Hurricane Ike

In an unanticipated turn of events, Hurricane Ike has left its predicted path and made a sudden turn towards the southwestern United States. The Storm Tracker technology has detected Hurricane Ike proceeding with amazing speed to the Phoenix area. Hardest hit with this unparalleled path of destruction is a home in Mesa, Arizona. See photos above. States resident Amy King, "I have never before seen such a whirlwind of activity. Ike is almost unstoppable. Before I could blink, our belongings were torn away from various locations in our home and scattered as far as the eye can see!"

Wanted Dead or Alive

OK. So when viewing the Rock Band pictures, click on my playlist at the bottom of the screen. Wanted Dead or Alive is one of the boys' favorite songs. Unfortunately, so is Roxanne. Take your pick.

Bowling Buddies

(First, a disclaimer. I don't know who the videographer of the movies below was (?). She sure didn't know how to operate the camera, that's for sure. Who turns the camera sideways when using the record button? I wouldn't know....)

For Spencer's birthday party he decided he wanted to take his friends bowling. He invited 9 friends and it amazed me at how much space the seven (who came) 12-13 year olds take up! It sure was different than Jacob's party a couple of weeks ago. But they had so much fun! He has such neat friends, both from school and from his Deacon's quorum. While they were arriving Spencer was showing off his new Rock Band and as they all settled in to play we realized that could have been the party in itself. They had a riot! Then we went to AMF bowling for a couple of games...they are such hams...and back to the house for pizza, root beer floats and presents and more Rock Band. We couldn't get rid of them! A few stayed an extra hour and we finally had to shoo them out the door so Isaac could have a nap. But what a fun fun day!

Lucky Thirteen

My sweet oldest son is officially a T...T...Teenager! Happy Birthday Spencer! He had a pretty uneventful day until dinnertime. Mom served his favorite dish: Nana's enchiladas (but I can never get the recipe "like Nana's"). For dessert, his favorite flavor: Lemon cake with vanilla ice cream. Isaac wouldn't sing "Happy Birthday to Spencer," only "Happy Birthday to Isaac (or 'me')." And then the big surprise. Spencer has been begging for, no, demanding, the game Guitar Hero for his birthday. Unfortunately for him, I read the online parent reviews and that was a big NO! So he tried another tactic: "If you buy the game Rock Band, I'll buy the guitar and the drums and the microphone. That way you'll be saving money." Twisted Teenager logic. But what is a mom to do? Of course I went and bought the Special Edition that included the instruments and spent a pretty penny (but, yes, I had a coupon!). He went berserk when he saw his present. I thought we'd have to peel him off the ceiling! We set it up and it turned out to be a great family game! With Jacob and Isaac on vocals, Dad on drums, Noah on bass drum and Spencer on guitar (and Mom as the roadie) we turned ourselves into "The Kings," a pretty decent rock band with a pretty predictable name. Some of the songs are a little disconcerting to hear your 7-year-old belting out but we've sure had fun. Check it out! (Push the play button).

Celebration of Scouting

The Gilbert 12th Ward had a joint Court of Honor/Pack Meeting last Thursday and boy! was it a celebration of Scouting!
We had a potato bar and a s'more chocolate fountain before the awards ceremonies.
Spencer received his Family Life (thanks, mom), Indian Lore, Camping, and Soil & Water Conservation merit badges, as well as his Star Rank.
Noah received his first three Webelos activity badges: Engineer, Aquanaut and Traveler.
I love Scouts! I love being involved in this marvelous program for boys' development. My own boys think I'm naggy but I always tell them it's for their own good. Momsense! "Because I'm the Mom. Tada!"