Trebuchet!

J & the boys are building a Trebuchet! Tonight was the trial run which ended up in a few broken pieces. The boys are practically hopping with excitement :0)
Tomorrow they are repairing it and trying to get it finished in time to take to scouts. This pic is just an example, I'll take pics of their finished results later.

My Grandma M

My Grandma M passed away recently. She was a wonderful person who I admire and miss very much. I had the blessing of being able to fly to Alaska and be with her until she passed.

My Grandma M was a very talented and hardworking woman. This is a copy of some of what my Uncle wrote in her obituary:

...She was well known as a sweet lady who loved a good story and had a wonderful sense of humor.
M responded to the vagaries of life with a richness of love and generosity. M was talented with her hands and loved all forms of needlework and crafts. She was active when healthy, taking flying lessons, fishing with her son and in younger years had a passion for dancing. She also had a love for photography and for many years enjoyed traveling and taking pictures of flowers, landscapes, and, of course, family.

Family, friends and children of all ages were M’s greatest love. She always had time to read a story, tell a tale, and share a laugh or a hug. M was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and remained active and devoted to the LDS Church for nearly 50 years, finding much joy and comfort in her church family throughout these years.

She willed to me her genealogy work. Until I packed it up I had No Idea how much she had! Countless hours and ever since I can remember she has worked on genealogy. To me this shows that she has so much love for others. The records are being shipped to me and I am almost overwhelmed with the prospect of putting together and organizing her work. There were documents, letters, cards, pedigree charts located everywhere in her house. I am looking forward to learning about all these people she has gathered, and pouring over all the letters and cards she kept from our family.

Long Time No Post!

Wow, this is the 1st post for the year 2012!
We are all doing Great; J is still on shore duty, R & L are finishing up their basketball season this month, and I recently quit working at our towns video store to spend more time at home w/the kids (I was a shift lead for about 6 months). My 1st job was a blessing and I was grateful for the opportunity.

The whole family is in scouting.
J is a BSA leader and works with the 12-13 yr. olds and R is a boy scout. I am a BSA leader for cub scouts and L is a wolf. Last night L earned 5 pins, 7 belt loops, and his Bobcat & Wolf badge. He was Very happy with his awards!

The boys are doing excellent in school, J's work schedule is amazing, and life is just wonderful. We have many blessings that I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for. Now that I have a bit more time I plan on trying to update more.

This is my 1st week off on my 'work-break' and I have a list of goals and aspirations. J teased me and asked me if I had a list for my lists....well, I do! It was a nerdy-me moment I admit! But I have all this time given to me where I don't have to write essays or work a shift and I want to make the best of it!

My Dream List includes:
Sewing projects: apron, L's quilt, curtains, YW camp projects

Gardening: Plant map of the 3 plots and will start seedlings inside
Renovations & Organizing: We are almost done w/our bathroom, then on to the pantry and hopefully a few more things if I can recruit J :0)I've plans for every room in the house, and for outside too

Camps: L & I will have cub day camp, R has Boy Scout camp, & I have YW girls camp; they all take place in July and I am totally excited for them all!

Scouting: The other leader and I have some great plans for our boys and I love working with them & I plan to help J in working with R to get a jump on his merit badges

Swimming: I will be a lifeguard at girls camp this year and R has some swimming requirements for scouts; next week we are starting our visits to the pool