A Mothers Reflection - flashback to 2007

I look at this picture and I think about how much has changed in the past 6 years.

A new marriage for Jeff and I, a new home in Northern California, new schools, new friends, new church ward.   A new start for us all.

I think about the challenges.  The friends and family left behind in Southern California, missing our old home, the heartaches, disappointments, and challenges of starting over.

But then,my mind is flooded.

I think about the triumphs.  The victories.  The joys.

We have so much to be thankful for.  Our new extended family, middle school and high school graduations, Scout rank advancements, young women personal progress achievements,  my daughters' marriages, our new son-in-laws.

A new start for us all.

And my heart swells with gratitude!

It dawns on me that my babies are growing up!

And I realize that it's okay to feel happy...and a little sad too.

All at the same time. 

My Boy Scout

Last night was our Scout Troop's Court of Honor.  Alex made a lot of progress towards his Eagle Scout by earning the Scout rank of Life along with five Eagle required merit badges.  YES!  He has worked hard to earn those merit badges and is on his way to earning his Eagle Scout.  I'm really proud of the progress he has made and especially proud that he was also awarded the On My Honor Award.  The On My Honor Award is the Latter-day Saint religious award for Boy Scouts.

To earn the On My Honor Award, young men must (1) complete the requirements for the Duty to God certificate for deacons (or for another Duty to God certificate) and (2) achieve the Scout rank of Star in the United States, or equivalent Scouting award in other countries.

Alex liked the idea of having his Eagle required badges (edged in white) sewn down the middle of his sash.   So that's what I did.

At the Court of Honor, Alex got a little excited after his awards and did a dance in front of everyone.  That son of mine!  He cracks me up with his humor.  As I'm typing this I noticed that he changed out his kerchief tie with a shotgun case.  Guns are his passion.

All of his extra camp badges and awards are sewn on to the back of his sash.  It's a pretty cool to see all that he has done in the past 4 years right there on his sash.

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Of course I have to show off my Cub Scout and Boy Scout pins that Alex earned along with his rank advancements - I call it my Mom Pin Brag Necklace - It's a special moment when your scout gives you a pin to reflect your hard work along with theirs ♥

 

Our small troop.  They are small in numbers but giants in Scouting.

 

And just for fun...how about a flashback 5 years ago to age 11 and Alex's first Scout camp out

 - awe!  So cute.  Time is just flying by.

Oh Yes he did!

Happy Birthday to my adventure loving husband!

I can't believe I got you this gift 

but I knew you would LOVE to be 13,900 feet above the ground jumping out of an airplane on your 56th birthday

He is Risen - Easter 2013

Hosanna! 

He is Risen

 It was so fun to play Easter Bunny this year for my kids and grand kids - I won't be with them on Easter until late evening, so I can't wait to share the joy with them.

Happy Birthday Alex!

16 things we l♥ve about Alex:

(really it's the things I love about Alex) 

Funny, smart, handsome, tall, athletic, friendly,  

adorable, loving, exciting, talented, 

quick witted, silly, weird, a little annoying, talkative and 

honest. 

Presidents Day - Our first 5K

We did it...our first 5k together. Over 500 people registered for our school's first 5k event benefiting John Adams Academy.  Beautiful day for a run.

 Alex whipped our booties by placing 15th in his category.

For the most part, Jeff and I power walked the event, running into the stadium for the final lap to the finish line.  We made great time too.  I'm impressed with us.

The crowd begins to gather for warm-ups

Can you guess who the elite runner is?  We had quite a few join us for the event.  Very cool to see them support our school.

"Go this way"  Allie and her classmate Quinn direct the crowd

Alex and a few of his friends from our awesome school John Adams Academy.

Jinx was the star of the day.  She was the only dog who completed the event and she had many admirers who wanted to hang out with her afterwards

Allie was one of the Scholar Volunteers who helped with directing runners/walkers and taking down tables and road markers.

And our President representative? The Sacramento River Cats sent Ronnie Reagan - of course!

Have you ever ran a 5k?  This was my first and I think I'll do it again :)

Engagement Photo Shoot

Have you heard the news? 

Alyssa and Ryan are getting married!! 
{my firstborn little girl ♥}

Alyssa asked me to take her engagement photos today. ENGAGEMENT photos!! She's all grown up and ready to get married!   Seems like yesterday when she was born.

We came up with some fun poses and I think they turned out really cute.

 It was so fun to hang out with her and Ryan this afternoon...Ryan's a great guy and will be a wonderful husband for Alyssa.  I couldn't be more happy for them both ♥

 

 

Santa Baby

I was just listening to Santa Baby on Pandora and couldn't stop thinking of my own Santa Babies.

They grow up so fast.

Reception Appetizers and Wedding Cakes

It's been one week since Lexi and Sam's wedding and I've finally got a few pictures of the Reception that I took in between meeting with guests.

Lexi wanted a non-traditional wedding cake.  She chose my Nothin' Bundt Cakes copycat versions (click on name for links) of Chocolate-Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Raspberry,  and Luscious Lemon - 2 each.  The center cake was drenched in ganache and topped with cream cheese frosting...yum!  At the last minute we realized that we didn't have the wedding topper, so we improvised and made a cute little banner.  Mr & Mrs.  It turned out really cute!

The reception was held at 2pm so we decided on an appetizer buffet.  Included on the menu were spicy meatballs, tortilla roll-ups, crudites of every kind, cheeses, crackers, fruit and cookies.

 I received a lot of compliments on the cakes and the food so I would call the event a great success.