Daisy Scout Fun

Juliana's all about me poster

The troop after the movie

Waiting for the dance

 The girls had such a great time this past Saturday with their girl scout troop.  But, before I get to that, the first picture is of Juliana's all about me poster from school.  She gave a great presentation of course!

So, after selling a whole bunch of cookies, the girls went out for an afternoon on the town to spend some of their hard earned money.  We began the day by watching The Lorax in 3D downtown at the Pavilions Shopping Mall located on the 16th Street Mall.  Following the movie, we all hopped on the free mall shuttle and met up with about 120 other girls at the corner of Laurence and 16th and did a huge flash mob dance to celebrate the girl scout's 100th anniversary.  The afternoon was completed by walking a couple of blocks down the street to eat a yummy late lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory.  Needless to say, the girls had a great time!  And do did mom, but as the chaperone, I was tired!  Watching 16 girls downtown over a big holiday weekend, well, that's a lot of work, but totally worth it.  Downtown was packed with everyone celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  We saw many, many interesting people down there and heard some really good street performers and then some really, really bad ones as well.

The big dance

Just Because I Love You and Miss You

 The other night in the on going grief group that we attend once a month the topic of discussion was about things that make you smile or laugh.  I had a very difficult time with this topic because for the past almost three years I have not had too many reasons to laugh, I mean really laugh.  (Except for the occasional Seinfeld episode.)  At the end of the night, our facilitator gave out these angel statues for each to take.  The hospital gets lots and lots of donations every year, these angels were part of the donations given.  We were allowed to choose the one we wanted.  Each angel was a different color and was holding a different pendant.  I know that you cannot see it well due to my very bad camera work, but the angel I choose is holding a rose.  How perfect!  One sweet and tender rose just like my sweet and tender Katherine.  So, since Tuesday I have been trying to figure out what makes me smile.  Well, here are some things (just to name a few).  1.  This picture of Katherine on my piano in the front room.  2.  The dried pink rose petals sitting next to the picture that my sweet and thoughtful friend Melisa gave me for Katherine's angel day.  3.  My children and husband (I know that goes without saying, but that needs to make the list right?).  4.  My sweet, thoughtful, supportive friends.  5.  My sweet, thoughtful supportive friends that I have made through the grief group who I would never have met had I not help to start it.  6.  The Barn.  7.  The feeling I get when I am on the back of Houston (the latest horse I am riding) at a full canter and just relaxing into the movement and feeling the strength that he has through his big powerful stride.  8.  How Houston always looks for the carrots that he knows I have tucked into my shirt pocket.  9.  The sights and sounds of the barn.

Joseph's Advancements

 Last night was the court of honor for scouts.  Joseph was able to receive three merit badges, Indian Lore, First Aid, and Personal Management.  He also received his Tenderfoot Rank.  Congrats to my Joseph, he has gotten a lot of big things lately.  He is such a hard worker and a sweet boy. 

The Fun Weekend

Best Friends

 So, we had a great and very busy weekend.  My oldest turned twelve and was ordained to be a deacon.  My parents flew in from Las Vegas and then Mike's parents flew in from Salt Lake Saturday morning and then the fun began.  We met up at On the Border for lunch where we all enjoyed a lot of guacamole, chips, salsa, enchiladas, and then Rachel and her cheeseburger?!  We then went over to Barns and Noble and Joseph picked out some books from my parents and us.  Next on the agenda was bowling at Brunswick Zone where everyone had a great time despite the music being ridiculously loud.  All the boys and the little girls bowled with the moms making up the cheering section.  All three of the big boys bowled great games and all "pretended" they "knew" what they were doing while us moms were laughing at them behind their backs in this case literally!  After bowling, the boys stayed for a game of laser tag and playing in the arcade and we girls dashed over to American Girl Doll Store where Grandma Romney spoiled the girls and got them two new outfits for the dolls!  We then all met up again and drove over to see our sweet Katherine and left her some usual pink roses.  Getting back just before dark, we all enjoyed cake and ice cream and then a late dinner playing games until bed time.  Sunday morning was quiet and relaxing.  We took pictures before leaving for church and then off to church for the real reason for everyone being there for the weekend.  Joseph was sustained in sacrament meeting and then later ordained in his quorum.  It was a sweet and tender experience I am so proud of his decision that he made to receive the priesthood.  He will now embark on the adventure of mutual.  A new chapter has been opened in our lives.  Congratulations to my sweet, sweet son. 

Grandma Romney spoiling the Girls

The Boys

All the Romney's

All the Nelson's

The Boys