Christmas Photo Shoot

 As you know, Christmas family pictures are probably my least favorite thing about the holidays.  I HATE trying to schedule a day and time that works with everyone's schedule.  I HATE trying to figure out what everyone is going to wear.  I HATE making sure everyones hair is cut and colored (mine).  I HATE trying to figure where to have the pictures taken.  I HATE worrying about how I'm going to get everyone to smile and sit still long enough.  I just really dread family pictures.  That being said, we did pretty good this year.  Everyone was happy.  No one fell and bruised or scratched their face before the big day. No one had a wardrobe malfunction.  All in all it was ok.

Our cute photographer Ashley just had her 6th baby and was unable to take our pictures this year.  She referred us to Kacey Shaker Reed who happens to live right down the street from us.  She was darling and we all survived. Now if we can just get the pictures printed before Christmas.

Teething

Last week I took Brody to the orthodontist for a 6 month check up.  He lost his retainer at the cabin this summer so he needed to get fit for a new one.  Sadly, he now has to pay for it with his own money.  Luckily, Dr. Robison took pity on him and is only charging him half price.  While at the appointment, Dr. Robison took x-rays of Brody's mouth. Unbeknown to us, Brody had 7 loose teeth.  Not only that, but the 7 loose teeth already have teeth growing in.  That would explain Brody's behavior the past 3 months.  This boy has been incredibly moody and short tempered.  Well now that I know he is teething, I can be a little more patient with him.  Fast forward a week.  Brody was complaining that his new retainer was bothering his tooth.  I take a peek inside his mouth and give a little touch to the tooth, and it is loose.  One little pull and I had that puppy out.  We took pictures, laughed at how easily the tooth came out, and headed to bed.  As I'm tucking Brody in, he says to me, "I wonder where the other loose teeth are?"  I feel around and low and behold, there is another super wiggly one in there.  Once again, in one little yank, that bad boy was out.  Brody and I were hysterically laughing that I had just pulled 2 of his teeth out. Now if I could just get my little hands on those other 5!  Maybe instead of working on my Doctorate when my kids go back to school, I should go into Dentistry? Hmmmmmm...  

Webelos and Arrow Of Light

Tonight, these 3 friends received their Webelos and Arrow Of Light.  In case you are like my sister and are raising girls, the Arrow Of Light is the highest recognition a boy can receive as a Cub Scout.  It was a big night for these boys.

 Our ward was having a difficult time scheduling the Order Of Arrow for the ceremony during the months of November and December.  We didn't want these boys to have to wait until January to receive their award, so the Halls and us tagged along with the Red Mountain ward at their Arrow Of Light ceremony.  Brody was so happy to receive his award with Jackson and Kaden.  Along with Brody, Jackson and Kaden, these 2 other boys from the Red Mountain ward received their award too.

 My AMAZING second counselor in the primary stayed up all night to wrap these arrows for Kaden and Brody.  Each colorful strand on the arrow represents an achievement that the boys received during their time as a cub scout.  No 2 arrows are alike because of the amount of achievements each boy received.  Brody was thrilled with his arrow.

 The Order Of the Arrow was a little different then the one we typically use at our ward ceremonies.  That being said, he did a good job and the boys were happy.

 Not only did Brody earn his Arrow Of Light tonight, he also earned his Compass and all 3 compass points.  This means that Brody (and I:)) did EVERY requirement in the Webelos handbook.  I believe that is 20 achievements.  AMAZING!  So proud of this boy!

 The ceremony was held out in the desert at a family of the Red Mountain ward's house.  Nanny and Papa were able to come help Brody celebrate.

 Sugar and Jim were there too.

 Even our home teachers, Pete and Mason Reis were there.

Come January, this boy will be an 11 year old scout.  This is where the real fun begins.  I am nervous and overwhelmed thinking about it.  When we got home tonight, Jeremy and I sat Brody down and talked to him about the fun that is about to come as a Scout. We then gave him a GPS so he can start learning to use it for all the overnighters he will be going on in the future. 

The Storm and The Fly's Adventure

Tonight we met Sugar, Jim, Nanny, Papa, GG and Gpa at Smashburger for dinner and then we all headed over to Brody and Case's piano recital.  I was a little nervous about this recital being that they only had a couple weeks to practice and they really didn't practice the way they should. That being said, both boys did great.

Brody played a song called, "The Fly's Adventure".  I love watching this boy play.  His hands are so magical and fun to watch.  

Case played a song called, "The Storm"  Case has small hands and short fingers.  He struggles with piano but is getting better each week.  If I could just get this boy to practice a little more, he would really be good.  

This boy likes songs that repeat and songs that he knows.  

How fun to be in a recital with friends from the neighborhood, school and church.  

Sugar was so nice to bring GG and Gpa tonight.  So happy she was there.

Brody and Case with their piano teacher, Russel York.

Happy Veteran's Day!

 Our family looks forward to Veterans Day every year.  This year we spent the day with our two favorite Veterans, my 89 and 90 year old grandparents.  We picked them up at their house and headed to BJ's out by Superstition Springs. I should mention that picking my grandparents up takes about 45 minutes once my grandma gets dressed and by time I load their 2 walkers and them in my suburban.  Berkley had been complaining that her tummy was hurting, but we kinda ignored it cause Brody hasn't been feeling well and has complained of the same thing.  Wellllllllllll.....as we were flying down the freeway on our way to lunch, Miss B. starts throwing up.  It was just awesome.  Of course I hadn't cleaned my car out for 2 weeks so no one could find the wipes or a towel or something to clean it up with. Luckily my grandpa carries 3 handkerchiefs with him at all times and was able to throw it into the back seat for her. We finally arrived at BJ's smelling like throw up.  Jeremy met us there which was helpful since there were several times during the meal that Miss B. thought she was going to throw up.  We ate lunch with the rest of Mesa which was fun.  Talking to my grandma is the best.  She is dealing with dementia Alzheimer's so she can tell some hum dinger stories! After lunch we offered to take them to see Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 with us, but they were too tired.  I dropped my kids off at the movie with Libby and took my grandparents home.  I got back to the theatre for the last 30 minutes of the movie which was just about perfect! We loved our Veterans Day with my grandparents.  They have an amazing story and I learn something new from them every time I visit with them.  

My grandpa proudly showing off his purple heart.