Emmalee's Little Bobcats--Feb. 2014

 Last month Emmalee finished up with Little Bobcats.  She had such a fun time & learned a lot.

 Here she is dribbling.

 shooting a jump shot

 playing a game (she's in the blue on the right).  Callum is also on the court ("reffing")

 Waiting for the Hoop Shoot (Zane was in charge of her group)

 Nice lay up!

 Shoot!

 Picking a prize--she made 4 out of 10 free-throws!

Love ya, Emma!

February Misc.

 Ben was so excited to be able to eat the bowl that held his soup!  This is our Blue & Gold Banquet.  

 Emmalee chose to eat out of non-edible bowl & shared my bread bowl (she ate the inside).

If she wasn't so cute, she would be in more trouble than she receives!  (she can be quite the stubborn stinker, but we love her!)

 Emmalee's Dubois town building.  Each year, the 3rd graders have to re-create a building from our town & give a report about why it's important to our community & how it contributes to our community.  Emmalee was assigned the LDS church.  She (& her daddy) did a great job!

 The buildings also double as Valentine's boxes.  They have to make sure they make a way for the valentines to go inside (& to also get them out).

 Since most of our snow had melted in mid-February, Ben wanted to ride his bike.

He bundles up to stay warm and on this day--I heard a knock on the door (thought he couldn't get in because of the bulkiness of his gloves) but saw him on the porch.  What a cutie!

Basketball Up-Date

Basketball has come to an end (finally!)  Our boys have played so well this season.  At district play-offs, we won the first game (against Sho-Ban on Tues. Feb. 18th), & went on to play North Gem on Thursday, Feb. 20th (who we lost by only 3 the week before at their gym--and only had 8 players for varsity!).  But needless to say, we lost that game.  So then we were on the "loser" side of the bracket--which just makes it harder to get to the state play-offs in Boise.

We played & won against Calvary Chapel on Saturday (the 22nd) followed by a game on Tuesday, Feb. 25th against Mackay (our rivals).  And we won!  Which meant one more game at districts!  Against North Gem (again since they lost to Rockland the same night we beat Mackay).

The girls at the last district game on Thursday, Feb. 27th against North Gem.  It was an exciting game--and they WON!!

I had to put this in because the cheerleaders have been working hard & were able to lift Kami above their head!  awesome job (Linsday, Mariah, Selina & Kami)

So proud of these boys!  2nd at districts!  They have worked hard all season & it was fun to watch everyone of them play!  The boys then had to play a team from the western side of the state (same division as us) but that game was in Burley & Rusty & I had an overnight date already planned so we missed it.  It sounds like they were really tall & big kids & even though our boys played hard, we lost 35-73.  (it sounds like the first quarter just killed us--we had the ball stolen about a dozen times & were behind 2-22 at the end of the 1st quarter).  

But the team decided to go to Boise anyways & watch the state tournament.  They went in 3 cars & went to 12 or 13 games.  Zane had a lot of fun & saw some great basketball.  I have to say, though--as much as I have enjoyed watching these boys all season, I am glad it is over for now.  (Districts just about wore me out--almost every other day to town!).

Boy Scout Information--Especially for my sister, Sherrie!

 Here is my bookmarks (you might have to click on the picture & then zoom in).  But I have tons of folders under my favorite bookmarks.

 Here is the front of Callum's binder for Boy Scouts.

 The first tab is for Ranks.

 I have dividers with pockets so we can put things he's working on in them.  This is his summary of where he is.  You should be able to ask the Advancement Chairman for a copy of this.  Or ask if they can print one at the scout office if no one in your Troop can do this for you.

 Then I used the website:  http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badge_Worksheets to print off the following worksheets for the BSA ranks & Merit Badges.  The picture above is for the Scout rank (which is just pretty much just joining BSA).  It would be followed by Tenderfoot, 2nd & 1st Class and then: 

 This is Callum's current rank.  He has everything completed except for one non-required merit badge.  There is a Merit Badge Pow-Wow this month that he will complete 2 more merit badges at.

 Next I have a section for Required Merit Badges.

 Here is the Emergency Preparedness worksheet.  He actually did this one at a Pow-Wow, so never filled this worksheet out (the Merit Badge Counselor had other stuff for him).

By the way--these worksheets are NOT required.  But they are a big help for the boy, mother, & leader!

 The next section is non-required Merit Badges.

 Callum picked a few he was interested in.  Our Troop has a "library" with the merit badge booklets (which each Scout needs to read before he finishes his merit badge).  

Reading & Scholarship are 2 that are not required, but most kids can complete these just by completing their school work & then just a little bit more.

Sorry the pictures are a bit blurry.  I just took these with my iPod (& not in very good lighting) so I could quickly get them on the computer for my sister.

Mixed Feelings

What a crazy week this has been.

First (before I talk about basketball), I want to talk about Church.  Today I was released as Primary President after serving for over 4 years.  

***SIDE NOTE***I thought it was 5 years, but looking back, I was called the beginning of January but not sustained until the first week of February.  In my defense, I was the Cub Master in scouting less than 2 months after moving to Dubois (Aug. 2003) & the Valiant 11 teacher for a year, then on to Primary pianist for 2 years, Primary chorister for 3 years, & then Primary President for the last 4 years.  (I was Cub Master--& chorister--until a few months after I was called as president)  So I just know I've been in Primary for a very long time ;)   I guess the timeline just blurred together :D

I had a feeling in November that I was going to be released, but when it didn't happen (& that's when we plan 2014--the whole year & put together birthday presents), I thought maybe it wouldn't happen.  But last week the bishop called me in to let me know of the changes.  I had just one question:  who was the new Primary President going to be--because I couldn't turn the kids over to just anyone!  When he told me it was Carrie May, I immediately was relieved because she is such an awesome lady!  (Probably would have felt that way with most of the ladies I know)

So all week I was feeling a bit funky & anxious as I was trying to gather all the primary stuff I have & de-junk my primary bag.  As I was looking at all that I've been responsible for, I was feeling a bit panicky because I didn't get "everything" done/accomplished with the kids.  But I know that it's impossible to get everything done with most things.  And I know I've done the best I could--I just love all the kids so much & will miss being with them each week.  

