Cub Scouts

Here are the boys in their Cub Scout uniforms. Cameron is a Bear Cub this year and Clayton is a very excited Tiger Cub! Warren, of course, is den leader for both dens. That means 2 den meetings a week. I am now officially the Assistant Den Leader. I'll still be doing the same thing as before--helping out with snacks, phone calls and sometimes meetings--it's just official and sounds a wee bit more important. :-) Right now we are in the middle of Popcorn sales so life is a bit crazy around here. Clayton's den did their first on-site sales at Fred Meyers last Friday. They sold $750 of Popcorn and got $105 in donations! Pretty good for their first time ever!

Clayton with his new den leader :-)

Cameron getting his belt loops and 2-year pin

at the Pack Meeting

Dry Bones

Yesterday in school we were learning our memory verse which says, "I am the door; by me if any man enters in he shall be saved, and go in and out and find pasture." I told the boys that in Jesus we have freedom and that Jesus gives us what we need (like the shepherd gives his sheep pasture). Clayton says, "The devil doesn't give us pasture only dry bones." Well, I had to chuckle to myself but then realized how true that is! I guess he listens more than he lets on.

"Karate Lessons"

Here you go, Byron. This is only some of what went on at our house while Byron and Julie were here. All of the kids really enjoyed beating up on "Uncle Byron". We have quite a few more pictures but I thought these ones would be sufficient. :-)

A Visit with Friends

Our friends, Byron & Julie, came to see us. They had to make a trip to Alaska to help out some friends and we are so glad they were able to stop and visit us while they were here. We spent an enjoyable few days with them. Our kids loved having "Uncle Byron and Aunt Julie" here to play with and talk their ears off. Thanks for stopping by, Byron and Julie! You are welcome anytime!

Warren and his long-time friend

Julie & Byron at Hidden Spring campground

The kids hated to see them go.

A Day In The Life of Ashley

Playing hard--she loves the big Legos and Little People

Splish! Splash! Time for a bath! She loves the bath tub.

She stands by the tub and bounces waiting to get in.

Let me help, Mommy! I turned around and this is what I found.

Of course I couldn't resist taking a picture.

By the way, for those of you who have been to my house, notice the new dishwasher. The old one was on it's last leg (or shall we say "wash"). This one washes great and has more bells and whistles than we'd planned on. Warren got a good deal on it. It is white (stainless steel inside) so all the appliances in my kitchen now match. Such a little thing, I know, but makes me happy anyway.

First Day of School

School started August 31st. The boys were so eager to start school. They couldn't wait to get a look at their books. Cameron is in 3rd and Clayton is in 1st. They both like to read. Cameron is excited about learning cursive writing. The banana/monkey chart is for good behavior. If they keep 5 monkeys they get a reward. If they keep all 6 they get "early out" on Friday. School is going well so far. We did only 2 days this week since our friends Byron and Julie were here. This next week we'll be in full swing.

(excuse the fish tank, it is in the process of being redone)

Cameron Turns 9!

Wow! It's hard to believe that our oldest child is 9 years old already! September 2 Cameron did turn 9. We had a kids birthday party with a couple of his friends the Saturday before his birthday. It was a rather simple party the boys just played and we ate cake and ice cream and of course unwrapped presents. :-) I made cup cakes for this party and arranged some of them into a 9. It worked out perfect (I didn't plan it)--9 cup cakes to make the 9 with a candle in each one.

Cameron being goofy!

Then we celebrated with the family on Cameron's actual birthday. Warren and I got him a 22. He was so excited! We sent him on a treasure hunt to find his gun. I had him going everywhere--downstairs, upstairs, outside--and he loved it. For his birthday cake I made a target with a 22 shell in the bull's eye. He had a good birthday and is so excited to be 9 years old!

Just had to share this. . .

Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson
was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt."
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped
by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson
was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."

**********************************************************

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the
Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible
means? The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay," said his father.. "What does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth."

Friday Favorites

I love Fridays!

I love the sparkle in my little boy's over the joy of learning to read.

I love to watch my children learn new things.

It's Friday!

We have successfully completed one week of school! Both boys have done really well. I managed to keep things going--school, house, family--smoothly too. Cameron and Clayton even earned an "Early Out" (dismiss early) today. We have a chart with monkeys on it. If they keep all their monkeys for a week they get an "Early Out" on Friday. Clayton is thrilled to be reading out of his "big, big" (his words) reader. Cameron is loving reading class as well. I have some pictures to post which I will do as soon as I get a chance. Now we have a long weekend ahead of us which I plan to enjoy very much!