Boy Scout Camping

I am happy to report that Nathan went on the Boy Scout Camp out this weekend with Timothy.  It was fun watching these two rookies do the packing, of course Nathan insisted on what he called my expertise in the area.  I guess growing up with a dad as a Scout Master and four brothers has given me some knowledge in this area.  When they left the house it was raining, but they were still excited to go.  I spoke with Nathan a few minutes ago (the luxury of modern technology)and he said it rained all night on the boys and most of the tents were leaking.  He then reported that he folded the seats in the van down and slept in there:)  I was not surprised by this report, Nathan did not grow up in a camping family and never enjoyed the opportunity of being a Boy Scout.  Sariah and I went out this morning and bought Donuts for a party with friends this morning.  The Boys will be hiking at Kelso Dunes this Morning and in the afternoon they will be doing an Orienteering course in the Fog.

Nathan and Tim just before they left on the Camp out, we will see if they are still smiling when they get back.

So Proud of Timothy

Last night we were able to go to a Boy Scout Court of Honor for Timothy.  He looked so grown up in his uniform (which I spent hours putting all the patches on).  He received three rank advancements, Tenderfoot, Second class and first class.  He also received three Merit badges, Emergency preparedness, First aid, and Scouting heritage.  He also received Award of Excellence for the quarter from his Scout Leader.  He is finally starting to take off and enjoy Scouting.  It is really neat watching him as he matures and becomes a responsible young man.  I am amazed how he juggles school, scouts, piano, sports and the junior docent program with the preserve.  I am proud to be his Mom!!   

                                               Timothy with his scout leader Stan Hall.

                                    Timothy pinning his third and last rank advancement on his mom.

                         Timothy as he receives his awards from assistant Senior patrol leader.

Princess Birthday Party

So this year I decided to throw Sariah a Princess Birthday Party.  I hired someone to come and do hair and show how to do Jam berry nails.  I invited 11 girls and all 11 were able to come most with their moms.  I think by the end of the party the boys were ready to be back to the majority in the household.  We celebrated by going out to Denny's as a family for the dinner.  I was grateful for all the help they gave me with ice cream, popcorn and of course the clean-up.  I know Sariah really liked it and it will be something I'm sure she will always remember.

Left to right Ella, Megan, Madison, Sariah, Chloe, Jadyn, Emily, Andrija, Erin and Sarah.  Kelly was to busy having fun with the boys in the toy room to be in the Princess picture.

Ella, Sariah and Jadyn waiting for the other princesses to arrive.

                                                          My little princess Sariah!

                                        Princess Sariah's cake made just the way she wanted it!!

                                                    Sariah with her friend Jadyn!!

                            Family photo with the Birthday Girl, you can tell that Sam is thrilled!!!

                                                 Princess Sariah with her Birthday cake!!!

Four Years ago...

It is still hard for me to believe that we welcomed our beautiful little Princess into the world four years ago today.  She has truly blessed our lives and is our little miracle.  She completes our family.  She woke us up at 3:30 am just to let us know it was her Birthday.  She then laid in bed until she saw light coming through the bedroom curtain, so she could announce it was morning and time for all of us to get out of bed.  She is now putting on her black Birthday dress for church.  I feel that we were blessed with an abundance of good friends four years ago to help us get Sariah here.  It was nice to me that three of the nurses there the day day Sariah was born, It was also nice that I was with my friend Molly when I went into labor.  I am now going to have Birthday breakfast with my little girl!!!

Birthday Plans

It is so hard to believe that my little princess will be four in just a few short days.  I am having so much fun getting ready for all of her little princess friends to come to our house.  I was shocked that Nathan went along with my princess party plan.  The girls should have fun getting their nails and hair done up.  I miss those of you who live far away and wish you could be here to celebrate this special day.

Proud of Samuel

I was so proud to go and see Sam at his awards ceremony.  He received three awards and a metal.  The first award was for his achievements in Math.  The second award was for his outstanding performance and sportsmanship in Physical Education.  The Third award was for his Outstanding Character, and received a gift card to Sonic.  He received a Math metal for the highest score in the whole school in Math on the state testing.  I always tell my kids as long as they do their best I will always be proud.  Way to go Sam!!

Christmas lights and Santa Claus

I had to laugh because I wasn't even going to put up a Christmas tree this year.  My adorable daughter not only got me to put up the tree but convinced me to put up Christmas lights as well.   It was also cute when she asked me to see Santa so she could tell him what she wanted for Christmas.  I had to fight both Nathan and the boys to let her believe in Santa for a few more years.  There is just something exciting in watching a young child believe in someone who is as giving as Santa.

                                                            Christmas lights at night.

                                                Sariah with her friend Andrija on Santa's lap!

                 Family sitting outside with Hot Chocolate the first night the lights were turned on.

                                 Sariah dancing around the house with a Christmas card that barks.

                                                       Christmas tree all set up, with a leaning star!

Christmas Cookies

The kids were excited to get together and make Christmas cookies with friends.  It was funny to watch even Timothy get into the decorating.  It is so fun this time of year to enjoy time with friends and family.

Family Pictures

We finally got family pictures in November, after much begging from Timothy.  He said we need a picture with Sariah and her hair.  The last family picture she was just a few months old with only a little hair.  We had the pictures taken at the Morongo Preserve where Timothy is a Jr. Docent.  We learned quickly that Sariah loves to pose for pictures.