Memorial Day

Having a son in the military makes this day even more emotional for me. This holiday many wives, moms, sisters, fathers, and brothers are paying respect to their loved one who gave their lives for our freedom. It is the ultimate sacrifice. My son is deploying very soon. I can hardly bear to think about it, however, I know God is watching over him, as well as the other men and women serving in the armed forces.

This weekend, DS/11 and I went with his scout troop to Veterans' Cemetery for a ceremony and placed flags on the graves of soldiers.

Baking Frenzy

Guess who's been baking like a crazy woman? Me! I had to bake a bunch of goodies for my son's scouts bake sale last Sunday.


















The bake sale was to raise money for their individual saving accounts. The accounts allow them to save money to be used to offset costs of camping trips, etc. Here are some of the goodies I baked (didn't get photos of the cookies - chocolate chip and sugar).







Here are 2 of the 3 tables of bake goods. Most everything sold!!










My DD/26 decided I needed my hair colored.....so she offered to do it for me. It's
not quite my best color for my skin, but we'll keep trying. At least my hair is all one color, which is an improvement.

Scout Camping trip to Kia Kima

DH and DS/10 went on a camping trip to Kia Kima in Arkansas a couple of weeks ago. They had a blast! DS is th 4th one from the right. The raccoons got into their snack foods and ate most of it up. DS shot a bb gun and got 2 bull's eyes.

He shot a sling shot and hit 2 cans, went on hikes, crossed a monkey bridge,

and did arts and crafts.
When they returned home, boy, were they dirty and dusty! They had a great time, but were glad to get back home.

We have Too much stuff!

I've been cleaning out closets and it is amazing what can accumulate over 16 years in one house! A yellow and green polka dot purse, a gold fake leather purse (eww!) and red felt hat with a feather are just a few of the items that have got to go. We are having a yard sale next weekend, so we are still rummaging through the clutter. "One man's junk is another man's treasure"....right? I hope so, because we definitely have a lot of junk to sell and donate! I think it would be way more productive to have an unbiased person go through the stuff with me. I know I'd probably get rid of even more. I am learning (and it's about time), that we all actually need very little stuff. I haven't put aside one item for the sale that I've regretted. The deeper I go into the clutter abyss, the more I want to let go of the stuff that isn't useful or has a sad or negative memory attached to it.

Today, in observance of Memorial Day, DS/10 participated, with his scout troop, in a parade and placing flags on 47,000 soldiers' graves at National Cemetery. He's 2nd from the left in the back row. He did this last year, but it takes on a whole new meaning this year, since his brother is in the army now.

Long Ways Down

My Army son called me to tell me he jumped from a 250 ft. tower (with a parachute, of course). He said it was "very interesting". Next week, he will parachute from a plane. The jump next week will complete his Airborne training. Then, I'll find out what's next on his plate.

DS/10 had a birthday in January, entered Pinewood Derby (won a trophy), and had a ceremony to become a Webelo 2 in Scouts. He also completed his first science fair project. He won 2nd place at his school level! He is so excited!

Sorry, it's been so long since I blogged....life just got in the way.

Busy Month!

We are on are way to the great outdoors tomorrow. A little cabin in the woods awaits us. Our Bible Fellowship group (aka Sunday School class) will be there. Lots of eating and hiking will take place.

We've been busy this month with activities. DS/9 and DH went on a camping trip to Scout Base for Boy Scouts. They had a great time, although the wind almost blew their tent away! The goal was to earn badges for extreme sports. They did! It involved a lot of jumping. They had 26 inflatables to jump on, slide through, and climb. That's heaven for a 9 year old.

Yesterday was DH's birthday, so we ate out to celebrate. Great food, and great company.

And speaking of company, my friend from Grand Rapids, MI, stayed with me overnight (while the boys were camping). We visited with some of her family. She also gave us tickets to a one-night-only production of Memphis Messiah, which she helped coordinate for a non-profit organization called Orphanos. It's a very worthwhile organization that helps orphans. Check it out.

I've actually done some stitching, just not enough progress to share yet.

DS/20 is hanging in there with basic combat training. I've gotten more mail from him. He's homesick, but that's to be expected.

Gotta go shop and pack for trip!