Sunday, May 24, 2009

An amazing experience

This weekend the boys had an amazing opportunity to honor those that have given their lives for our freedom. The Scouts met at the Veterans Memorial and placed flags on all of the graves for Memorial Day weekend. I have always wanted to take my kids to see this.. so it was really cool that they were able to be a part of the process. I was out of town during this event but just had chills looking at the photos and video footage John took. IT is amazing to look at the number of flags out their and to equate that to people and families....I am truly grateful for the men who died for our freedom...words can never say enough!

Honoring those who gave us our freedom

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

My Cute Little Cubs

Cub Scouts.. this year's new endeavor

This year we added cub scouts and boy scouts to our list of things we do. I must say I love it. The things they get to do and the things Devin has learned, especially, have been amazing. We have set our family's goal at four Eagle Scouts by the time it is all said and done. When I look through the badges and look at their goals I just marvel at all they will have learned and experienced while on this journey. We are very excited to continue on this path through the summer and in years to come.

Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet

Making men who can cook

Cooking is one of my hobbies. I love to cook and bake. I love to try new things out on my family. This does not excite them all of the time. Every morning they will ask me what is on the menu for the night. I feel sometimes they are trying to mentally prepare themselves for what is to come. Sometimes they breathe a sigh of relief when I say something like "tacos". So as I love cooking I want my children to experience it as well. Obviously this experience may help them in the future. All this leads up to the point that they will each cook with LITTLE assistance from mom one night of the week for the summer. They seem pretty excited with the freedom of choice. We have one rule in that they can not cook the same thing twice. Devin kicked us off with a beef and broccoli stirfry that we all agreed was really good. So far success!! (I forgot...the other rule is everything is made from scratch..no box help!) I will update on the menus chosen by my "Little Chefs" later on this summer. Until next time!

Devin's First Dinner Solo

End of Year Spring Piano Recital

Saturday, May 9, 2009

The journey of Life

Well this past week I felt a jolt of reality buzzing in my ear telling me to enjoy every moment because things never remain the same and sometimes change in an instant. We said goodbye to the boy's tennis coach this week. This may seem insignificant to some, but he came into our life two years ago and became a constant in the boy's lives for that period of time. He trained them 2-3 hours a day for two years. He made them sweat, he made them laugh, they did cry (not so much because of him), he made them believe in their abilities, and he made them strive to be better players even when they wanted to give up or give in to lazy thoughts. Mike's love of the sport was reflected on the court and reflects in my boys every day whether on the court, in a match, or playing short court in the driveway. I am so thankful that Mike was a part of their lives and we are all sad to see him go. But we do believe he needed to make different choices to fulfill his goals as well. Our family will miss Mike all the way down to Nicholas who has spent time with Mike as well. But this whole post circles back to just enjoying each and every moment....never take any moment for granted. So it is, we say goodbye to Mike and thank him for the wonderful memories the boys will always have... along with the fabulous technique he gave them.
Until next time...

Saying Goodbye can be so hard to do!

Birthdays are more fun with our cousins!!

Sweet Kathryn and Mitchell

Celebrating Mitchell and Preston's Birthday with the family

Trying out new birthday skimboards!



Hydroponic Picking with the Hackney's