I have felt happiness, sorrow, joy, confusion, peace, frustration, contentment & so much more the past years I have served with the various ladies & children in our community.  I also realized how many responsibilities & "hats" I have been wearing--especially the past 4 years as Primary President.  

So this morning was my last week have early meeting (Ward Council)!  I have to admit, it felt a little weird to be talking about upcoming Primary events & concerns about kids, families, etc. when I knew I was getting released in another hour.  I was able to finish out the day in Primary, so the new presidency could sit in & see how sharing/singing time runs.  I was able to bear my testimony to the kids & say good-bye.   I testified of Heavenly Father's love for each of them & how he knows them individually.  I also told them about feeling anxious during the week, but as soon as I was released, I had a peaceful, warm feeling come over me & I felt at ease--knowing that all of this is part of Heavenly Father's plan.  (I also identified that feeling as the Holy Ghost--something that is sometimes overlooked about teaching children what some of their feelings are).  And of course--I cried.

This is the little note/candy we gave the kids--trying to express our love.

So for at least one week--I do not have a primary calling.  I can't quite say I don't have a calling, because I am still the assistant camp director for the YW's girl's camp.  But I was told not to get too comfortable--especially in our small ward.

I still have some "responsibilities" this coming week:  Cleaning out the primary closets (at least 1/3 of the stuff in the closets are my personal stuff I have used since I was chorister.  some of the stuff I will just leave for the new presidency);  Meeting with the new presidency & letting them know of the many things they need to do (Cub Scouts alone as a member of the Primary presidency is a lot, not to mention being in charge of the 11-year old scouts, the Faith in God program, Priesthood Preview, ward council, and so many other things!).  But I know we are turning things over to a loving group of women & I am at peace.

5 Second Rule fun

 Pamela, Tiffany & Ethan spent the long weekend with us in Dubois.

 Tiffany & Ethan brought the game "5 Second Rule" so we sat down Sunday evening & learned how to play it.  We laughed & had a fun time naming 3 things in 5 seconds (whatever was on the card).

 Ben--I don't think that Tiffany & Ethan need any help kissing :D  We should have used the timer for these two ;)

 We also did a lot of wedding shopping & planning over the weekend.  Less than 8 weeks before the wedding!

 Ben wanted me to take of picture of him sleeping--ha, ha.  In his church clothes :D

 Callum, Brienna & Zane.  I tried to take candid shots of everyone playing the game, but Zane had to pose each time.

It has been a great weekend--and loud.  We have a small house so when 10 people get playing a game, laughing & talking, it's hard to find any peace & quiet!  But I love it!

Valentine's Day Weekend

 Since we didn't have school last Thursday, they made this past Thursday (the 13th) our parent teacher conference day so parties were moved up to before lunch since we had early release.  (We are on a 4-day school week)

 So I had already signed up to help with Emmalee's party (had a few games for them & a treat).

 This was the heart bean bag relay we played in the gym.

 They had to walk or hop with the bean bag between their knees.

 It was a lot harder than we thought, so we allowed them to put it higher between their legs.  But it gave them some time to get their energy out!

 Emmalee with her Valentines & treats.

 I wanted to leave early enough so I could be at Ben's party for the last 20 minutes or so, but ended up only getting there 10 minutes before the end of pre-school.

And they kids were already finished with the party & had their coats on to come home.  So this is Ben's Valentine treasures!

On Friday, Rusty got up early (as usual) & cleaned the kitchen for me!  I have been sick on & off the past 3 weeks, so things seem to pile up quickly.  That was the best Valentine's present ever!

Then I did piano lessons for Ben & Emmalee (which doesn't happen as regular/often as it should) & got ready to go to town.  Emmalee really wanted to come with me (claims I never take her to town--which is true) so I warned her it would be a day full of shopping.  She insisted she wouldn't complain so I brought her along.  I went to Chesbro Music store to find more piano music for my students.  I was done in about 1 hour (Emmalee did get a little tired/bored there, but I just had her sit by my feet while I looked thru the books).  Then we went grocery shopping at WinCo--hadn't been there for about 2 months!  Afterwards we met up with Pamela at Wal-Mart where we were supposed to meet up with Ethan & Tiffany.  But they were running late (Ethan forgot to pack the night before so had to pack after his class) so Pamela & I were just in the check-out line when Ethan & Tiffany made it to IF.  

So we all went to Michael's, Zurchers, & the other Wal-Mart to wedding shop.  We got flowers & a lot of the stuff we'll need for the wedding.  Tons of fun but super tiring (especially since I'm still not 100% from my numerous illnesses over the past month).  Made it home around 8 & spent an hour putting stuff away.  

Another great Valentine's present--the kids cleaned the living room & vacuumed (which I must admit hadn't been vacuumed for at least 2 weeks).  

Rusty & I went on a date on Saturday after Emmalee's Little Bobcat basketball.  We went to Famous Dave's BBQ--which was yummy, but not as delicious as Texas Roadhouse (can't beat those rolls) & it was pricier.  Afterwards we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a couple of things & then went to the "thrift store & thrift movie".  Gotta love DI--found an outfit & a few other treasures.  Then we watched "Catching Fire" & headed home.  I did give Rusty some starbursts (he's the star of my life) & Reese's pieces (I'd go to pieces without him) & he gave me some sugar-free candy (you don't have to have sugar to be sweet).