Temple Square

 Like I mentioned in the post before this one, the kids and myself are on vacation.   We took dad to the airport so he could get back home to work and we had a little bit of time to kill before we were to be at my sisters for a BBQ/Birthday party.  I got to thinking that the last time my kids had been to Temple Square was when Emma was just eight months old and it was Christmas.  Ironically we had just picked up dad from the airport after a business trip, so we decided to kill time by spending some time at Temple Square and taking in the wonderful feeling that is there and plus it was a Sunday and there wasn't a better place to be. 

 Salt Lake City, Utah Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

 As you can tell I couldn't keep Andrew out of the reflection pond in front of the temple.  He thought it was great.

 

 He also thought all the statues were great too.  He would ask if it was Jesus Christ and of course I had to say no but we will go in to the building to see the Cristus (Jesus Christ).  As we were walking to the North visitors center he wanted to go in the tabernacle, we decided we would do it after the visitors center, and as we were walking out to go over to the tabernacle they had just shut it to visitors for a rehearsal.  Talk about one upset little boy.  I keep referring to Andrew but he was so excited to see most everything that was there.  He loved the pictures of Jesus and just by watching him the veil is still a little thin (I think) because it was like he still remembered Jesus Christ.  The other kids enjoyed themselves too just on a different level.  There were things that sparked their interest and I am glad that we were able to spend a few hours there.

 Proof that I was there.

 "The Cristus"

We still had a little bit of time to kill before we had to be to Orem, and the way I parked the State Capital was just up the street.  So we took the opportunity to drive around it (I couldn't get the kids out to walk around it).  With this being the state where three of them were born and where Carrson and myself grew up I thought it would be good for them to see some of the sights.    

The one place Clark wanted to see was the Delta Center Oh I forgot it is the Energy Solutions Center.  See what happens when you grow up some where calling it one thing and then it gets changed.  I thought what the heck we can drive by.  We got there and there was lots of parking so with a little encouragement to one of my children (you may know who I am talking about) we got out took some pictures and got a little more exercise.  Clark was in HEAVEN!!  He is too young to remember the Great John Stockton and Karl Malone, but he hears us talk about them, and he wanted his picture in front with their statues.  What an excited little I mean big boy.  He LOVES the Utah Jazz!!

 

 As we were driving south I made the comment to Clark, I wonder where the Real's stadium is.  Yes, if you don't know we love soccer and enjoy watching the Real play when ever we get the chance (being in Alabama) we don't get to see it much.  As I made the comment the stadium came in to view, and we noticed it wasn't too far away from the freeway so we took a little detour and drove around it. It was pretty awesome!  I think the kids would love to go to a game there and see a professional team play live.  I know I would.  We will have to see what we can do to make it happen while we are here.

We had a wonderful day driving around Salt Lake City, and then topped it off with a wonderful BBQ at my sister's in Orem with family.  This is just one of the fun things we have planned while we are visiting.

Awards, the park and more awards!

Since school is finally officially out, I guess I can now post these. I am late at getting these here, but better late than never. 

First I am going to start with Ryan's awards for the eighth grade.  He did a great job this past year and he worked so hard to get here.  He earned the 100% Attendance Award and he also earned the A/B Honor roll award (which means he had all A's and B's for the year).  Way to go, I am so proud of him!!

 

I had to insert this picture.  My friend was watching Andrew while I went to Ryan's Awards Assembly and they talked her into going to the park.  As they were going she had brought some juice for them to have and they decided they wanted it then and not later.  This is her telling me the story and trying not to laugh she said, Andrew took a drink and yelled DISGUSTING, she asked him if he wanted to give it to her and while this is going on her daughter was drinking it saying yummy.  So in the end Andrew wouldn't give it up and was saying how yummy it was after he had told her it was disgusting.  While she was telling me this I could totally see Andrew saying this and I was so apologetic, I was even embarrassed, but I could totally see Andrew saying this and I couldn't help but laugh.  These to little ones are the best of friends and they are so funny to listen to while they are playing.  There is a garden area at the park that the kids love to go play in.  It is somewhat of a pond that at this time has little to no water in it, so they go play with the rocks and rearrange everything they can there.  I think it is funny they would rather play there and not on the slides or swings.

 I also have to put this here.   First of all me and the kids are on vacation while dad is home working and I was talking to my friend the other day, and she informed me that her little girl (Andrew's best friend) is informing others that her friend Anrew (that is what she calls him) has moved away but he is coming back.  I thought that was so funny, it made my day.  Like I said these two are just too funny to listen to and they get along great with each other. I am so glad that he has a friend like her.  Her mother keeps telling me I don't know what I am going to do when Andrew goes to school because Caroline still has a year to go.  They are only about three months apart, but he makes the cut off and she doesn't.  As you can tell these two do a lot together, between church, story time and playing at the park .

