Cub Scout Advancement Encampment 2009

(click to enlarge)

We had a great time at the Cub Scout campout! The weather was absolutely perfect all weekend - 70's & 80's with gorgeous sunshine during the day and 60's cool for sleeping at night. We stayed both Friday and Saturday night. The boys have really enjoyed Cub Scouts this year and this campout was a wonderful "finale" event for the pack.

Throughout the campout, the boys are involved in activities to help them earn patches, pins or other achievements. They helped cook meals, did service projects, learned to fish, took hikes, learned about Leave No Trace, played soccer, did skits and songs at campfire and more. Franklin earned his whittling chip too - they practiced with plastic knives on soap, then advanced to real pocket knives on wood blocks.

On Saturday night at the campfire, they advanced in rank. Harrison went from Wolf to Bear. Franklin went from Bear to Webelo. The boys have several friends who are in both our neighborhood and their classes that are also in Scouts. Truman is looking forward to starting Tiger Cubs next year! It was a busy, but fun weekend with not a lot of down time. Other than an overpopulation of ticks, everyone had a great time! Though, we were happy to get home for naptime!

It's Football Season Again!

I love watching my kids doing something they enjoy! When they are really into it, wholeheartedly playing, trying their best... it is so much fun for me to watch!! Truman loves football. He adores it. He cannot wait for the season to start and is so excited for every practice and every game. He asked me yesterday - "Mom, tomorrow is my first football game. Will you come watch me?" So cute! I love football, but I love my little football player even more...

Looking up to Dad for instruction...

Preparing for the hand off...
This picture just makes me giggle...

Reaching out to grab the other team's flag.

Run!

Hut, hut, hike!

Who do you think will receive this hand off?

My little man.

Team huddle. Tommie played assistant coach today!

Running down field for a 1st down...

Uh oh! I lost my tooth...

Truman lost his first tooth today! My big six year old boy is really growing up. The one right next to it is really wiggly too, so we'll see when it comes out...

私の日本の友人 (My Japanese Friend)

Today was the first time that I have had face-to-face contact with my Japanese friend again. We see the back of each others' cars in the carpool line, but have not had an opportunity to communicate again - until today! I was volunteering to collect baked goods from the cars in line for tonight's Cake Walk at the school carnival. She got out of her car to go inside the school and when she saw me, she grinned and ran back to her car. I wondered whether to follow her or to wait there. I decided to wait there (don't want to appear over-eager, right?). :)

She brought me this:

I'm relieved to know that I did not scare her off or say something completely crazy with my Japanese translated note last time! We'll see where this international friendship takes us...

Happy 6th Birthday, Truman!

Dear Truman,

Happy Birthday, Bubba! I love the time that we get to spend together each day after school. You always think of the funniest things to say or the deepest questions to ask. You challenge me, but (mostly) in good ways. I love it that you are still willing to cuddle with me (once in a rare while!). You have always been ALL boy and all about FOOTBALL. I pray that you are able to attain your dreams, but more than that - that you would seek God with all of your heart. I know that you will be successful, because you are so focused and determined... just temper that with a passion for the things of God and you will be a true success. I love you more than words can describe.

Love, Mom

Music Monday: "Thief" by Third Day

This song has always pierced my heart. On this day after Easter, I thought I would share the video version with you.

Music Monday Idea

I'm stealing this idea from my friend Jaycee's blog. We worked together at a summer camp in college, so I still affectionately think of her as "Jazz". She thought it would be fun to post about a song that has impacted her life each Monday and I love the way she worded it. I've often found myself agreeing nearly word-for-word with something she posted and this is one of those instances. Since it was her idea, I'll let you read her eloquent way of describing it.