Jyson is 10!

Jyson wanted to go ice skating for his birthday this year and invite some friends, along with his cousins. He loved it.
Yes, he spent some time getting close to the ice.
We skated too.
Love that smile.
It was a great group of boys.
No explanation needed...

After the skate time ended, they played a little ball outside.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that kid!

Scouters

Scouting is a bigger thing at our house as of late.

Here's Jyson receiving his Bear. (John's Honor Guard did the Flag Ceremony at the beginning.)
They gave him "bear claw" marks.
He was very serious about that.
You'll remember that Jake squeezed in his Eagle the day before his 18th b-day. Here he is in all his uniform glory, headed to the Board of Review.
All spiffed up for the Eagle Recognition Banquet.
His display. That is the basket he made with Bob (John's dad) for his last merit badge.
The Court of Honor is yet to come...

Mother's Day reflection

Mother's Day is not exactly what I dreamed it would be when I was younger. I'm not saying it's bad, just different. We celebrated it yesterday, since the kids spend today with their other moms. I shed a tear or two today because no one calls me mom, but then I feel like a rotten brat. I don't want to be ungrateful. I've mentioned before that I am privileged to at least get to mother John's kids sometimes and that is true. So, maybe being a stepmom has a few challenges, I'm pretty sure being "the mom" has its challenges too. I know there are things I need to be learning right now, through these experiences. Isn't life so interesting? I guess that's when I realize how grateful I am for my knowledge and testimony of the gospel. I know there will be more mothering opportunities, even if I have to wait until the next life. For now, I'll just enjoy the good life, because that's what I live most of the time.

Last year I wrote a tribute to my amazing mum, mother-in-law, & moms everywhere. It's all still true! I love you MOM!

Photo Book of Our Family Cruise to Catalina/Ensenada

I just created a photo book of our cruise and Shutterfly let me post the link so I thought I'd try it. I love doing photo books - especially ones of trips that can be small and relatively quick to make. I'm way behind on blogging, but at least you can see our last trip. :)

Click here to view this photo book larger