My Cub Scouts

I've had a couple of people complain about my last post. Who doesn't love looking at a potty training post...for two months? I'm a terrible blogger lately. In my defense...wait...nope. Not even going to try to give an excuse. However, I'm going to skip right over Preston's birthday (it's VIBP ((Very Important Blog Post)) status so it requires it's own, separate post) and dive in with our last Cub Scout Pack Meeting.

First, I just have to point out how awesome Carson is. He had 2 speaking parts in this pack meeting. He's getting so brave about doing things he's really terrified of. He's my hero.

For some reason or another, the scout leaders had been forgetting to give Carson his Bobcat badge. He was pretty excited to give me the pin and finally get to put a badge on his shirt. Poor thing was disappointed month after month, but his patience has finally paid off.

This was Preston's last hurrah. He's 11. How did that happen? When I started this blog he was 6. 6! He's still that little boy, right? Please someone tell me he's not growing up. Anyone? Argh! Anyway, since no one will invent something to slow the continuation of time, I'll just get on with it. Preston earned his Webelos badge and along with it, his Arrow of Light. He's been a super good sport with all this scouting stuff. I say that because he's had to be super patient with his ignorant-in-all-things-scouting mother. It was a process of trial and error but we made it through. Carson and William have it easy! I'm so ligit now.

For the record, this is what little people do while sitting through a entirely-way-to-lengthy pack meeting for their older brothers.

Blue and Gold Banquet...Our First

Yes, we have been officially dubbed scouting parents and attended our first Blue and Gold banquet (almost two years into our initial scouting entrance). I'm still not sure what it's for or why we have them, but whatever. It was a free meal and one of the coolest places I have ever been.

The theme was "50's Night" and it was held at some guys house. I know, I'm super perceptive. He was someone in our stake, that much I know. But he has the most incredible collection. There was stuff everywhere you could look. It was held in his "garage" although that is such an oversimplification. When you have 10 garage doors and one giant airplane hanger door on the end (with remote control access), plus a 50's diner attached to the front, it's not a "garage". It's Disneyland for my dad.

~Twirling amidst the cars, the elevator is behind her on her left (our right).~

As I was trying to count the number of antique cars (including a Model T) the owner (who shall still remain nameless, because I still can't remember his name) came up to chat with me. Over all there are 38 cars in just that building, plus an extensive Barbie doll collection belonging to his wife's. Picture a huge display case...no, not case...room. A glass room to showcase Barbie from 1959 to now, including the original Barbies from 1959 to the 1970's. Amazing. There were old fashion peddle cars, antique drive-in menu speaker things, a working elevator (again antique)to get you to the loft, and so much more. I still can't believe he just let us set up tables around all those cars. The man must be loaded, crazy, or both. Not that we're complaining. Well, Carson did, but that's only because I made him slick his hair back and he took issue with it.

~In their 50's garb.~

~Proof that Will was there too...cleaning off every body's plates.~

Christmas Prep, Parties and Piano

We decorated a tree, went to Abby's first preschool Christmas party, the boys school "holiday parties" (which reminds me of my favorite T.V. quote this year, "'Happy Holidays' is what terrorists say. Merry Christmas from Avery and Jack". I love 30 Rock) and Preston had his first piano recital (and didn't miss a note...we were so proud) and earned his Wolf badge all in the same day. Here's the visual rundown.


~Decorating the tree. Will liked to get on the stool with Daddy (yes, Trevor needs a stool).~


~Abby singing Rudolph. A classic.~


~Our own personal Mozart. I love how he "hid" his nerves by pulling his foot in and out of his shoe where he thought no one could see.~


~Preston and I after he was deemed Wolf worthy...or whatever. All I know is I get a pin out of the deal.~

And as a bonus treat for your blogging eyes, check out Will's newest trick.

Derby Dummies

~I forgot my good camera. I really miss it when I don't have it.~

Well, we've survived our first Pine Wood Derby. The most important thing to me was that Preston had so much fun. The most important thing to Trevor was that it was a learning experience and we have 1000 ideas for next year. I won't mention that 998 of those ideas I suggested several weeks ago and was promptly shut down. But after talking to people who know what they're doing, Trevor has jumped on board the polished axle train (derby talk). It's not like I did hours of research online for tips on creating the fastest car. Nope. I'm just a girl with no derby experience.

~Recieving his trophy and a look at the track.~

He did win the award for the "sleekest car", but we aren't fooled by consolation prizes! I'm totally kidding. Sort of. His results weren't terrible. He was right in the middle of the pack. At one point, after a less impressive run, I saw him rub his eyes. I think he was fighting a particularly embarrassing emotion. A few minutes later, though, he was back with his buddies and they were carrying on in their loud obnoxious 8 year old ways. Overall, I'll deem it a success. The free breakfast helped.


~The fabulous people who came out to support him (Papa, Mimi, and Uncle Vance).~

After the derby, we had just minutes to spare to get him geared up and over to his third baseball game. He was the starting catcher and was even the lead off hitter! What a change from last year! He is really doing well both at the plate and behind it. So far his batting average is .750;) I really don't think he's had a frustrating or negative moment in a game or at a practice this year. He's LOVING it! And we are loving watching him be awesome!

I know this post is braggy. Deal with it. We're super proud of this dude.


~At first after one of his hits.~


~Behind the plate. It makes my thighs burn just thinking about that crouch.~


~Opening Day.~


~With buddies Evan and Rex on Opening Day.~


~I think I mentioned before how awesome his coaches are. This is Coach Tom. He's been involved in Little League since 1978.~


~His fans, reading a book, playing a game on Trevor's phone and keeping Will from being mauled. I swear we were paying attention to the game too!~


~A sweet one of Lily and Abby on Opening Day.~


~Bet you can guess that the stupid Chick-fil-a cow was at opening day.~

Switching gears to Carson. I took him to Chick-fil-a the other day for lunch. It's a weekly tradition with Heather, Luke and Lily. He asked if he could turn in his kid meal toy for an ice cream cone (I love that they do this and that I don't have to take those chintzy toys home). After I gave my consent, he rushed off to the front counter. He got halfway there and came to a screeching halt, whipped around and sprinted back to me to give me a swift kiss on my cheek. He didn't give a reason, didn't say one word, he just bolted back to get his ice cream. You read it right. CARSON spontaneously kissed me. I am not ashamed to admit that it made me tear up a bit. I work, clean, cook, iron (well, not iron) weeks and weeks for moments like that. It's why I love being a mom.

P.S. I just realized I never let you know Preston's Cardiologists first name. It's Eugene. Eugene Hwang. It cracks me up.

He's A Wolf

A mommy moment if you please...

...Preston's at scouts right now. His very first one. They are working on their Faith In God Award tonight. In two weeks, he'll learn how to set up a tent. I'm going to love this scouting thing, as long as they don't call me to be his den mother.

When he walked in the door from school today, he had two questions for me. When does scouts start and did you get the patches on my shirt? I think it was a long 3 1/2 hour wait for him. He started getting ready at 5:30pm and scouts started at 7:00pm. I'm sure the newness will wear off in a month or so. Still, it was pretty adorable to watch. And I did get those patches on. Badge Magic rules.



Carson's had a hard time with this. He tells me (and Trevor, and Miss Heather, and any one who'll listen) that he's jealous of his brother because he gets to go to scouts. Those are his words not mine. Tonight, he put on a blue polo and Daddy's old Webelos neckerchief. I think he's going to attempt to sneak in.



Abby couldn't care less. She's been a feverish little girl the past 24 hours and isn't afraid to let us all know she feels downright crummy. She still paused to pose for a picture though.



Okay, my mommy moment is over...for now.