An Arrow, a Prom, and a Crazy Mom

The boys have been recognized for some outstanding work lately.

 X-man received his Arrow of Light, a high honor in Cub Scouts. 

He worked hard and had some amazing leaders who helped him all along too!

The night of the award. 

Our Cub Master and Committee Chair do such a good job 

making it fun and not too serious or cheesy. 

X-man was also recognized in school 

for being an outstanding student. 

He has thrived this year with math being one of his true loves.  

 L. was one of two third graders recognized for 

being an all-around great and kind student. 

Good grades and achievement are often recognized, 

so I'm glad that being of good character is as well.

Then the third grade also got a Sundae party for learning their multiplication facts. You earned the bowl and spoon for learning your 0s and 1s, a scoop of ice cream for 2s, and so on. If you learned all your math facts to 12 you got the whole whopping sundae. L. worked hard and got the whole sundae. These are two of his best friends--nice, hard-working boys. Great friends!

B. came home excited a few weeks ago because she was old enough for our church Prom. I did an inner gasp!  This Mom wasn't ready for her little girl to go to Prom. I worried. I fretted. I prayed. And worried a little more...and it all worked out wonderfully.  

A good friend asked B. if she'd like to go with him to Prom.  We found a modest dress that B just loved and didn't break the bank. AND we found shoes, no easy feat for Miss. B's feet (pun intended??). We dolled her up, found a boutonnière for N, took pictures, and sent B and her date on their way. Luckily, both N. and B. are easy going and didn't mind having both moms taking pictures. Whew! A successful adventure in teen-age parenting.

B. and N. ready to dance the night away at Prom. 

A lovely evening was had with B. coming home happy. 

And speaking of parenting...

I had a b-day a few weeks ago and realized the very best gifts and treasures that make me so happy and cheer me and grow me are these folks:

...Plus T 

(he didn't jab his head in for a picture).

Through the thick, thin, worrisome, drama, stress of life, my family brings me 

great joy.

And a little CRAZINESS too!

Love this bunch!

You Make Me Happy...

I just can't believe 15 years have passed since we were blessed with this strong, spirited, caring, beautiful, and generous little gal.   

So calm and peaceful.

--in this picture. 

She was rather vocal and discontented her first year. 

But has been wonderful all the rest.

Say What???

 Gotcha! Little imp.

 Little cross-eyed imp!

 Ahhhhh!  Fun and Silly!

 Now at 15!  Make a wish!

Ahh, ya missed one!?

Love ya, Miss A. 

1. You are strong in standing for right.

2. You are a good listener--even when Dad and I are silly with our jokes, stories, or songs--you make us feel like we might just be "cool" parents!

3. You are obedient and want to do the right thing.

4. You are determined to get a good education and study hard.

5. You are kind and generous, always sharing candy with your family.

6. You are fun to be around.

7. You aren't "too cool" to fly kites, camp out, play on playgrounds, and play with your brothers.

8. You are creative.

9. You are organized. 

10. You love your family and they love you.

11. You listen sincerely when your brothers tell you all about their MineCraft adventures.

12. You have self-control. 

13. You have determination.

14. You're a talented writer and keep working and writing and writing and working.  You'll support your folks when you are a famous author.

15.  You are a wonderful daughter, sister, and a good friend. 

You make us happy!