Finger-Lickin' Good

photo here

We were eating fried chicken for dinner recently when Hubba asked,

"Who hunted these chickens?"

That's my boy.

Our Eagle

Purchasing some supplies at Home Depot

We knew from the time that Coolister first became involved in Boy Scouts that we wanted him to earn the rank of Eagle but we wanted him to want it. He kept procrastinating - almost to the point where we didn't think he'd make it before the age cutoff - but he finally got serious and got to work.

Coolister debated a few different project ideas and finally decided to design and build bookshelves for a local elementary school. He was able to collect enough in donations that he built 5 bookshelves and also gave a generous gift card to Barnes and Noble with each one.

He worked hard - and with the help of his family and many great friends and neighbors he was able to deliver the bookshelves before his 18th birthday.

One requirement for his eagle application was to have a parent write him a letter of recommendation. I was lucky enough to be the one to do this, and here is what I wrote:

To Whom It May Concern:

How does a parent write a letter of recommendation for one of their children without coming across as biased and boastful? I’m not sure that it is possible. However, I do wish to emphasize that although the following letter will likely seem to contain the gushing recommendation that you would expect from a parent, words are inadequate in my attempt to describe what a remarkable young man our son truly is.

Many of the things I can think to include in this letter would likely be redundant because they will already be a part of the other information which is required as a part of his Eagle paperwork. I will do my best to give you a glimpse into what is not included elsewhere.

Coolister is the oldest of our ten children. Most teenage boys do not have much interest in their younger siblings; this is not the case with Coolister. As the oldest child he has shown genuine caring and leadership in his association with each of his siblings. We have been pleased with his example to them of one who sets and accomplishes goals, works hard in school and is a loyal and trustworthy friend.

When Coolister is faced with a challenge, he conquers it head-on and without discouragement. In March of 2010 Coolister suffered an extreme open dislocation of his ankle which required surgery and physical therapy to rehabilitate. As a talented cross-country runner this could have been devastating, especially when he was told that this injury would likely put him out of sports for a year. However, Coolister did not let this deter him from his goal of running in the State Championship Meet the following season. He was good-natured and positive throughout the whole ordeal. Coolister worked hard and recovered quickly, surprising his doctors and physical therapist, and trained all summer to be back on track for cross-country in the fall where he was able to reach his goal of competing at the state level.

Coolister proved that he not only knew the words to the scout oath, but lived them as well, when his youngest brother was born last December. I slipped on ice and broke both bones in my lower leg three weeks before the baby was expected to arrive. When I came home from the hospital with a newborn baby and orders to stay in bed for 6 weeks, Coolister was a great help to our family. He never complained when asked to shop for groceries, run errands, help prepare meals, change diapers, or shuttle his younger siblings to their various activities.

At first sight, Coolister can come across as a fun-loving, silly kid. However, behind the scenes, as his mom, I get to see the side that many others don't. My son has a heart of gold. He is quick to forgive, always one to help others feel included and he is filled with a light that comes from really knowing who he is and what he has the potential to become.

As stated in the beginning of this letter, I feel that my words are inadequate. I am sure I could continue to write volumes and still not feel as though I have sufficiently helped you to know what really makes our son who he is. How can I summarize nearly 18 years of a life well-lived into one short letter?

Suffice it to say that I wholeheartedly recommend our son, Coolister, as a candidate for the rank of Eagle Scout.

Thank you,

Gerb

We are still awaiting the final word but the local council approved his application with "absolutely no reservation". Awesome job, Coolister!

My Own Camp Experience

Last week was another week for my two oldest girls to attend their summer Young Women's Camp up at MIA Shalom. I was able to remain involved in helping to plan the camp, including writing some fun cheers for the Adult Camp Leaders to perform at each flag ceremony. (Cheering about the inevitable clogged *biffy to the tune of 'Thriller', anyone? I love coming up with this stuff.) However, Baby X and I would not have survived without each other this time around so I remained here at home.

I was a bit melancholy as I rushed my girls out the door on Tuesday morning to board the buses that would transport them up to camp. As I stepped out the door I found a colorful bag waiting for me. I love surprises! I couldn't wait to get back home and peek inside.

Here is what I found:

A camp sweatshirt, a clipboard with each day's schedule and activities, a box of treats, a whole bunch of envelopes and a sweet note from my thoughtful friend Michelle who had put it all together for me.
Each envelope was labeled with a day and a time when I was to open it. Inside each one was a quote tag which corresponded with whatever was happening at that time. We collect these tags on keyrings each year. I was so excited that I would still have this year's tags to add to my collection!

Throughout the day on Tuesday I found myself looking at the schedule to see what was going on up at camp. By lunch time I decided that I was going to have my own camp experience! I tried to do something which corresponded with what was going on at camp right here at home each day.


