Thursday, October 26, 2006

Celebrating Zack's Accomplishments




Last night was Cub Scout pack meeting for Zackary. We are both very new to Scouts, and this was our first pack meeting (where the family is invited to attend). There was a sense of community and the quiet inner workings of each person contributing to the group to pull off a successful night for the boys and families attending.

Tonights agenda included making pirate hats out of newspaper...which with Tracie's direction I was able to create with ease...and share my hat with my son, who was having a little bit of trouble (not having the amazing Trac' directions).

Then boys were honored for their accomplishments. Zackary has been focused a lot on his scouts...being a new member of the program...and his dedication really showed tonight as he was awarded his colors (bands of cloth that his badges, which are now pins, are attached to), his bobcat badge, 5 beltloops, his compass with the Eastern point already attached, and a whopping 13 badges!!!





He also received a bobcat pin, which he pinned onto a proud mama while Zack was held upside down. For each number the audience counts, Zack gets to do a good deed... we got up to 8! Mom, who was greatly prepared by wearing many thick layers of clothing, just in case, came through without a puncture.



Next we moved onto the Raingutter Regatta! Zack made his little regatta boat all by himself, with much sanding, primering with spraypaint, and painting the hull a glossy red...then the gluing of the keel and rudder...and attaching the mast...and sail complete with a pirate picture.



All 8 boys raced each other, with parents and leaders cheering the racers on...as the boys learned to control their boats with slow and easy breaths...while I noticed several parents not breathing at all as they watched their own son race.



My pride was not in Zack's winning the regatta...which he did...it was how he reached across the raingutters and shook the hands of the boys he raced and congratulated them on a good race. His good sportsmanship spread to the other boys, as more and more of them shook each other hands or high fived.




My appreciation goes out to Zack's Scout leaders and also his soccer coaches, who have actively set a good example of what it means to be a good sport, and support each other's accomplishments regardless of winning, and how they really impress that the most important aspects of these group activities is to have fun, learn new skills and make and build friendships. Heartfelt thanks to you all!

Friday, October 20, 2006

Our 3rd Teenager! Happy Birthday Tashi!







May all of your wishes come true.







Tashi is a teen and a fun loving little girl all rolled into one wonder-filled package of joy, creativity and love!







Hurray for another book lover in the family!

Monday, October 16, 2006

Thayne's New Shoes ~ Wee!

I had so much fun sharing Tracie's baby boy today! I shopped for new shoes for him, and found matching Keen Bronx (well, his are by Osh Gosh)...and I think they are sooooo cute on him!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Pumpkin Festival at Young's Farm

We enjoyed a fun day at Young's Farm in Dewey, celebrating their last Pumpkin Festival. The pumpkin patch was filled with pumpkins, of course, and also gourds, corn and amazing sunflowers.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Autumn Blessings

Zackary and Tashi are enjoying a Fall harvest in the apple tree! Yum!














Our Fall Harvest...the easy way...thanks to our local farmers market! Chelsie and I had great fun loading up my arms with beets, carrots, Easter egg radishes, green onions, red and yellow tomatoes, regular and lemon cucumbers, yellow and zucchini squash, green and purple beans, garlic, and the most amazing apples! And to top it all off...a beautiful assortment of flowers!


BreeAhna's wonderful harvest painting (notice the dimensional effect of the leaves). I love that my children paint, and decorate our home with their creativity!





We adorned our rock wall "mantle" with leaves and colorful candles (thank you Tracie)...and upon our woodstove, which is not in use yet since it's so toasty in the daytime still, is a photo bouquet from our trip to visit Grandpa Judy last week.



AND a photo of this amazing candle that my dear friend Tracie sent to me for a "just because you love Autumn" gift! Wow, it was so fun to get this in the mail! And the smell is heavenly! AND there are gems inside too!



Happy Autumn Everyone!