't believe you are getting so big. How can I slow time a little? Thanks for being such a great help with Justin. You are going to be a great father! I love how when you set your mind to something you go for it and accomplish whatever you set out to do. You are going to be a great artist. I love how you still like to hang out with mom. I love you! Happy birthday!

Yummy crepes.

Hmmmm......what should I wish?

Brownies and chocolate chip ice cream.

Brady guessing his present.

Pedometer

Brady enjoying swinging with his brothers on his birthday.

At the Aviary

Savannah found some accessories.

Justin found a peacock

feather. He carried it around hitting people with it.

Getting ready for the bird show.

The Blue and Gold Macaw was Brady's favorite in the show.

The barn owl was so cool.

Justin

Last but not least, Justin turned 1 on Friday. This year has gone so fast. My cute little chub is 1! Matthew and Savannah were at EFY on his birthday so we waited until Saturday to open presents and do cake. We took it easy on Friday and had ice cream with our friends the Es. Justin is such a cutie. He's walking around everywhere and loving the freedom: ) He learned to say meow this week (we just got a kitty). He also started saying no while waving his hands. He is so attached to mommy that it's been really hard. I can't even leave the room (or leave him with anyone else in the family) with out him getting really upset. He's a very happy baby as long as mom is around.

Justin, I'm so glad that we have you as part of our family. I thought I was done having kids but I can't imagine my life without you. You bring so much happiness to everyone in our family. I love your wet little kisses and your chubby hands wrapped around my neck. Thanks for helping me remember what is important in life. Thanks for being a happy and sweet baby. I love you!!

The inch worm cake (inspired by a friend Kelly who made her daughter a butterfly cake decorated with fruit). It was hard to do it with natural ingredients but it turned out well enough. Justin thought it was fun.

"I can't believe mom is letting me do this"

Justin really does not like to eat much food yet.

He mostly eats Kefir, yogurt, and small bites from my plate.

Justin opening presents. It was cute how he daintily opened each package so carefully.

He loved the trucks. He started making truck sounds.

He's pretty good at copying any sound he hears.

This puzzle has sounds that go with each animal.

We got this for Justin when we saw that his favorite toy was going in to the bathroom and putting the caps on and off the screws (the ones that keep the toilet screwed to the ground). YUK!

That's all for now!!