Now on to Clark and his awards.  I didn't get a memo that he earned any at school but our Scout troop had a Court of Honor just a week after his Eagle Court of Honor and he was awarded his Rifle merit badge.

 He was also awarded his "On My Honor" religious pin.  It was so awesome that he received it at this time because this award comes from the bishop and who better than his dad to present it to him.  I get emotional thinking about it, and how he must feel to have his dad be the bishop and present it to him.  It was so awesome to witness it. He actually earned it a while ago but it didn't come in before the last Court of Honor, so it was even better that he got it now, I think.  Clark sure has been working hard to finish up some of his scouting stuff lately, and now he is working on getting his bronze palm and his Duty to God award.  He actually has enough merit badges for the bronze palm he just needs service hours and to put in his time in the troop.  Good luck and keep up the good work!!

 

Last but certainly not least, Emma also had her awards assembly.  A few week prior she was awarded with an ARMT (end of year testing) award which said she scored all 4's on her testing last year.  She is such a smart one.  This particular assembly she was awarded four different awards.  One for ALL A Honor roll, one for the most AR points in her class, one for Character Counts, and last but not least she was one of I would say one/fourth of the school that earned the Presidential award.  For the Presidential Award it is signed by President Obama and to earn this one you had to have ALL A's for the year and have scored ALL 4's on the ARMT.  Like I said she is so smart and I am so proud or her.

 

 And with soccer ending for the season there are always awards/medals.  Unless you are old enough that they don't matter anymore. 

 With Andrew finishing his first season playing, I was so excited for him and how much he learned.   He scored a goal earlier in the season (even though it was for the other team, I was still so proud of him and to see the excitement on his face was priceless).  Then in the last game he stopped a ball from going in the goal by kicking it out right as it almost went in.  The crowd cheered for him and it made me so proud that he has actually been listening and learning.  Here's to next season and I am so grateful that I can be a spectator and not HAVE to coach him. 

 After his last game we had a little party off to the side where they had cupcakes, apples, a drink and medals were given out.  Thank you to the parents that took charge of the party and for getting the medals for the kids.  I totally spaced getting the medals.  It's not like I wasn't doing anything just getting things organized for Clark's Eagle Court of Honor.  So I want to thank the parents again for all they did to help make this season fun and memorable for the Tigers!! 

 The Tigers, minus two.

 Andrew and his well deserved medal.  

Like I said unless you are too old for medals/awards, both Ryan and Clark are in the league that doesn't really do awards.  Most of these kids are here because they LOVE the sport not because mom and dad are making them.  they  too had their last game and they did great, they won I think the final score was 7-1, I did get there late due to Andrew's party, but I did get to see Clark score and Ryan save all the balls that came his way.  Way to go boys.  I don't think I posted this but a week ago the boys had a make-up game at night and to my surprise both of the boys scored, yes, you heard BOTH of them.  I knew Clark had scored but I didn't know that the second goal came from Ryan.  I was so excited for him, this was his first goal ever in a game.  He is usually the one stopping the goals.  Way to go Ryan! And yes Clark too, I think Clark ended up with three of four goals on the season (I may be wrong and he will correct me so if it changes I will post the change).  It was funny, how I found out that Ryan scored was at halftime one of the assistant coaches came over telling me the score and he was saying Draper's two the other team one.  I was like did Clark score again, his answer was nope Ryan scored too.  I was like seriously that is awesome!! 

 

Clark and Ryan's team didn't have a traditional after season party but they did get together with whoever wanted to play one of the nights after everything was done.  They played some soccer ate some pizza adn had a fun night.  Like I said these kids and there for the LOVE of the game and yes they will and can play all the time!!

 Emma also had her last game and party.  They had a little party after their game where they handed out medals and had lots of cupcakes.  Then later that afternoon on of her team mates had a pool party to end the season right.  Emma had a blast.

 

 Emma got a medal for participation and she also got the silver medal for the offensive player for her team.  Way to go Emma.  She has progressed so much and her love for the game has grown tremendously.  She is so fun to watch especially with how aggressive she is becoming, not a dirty aggressive but just aggressive.   Keep up the good work!

I am glad school is out and soccer is over for the season.  Now we can relax and enjoy our summer.  But give it a little bit and they will be ready to go back to school and they will be itching for soccer to start again.

