Flashback Friday

In looking through some old boxes I came across this photo. I'm not sure why I remember some things in detail and not others, but for some reason I remember this day so clearly and feelings and thoughts surrounding the activities. It was Cody's blessing day. It was a beautiful day outside, but I was tired and just wanted go home and rest. I sat through church, went home and made a big batch of chocolate chip cookies. I remember thinking about my mom that day and how we always had Sunday treats made in the "goodie bowl." I wished we had a goodie bowl. I loved the ages of my children. I enjoyed watching them play and the sounds that surrounded our home. Life wasn't easy, but it was good. And my sweet Cody seemed to be smiling at his mommy, which always makes me glad for pictures. Thank goodness we have them to capture life's sweet moments.

Cody's Eagle Scout Project

Last week Cody completed his Eagle project. With the help of his troop and a few others, he installed a flagpole at one of our local church buildings.

First they had to dig a very deep hole - 44 inches - so that they could put in a ground sleeve which serves as the main foundation for the pole. Then they filled in the remaining area of the hole with concrete to stabilize the sleeve and provide a solid base for the flagpole.

They had two work days planned, one for digging and preparing the hole and one for assembling and setting up the flagpole.

The Thursday Crew

Assembling the pole

He had the help of his entire troop, a few of his leaders, missionaries, the branch president, Casey(dad) & Ry to help in the carrying out of his project. Everyone worked hard and it turned out to be a wonderful experience.

In this area, they produce and sell a lot of granite. In fact the city produces more granite monuments than any other city in the world. One of the local church members works at the granite company in town and donated a piece of granite for the base. It gave it a very nice and finished look.

It was a little tricky to have everything level and lined up correctly, but they made it work.

I became a little emotional as I watched these wonderful scouts in uniform raise the flag. I felt such gratitude for the many wonderful freedoms the flag represents. I am thankful to live in a place where we can enjoy so many beautiful experiences like this. I am thankful for the wonderful people that give of their time and talents, and make sacrifices each day to ensure these great freedoms we all enjoy.

God bless America and all who fight to defend it.

Our Saturday crew

A job well done!

She Works Hard For Her Money

Kailtyn has started working at a new Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robins that opened this week.

She worked every day. They were crazy busy. We enjoyed a couple dozen donuts and some delicious ice-cream(not all in the same day-Although, I probably could have made that happen).

It's really not a good thing it is so close to our house. Donuts are my downfall. I have no self-control around them. I LOVE them! I will have to limit my time visiting Kaitlyn's workplace.

We are so excited for our working girl!!

Cody is Sweet 16

It's hard to believe 16 years have past since our Cody made his memorable appearance on Memorial Day in May of 1996. What a fun 16 years it has been. Kaitlyn was so excited to have a younger sibling. She had to be continually reassured that we could keep him.

16 reasons we love our Cody

1. Your sense of humor - Even at a very young age you would come up with funny one liners that made us all laugh.

2. I appreciate your sensitivity - If I'm having a hard day, I can count on you to help me out. You see beyond the surface and try to help make things easier.

3. Your cooking abilities - If I need you to cook dinner, you can and will.

4. Your smarts - You are very self-motivated in your school work. You do very well in school(especially math & science). We are continually amazed by your abilities and talents.

5. You are a great friend.

6. Your dedication in all you do - Dad

7. Your camaraderie - same sense of humor - Kaitlyn

8. I love Cody because he plays video games with me - Ryan

9. Your quiet confidence

10. I love his sense of humor, he is not only my brother but my best friend and I can talk to him about anything and he doesn't judge. He is a great listener, A good example and a good sport, even when I dominate him at all sports. He never gives up!- Andy

11. Your humility

12. Your Sensibility

13. Hard worker

14. Your ability to save money

15. Your sweet smile

16. We are blessed to have your strong, sensitive, spirit in our home. We love you Cute Cody!!

Happy, Happy 16th Birthday!!

Cake Class

A friend told me about a cake decorating class at a local craft store. She and her sister were taking it and thought it might be fun if Kaitlyn and I joined in. It was every Monday night for 4 weeks. It was fun. We learned several decorating techniques and how to make frosting, LOTS of frosting. At the last class we had to bring a cake already frosted and apply the techniques we had learned in the previous weeks. It was fun, but I was not very good.

Kaitlyn causing a scene

Crazy girl

Cristin and her sister working hard on their cakes

Getting serious

Cristin and her cake - she did the cake I was wanting to do but chickened out. It turned out so cute. Great job Cristin!

Certificate - Proof we passed. It is really not my thing, but it was fun.

School's out for summer

And Ry and I could not be happier. No more homework, no more early morning alarm clocks, no more schedules. Yay for summer!

The last day of school was a party day. The 3rd grade had a cook out with time to play outside. I had taken the day off to enjoy the time with Ryan, but came down with a horrible cold and was not feeling well. I took a cold pill, hoping it would kick in while I was at the party but it didn't do the trick. I found myself wanting to lay down on the benches using my purse as a pillow. I arrived 30 minutes late, and after about 30 minutes into it Ryan asked if I wanted to leave. I think he could tell I was not doing well.

After coming home and resting for a bit, I managed to gather everyone up and we headed to Menchies for some frozen yogurt to celebrate.

And then I came home and crashed for the next two days.

Moving

Ryan's friends are gone. They have moved on to another temporary home.

Ryan is sad.

He wants to go to work with Casey, so he can be close to his friends.

Only 2 more weeks of school Ry, and then you can see your baby chicks again.

Until then, dad will take good care of them.