For Your Birthday

Kennedy,

Another year has passed and now it's your birthday again Dede girl. You're turning into such a big girl. No longer in pre-school. All grown up in elementary. I know the year started out pretty rough for you as you adjusted to the new school and new experiences. As frustrated as you were to begin the school year, I am so proud of you for sticking with it and getting past the tough times. It was great to see your smile return as you starting enjoying school again.


Your mom and I love you so much Kennedy. You have such a terrific personality that truly spreads throughout each member of our family. At times, your strong will can seem a bit much, but I wouldn't trade your independence for anything. You are becoming a beautiful, intelligent, and spiritual girl that touches other people lives for good.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I know there are times when I do and say the wrong things. I am still learning on the job with this parenting thing. I want you to know that we're in this together. I will try and take it easy on you, if you'll promise to do this same with me. I love you Dede girl. Happy Birthday.

Daddy

Meeting the Big Guy

Over the weekend we had our annual Christmas party at the Ward.  I have to say it was a great party.  There was tons of good food.  We enjoyed talking with our friends.  There was even some fun singing.  Of course I say all this and neglect to mention the two hours we spent chasing Dylan around the church.  Oh well, you can't a party without chasing kids up and down the halls, right?

At the end of the party the anticipation was high as the bells started to jingle.  The curtains opened and there he was, Santa.  Alex, Kennedy, and Dylan were so excited and it totally made the night.  This is the perfect age to see the kids interact with Santa.  They aren't intimidated by him.  They understand their role in talking with him.  And they certainly know what he can do for them.  Take a look at a few of the pics:

University of Scouting

When I was a teenager I wasn't very into scouting.  I was like a lot of boys.  Sure, When I was 12 I was "gung ho".  I loved getting merit badges.  Rank advancements were my thing.  Scout camp was a right of passage.  Then I turned 14.  I didn't have an Eagle, in fact I wasn't even close.  By the time I was 16 scouting was a distant memory and it seemed as though I would be a "Life for life".

Something happened when I was 17.  We got a new scout leader.  One who was willing to work with us on our schedule.  He encouraged us to keep at it.  Even though we were pretty reluctant, requirements kept getting checked off the list.  The day I turned 18 I completed my packet for Eagle.  I was done.  I though I was done forever.

Fast forward a couple decades and I'm back in a scouting uniform (I rarely even wore the uniform as a kid).  This time as a leader.  I think I've attended more scout meetings in the past year than I ever did as a kid.  Take last weekend for example.  I drove out to Stansbury High School to attend the University of Scouting.  It was an all-day seminar in which we learned about the scouting program and how it's supposed to work.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but it actually pretty fun.

I have learned a ton this year about how to make a difference in the life of a boy.  Scouting isn't the only way to accomplish this, but there are a lot of positive aspects to getting boys outdoors to learn and grow. For me, all this training is for the future.  I just know I'm going to be the Scoutmaster when Alex and Dylan are part of the troop.  I want to make sure I know how to provide a positive experience by being properly trained.  I'm not asking for the calling, but I have a strong feeling it's coming my way eventually.

So, I've officially attended the University of Scouting.  I don't know if it's something I can add to my resume, but I'll hang my diploma up on the wall (or on my shirt).

Dad's Night In

Tara's out for her annual Christmas shopping trip with her sisters so it's my chance to stay home with the kids.  In spite of their endless cries for Mommy, I think I've won them over for the evening.  All it takes is one quick stop by Little Caesar's and it's time for:

PIZZA!!!

Christmas Traditions: Advent Calendars

The kids are ready for the Christmas season. Today it kicked off in full swing as we cracked out the advent calendars. Now, in years past, the chocolate was eaten within a couple of days. We'll have to wait and see if we can curb their excitement and keep them to one treat per day.