Mothers Day :)

Yes,I know I am a little late (okay a lot late) at posting for Mother's Day.  It was a wonderful day we spent as a family at church and home.  I wanted to post a picture of the kids and myself (since I am usually the one behind the camera) to show that I am actually there.  This year for Mother's Day the family gave me some books to the series that I have been reading.  I don't know about you but I have surely enjoyed reading the Culinary Mysteries by Josie Kilpack (Lemon Tart, English Trifle, Devils Food Cake etc.)   They are a fun read that keeps me entertained.  I think there are nine books in the series as of now, but like I said I have really enjoyed them and I am looking forward to reading the rest.  Thank you so much for thinking of me this Mother's Day! I love you!!!

 We couldn't get Andrew to take a good picture and this was the best one.   But then we had to take a silly one for the rest of us.  Crazy family!

Also, I had to post our visiting teaching gift that we gave our visiting teaching sister's for their Mother's Day gift.  I found it on Pinterest (of course).  I thought it would be great and our sister's ended up loving it.  

It say's

This 

Mother's Day 

our wish 

 for you,

Is that 

you'll have

a few less

 dishes to do.

And it has paper plates, paper cups, napkins and plastic silverware.  I thought it was such a cute idea I couldn't pass it up.

Guess who is officially an Eagle Scout?

 If you answered Clark then you have answered correctly!  Last night we had Clark's Eagle Court of Honor. And even though I am so excited for him, I am glad we are done planning it.  It was a long road to get here, but I think he is glad to be done with this part of scouting.  He has had some wonderful scoutmasters here in the scouting program in our ward.  They were so willing to help and right there at the end his teachers quorum leader/asst. scout master was the one that pushed him to finally finish an get his Eagle.

This picture was taken this evening.  I realized I didn't get a picture of him last night, but then it was dark when we finished and I am glad we waited till this afternoon. Pictures always look better outside anyways,I think!

 Pinning on the Eagle Medallion

 Just pinned on his Dad's fathers pin. 

(Don't mind me I was trying not to cry, I was tearing up.)  It is hard for me to sit and watch your kids grow and accomplish these great things without me getting emotional.

I am so proud of Clark for his decision to become an Eagle Scout.  I know it will come in handy later in his life, maybe even sooner.  I am also grateful for the friends he has made through the church and the scouting program.  I love you Clark and I am so glad I get to be your mom.  Congratulations!!

 Being presented as the newest Eagle Scout in the troop.

 Welcoming Clark into the Eagles Nest.

 Clark and two of his friends Jonathon and Brandon.

 Clark and his proud parents!

 Enjoying some refreshment.

 Cub Scout Memorabilia.

 Boy Scout Memorabilia.

He has more stuff that didn't make it to the church, but that is okay he had all of his Eagle project stuff there.

Once Clark's old neckerchief was off Andrew had to have it on.  As we were saluting as they were retrieving the flag I looked down and Andrew was trying to salute like the scouts were.  It was so priceless.  He is such a funny kid.

Bike Rodeo

As you know I am the cub master in our pack and this last few weeks we have be focusing on bicycle safety. I had decided since summer is coming and the boys will want to ride their bikes more and more we needed to do a refresher on bicycle safety.  To start it off we asked the missionaries to come and talk about bicycle safety.  They did a great job teaching the boys. When they were done they opened up the floor for some questions, and you know boys ages 8-10 they have questions and most of the time they don't pertain to the subject.  A couple of my favorite questions that night were,what do you sleep in? Do you have to wear your suits to bed?  The boys were cracking me up, us leaders would try to get them back on track but then they would get off again with their crazy questions.

My wonderful group of cub scouts and youth that was so willing to help out!

  Then last week we had a pack meeting that consisted of a bike rodeo.  I was really nervous about it if the boys would enjoy it and how I was going to pull it off.  We were going to have stations where they had to do different things, at the first one they had to tell us bike safety rules and check to see if their bikes and helmets were safe.  At some of the others they had to "stop on a dime" and see if they could follow a path without touching the sides.  I think we had about eight different stations and I was starting to fret over who I could have help me pull this off.  I needed more then just the den leaders and myself, so I thought I would ask the young women and some of the young men in the ward to help out.  I was so excited when they accepted the plea for help, the young women's leader told me they are always in need of doing service.  We have such a wonderful group of youth in our ward, they are always willing to help out when needed.  They did a great job and the bike rodeo went off without any problems.  There was one glitch, we were supposed to have rain showers on and off, I kept praying that wouldn't happen.  So far so good just a sprinkle here and there. While we were in the church giving out the awards I guess it was starting to rain and we almost had to figure something else out.  But it didn't last too long and it really was just a sprinkle so was carried on as usual.  It was great, once we got outside the sprinkle had basically stopped and we were able to carry on with the activity.  I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father hears us and is there when we ask for help.  I am also thankful for the service and help that was given me that night. I hope the cub scouts had a great time, because that is what being a cub scout is is always (well mostly) having fun and not really know you are learning.