Arrow of Light!

Gabe received his Arrow of Light award last night. It is the highest award you can earn in Cub Scouting and the only one you get to take with you to Boy Scouts. We are really proud of him. He has worked really hard and spent a lot of time working on this award. He finished his Weblo and did some extra achievements to get it. They had a special ceremony for him last night where some "Indians" presented the arrow to Gabe. He thought that was pretty neat!
We are extremely grateful to Preston 3rd Ward's scouting leaders. Especially Grandpa Benton, Grandma Lynda, and Aunt Nancy. Without their help, Gabe would not have been able to earn this award. They have gone above and beyond their callings to help Gabe. He had so much fun and was able to participate with other boys since our own ward doesn't have any other scouts his age. Thanks again to our wonderful family and good friends!

Happy Valentines Day 2010!

This year to celebrate Valentines Day we got the kids each a stuffed animal and some candy. But to make it more interesting we decided to put them inside a big balloon. They thought that was pretty neat! However, it only took them about 5 minutes to get over it and pop them.

Poor Rosalie!

Raygen loves her poor cat---almost to death. I get such a kick out of Ray hauling that grouchy cat around like a baby. She hugs it and kisses it and pets it and the whole time Rosie growls and glares at her. I've started letting her sleep with it at night since it has been cold. She snuggles right up with it and falls asleep. When I come in to check on her, I can usually hear Rosie's muffled growl coming from somewhere underneath Raygen and her covers. I often think about rescuing the poor thing but then again, it serves the mean old thing right!

GOOB!!

What can I say about a boy like Gaber?
He started it all, he rescued me from myself, and he never fails to bring a smile to my face. I can't believe it has already been 11 years of "Gabe Adventures". He has been a great blessing from day one. I've probably said it a thousand times, "I don't know what I did to deserve a boy like Gabe, but I hope I live up to the challenge!" Of course I mean that only in a positive way because even on the most cloudy day, Gabe carries sunshine in his pocket. Each day I thank Heavenly Father for sending me such amazing gifts and I pray for the strength and courage it will take to be worthy of them. I hope I am always able to show Gabe his great worth and that he never doubts how much I love him.

RIDGE RULES!!!

Happy Birthday to my youngest boy! He has been counting down the days for at least 2 weeks now. Asking me every day, "Mom, am I 4?" Well this morning I finally said, "Yes." The time has flown by. Each day I am so thankful that he came to join our family. I never regret begging Tyson for one more child. :) Since the day he was born he has been a cuddly, smiling, happy, funny addition to our home. He brings us so much joy!! So how appropriate to have a whole day to celebrate his birth!!
I love you Gidget!! Thanks for being my son!

Christmas Day!!

We were very blessed this year. Not only did we get to open lots of amazing presents, we got to spend time together and with family. Each day I am amazed by some blessing or another. I don't know what I did to deserve such great children and a loving husband. More then all the packages of stuff, I am so happy we have each other to help us through this life. Each day is a gift to use as we will. I don't always use them wisely but I definately cherish each one I am given.
And I am thankful for the yearly reminder that our Savior came into the world and atoned for our sins so that through him, all things are possible. Hope is one of the greatest of all gifts. Christmas is a time for healing broken hearts and as we approach a new year, I want to go into it trying to fear God a little less and trust in Him a little more.

First Piano Recital!

Gabe and Raygen had their first piano recital on December 11th. They did such a good job. Raygen played "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" and Gabe played "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". They looked so cute too! Gabe was very last and had to play his song 3 times. During the last time through, all the kids stood up and sang with him. He was very nervous about that, but did great! They really like their teacher, JoRene. She rewards them generously each week with nickels (for practicing) and quarters (for memorizing). And each month she picks a "Student of the Month". They have been it twice. They get a bag with a soda, bag of popcorn, and certificate for a free movie from the local video store. It has been great to watch them grow and learn! Grandpa Benton, Uncle Braydon, Aunt Brittney, Branson, Bridger, Uncle Brett, and Aunt Kathi all came to watch too! We are so lucky to have such a supportive family!