I studied my scriptures during Scripture Study time. I let the kids play in the kiddie pool in our backyard during Waterfront. I watched some uplifting Mormon Messages during Golden Hours. I sang some songs with my kids during the Musical Morningside and Singing Around the Lake. The night of the Star Party I put on my camp sweatshirt and sat on my back porch to gaze at the heavens once my kids were snug in bed. I even did biffy duty daily! And throughout each day I opened my envelopes and enjoyed reading my tags.


When my girls came home on Saturday ElemenoB told me that camp was awesome - but she likes it better when I'm there. (Which of course totally made my day.) I could say the same thing about my week. It was awesome to feel the spirit of camp here in my home, but I am already looking forward to next year when I get to actually be there again.




*biffy = Bathroom In Forest For You. Or at least that's what the girls tell me.

One For The Star Wars Fans

I found this in my freezer last week.


When I asked the kids about it I was told in a very matter-of-fact tone that they were re-enacting the scene in Star Wars where Han Solo is frozen in carbonite.

Awesome.

Train Town Break Down

We made our way back home from Texas in a marathon two day trip. One small town we had noticed on our way to Texas (can't remember the name of it, but I'm sure Allen can tell me. I think it was near the border of Colorado?) was some sort of historical train stop - so, with train lovers in our family, we decided to make it a quick pit-stop on our way back.

At this point in the trip, we had already driven for one day straight, stopped at a hotel overnight, done some more marathon driving (stopping only for gas) and were still not very close to home. You know the drill - fussy baby wants out of his carseat, cries of how much longer? and he's breathing my air! and can I eat something? and I'm bored! Let's just say this - patience was not my strong suit.


I just wanted a dang picture of my smiling family. NORMAL SMILES. Was that too much to ask?


As I continued to snap photos of my family I became increasingly frustrated that they would not JUST SMILE NORMAL ALREADY!


I believe I may have even told one of my children *cough* ElemenoB *cough* that someday I hoped she would look back on all the pictures I have of her over the last two years or so and wish she had not made THOSE RIDICULOUS FACES!!


They seemed to feed on my frustration.


And then... FINALLY! they realized that I was not kidding. I was annoyed. So I got a good shot! No goofy faces.


And then I looked closer as I scrolled through my pictures and noticed that Cowgirl was plugging her nose in my one 'normal shot'.

That was it. The last straw.

I could feel the emotion rising as my mouth started to twitch. NO! I thought to myself. For some reason, when I am in an awkward or uncomfortable situation where I want to cry or scream, my emotions play tricks on me. I don't get why I do this, but it happens every time.

So I did what I had to do.

I turned around and covered my mouth as the laughter escaped me, hoping that none of them would see or hear it. (They totally heard it. I could see it in their smug faces as we all climbed back into our van for the remainder of our long drive home.)

But you know what's really funny? As I was creating this post and looking at these snapshots, I was totally laughing. These pictures are a perfect portrayal of my crazy family. I think it's even funnier that I was so mad at them for not being NORMAL. When have I ever been normal?

Exactly.

Texas Tea Party

The day that our families went to the Astros game one of my nieces had a church activity where a tea party was planned. She really wanted to go but some of us would have to stay behind. I suggested that we have a tea party at their house instead and everyone was happy with that - even the older girls who we let create and prepare the food.

While the princesses went to find proper attire for such an occasion (including clothes for all of the little princes) the girls prepared this feast:

When they were called down for their tea party each princess was escorted down by a young prince.

Once they were seated the older girls served each guest their finger foods...

...which all proper royalty knew to eat with their pinkies up.


Okay, some ate with their pinkies down. But whatever. They were sure cute doing it.


And, honestly, what tea party is complete without chocolate milk and bendy straws?

And they all lived happily ever after.

Elk Ranch

Cutest little cowpokes you ever did see!

One of my favorite places to spend some time when we visit Texas is Elk Ranch. This is some property owned by Allen's brother, Troy, and his family. It is like a little piece of heaven on earth because there is something for everyone. If you want to sit back and watch a movie or read a book, you can hang out in the ranch house. If you want to get outside and play, there is ziplining, fishing, canoeing, and plenty of exploring to be done.

Chow time!


Where the ranch gets its name - this impressive herd of elk roam the grounds.


Uncle Troy and Baby X


One of the cousins shows them how the zipline is done


Ready for a canoe ride


Coolister and Little O


Ziplining over the pond


Bighorn sheep


Allen and Coolister


All-a-boy loved the zipline


These cuties loved going for rides on the Polaris


Allen decided to cool off with All-a-Boy


Coolister became the non-official guy in charge of canoe rides


Did I mention that All-a-Boy loved the zipline?