Boys Need Projects

Every boy needs a project.  Blake decided that we needed a new mailbox.  (Which we did!)  He worked hard ordering, assembling and finishing our new mailbox.

I have decided that Blake is much like my brother, Brandon.  My mother has always said that Brandon, like Blake, enjoys the 'journey' of a project maybe even more than the 'destination'.  He tinkered for a few days until it was 'Just Right'.

It looks awesome, Blake!!

My Boy Scout

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

                                   ---The Boy Scout Oath

Blake spent 8 days at Resica Falls, a Boy Scout Camp in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.  He had a fantastic time earning his Swimming, Environmental Science and yes, even a Basket Weaving merit badge.  (No laughing aloud!)

He is really enjoying the new boys in our new ward and in his scout troop. 

It is so amazing to see your son grow up.  It makes a mother happy and sad all at the same time!

Here are a few pics Blake took at scout camp...

Blake's Scoutmaster was quick to tell us what an excellent fire maker/starter Blake is. 

Resica Falls.  The perfect place for a Scout to swim and cool off!

'Home Sweet Home'

On to Middle School

The Best Boy in the World is moving on to Middle School!  I can hardly believe it myself.  Here's a picture of him receiving an award during the 6th grade award ceremony. 

Blake receiving an award from Mrs. Taylor, the Bear Creek Intermediate principal. 

This boy just makes me smile!!

It's a Date...

What could be nicer than lunch and a movie with two of my favorite people?  Mikenzie, Blake and I savored one last lunch at Central Market and escaped the heat in the Cine Capri watching Prince of Persia.  (Okay, just for the record...that Jake Gyllenhaal is some serious eye candy!!!)

I always order grilled chicken and grilled vegetables.  They're always delicious and I'm never disappointed.  I have to say that one of the things that I'll miss about Texas the most is Central Market.  I love it!!  There isn't another kind of specialty grocery store like it!

Mikenzie had an awesome steak salad.

A Boy and his burger!!

The biggest screen in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Such a fun afternoon!

It's Almost Time for the 'Fat Lady to Sing'!

It's hard to believe the 2008-09 school year has nearly come and gone. Come with me and celebrate the end of the year at Blake and Kellie's Awards Ceremonies...

Not every kid in the 5th grade gets awards.

This year, Blake got three.

Service award for being a Courtesy Kid,

Outstanding Citizenship and

Perfect Attendance!

Awesome Blake!

Everyone loves Mr. Martin,

Florence Elementary's Principal.

Kellie received awards for Choir,

Outstanding Citizenship,

Physical Fitness Award and

Perfect Attendance

She also received a Gold Medal

in the Florence Elementary's

Reading Olympics

Way to go, Kellie!!

Back in her class, Kellie received the

"Always the Optomist" award

for always having a smile on her face.

That's my Kellie!

Mrs. Morris and Kellie

All of the girls in Kellie's class.

What a fun year both Blake and Kellie had!

Woo Hoo! It's Summer Time!!

Blake's Birthday Dinner

On Saturday night, we celebrated Blake's birthday at his place of choice, Olive Garden. "Why Olive Garden, Blake?" "Because they have good breadsticks!" There you have it. "The Best Boy in the World" ate his fair share of breadsticks and ravioli. Although we took most of his dinner home, he informed us he had saved enough room to have cake. So, the Olive Garden singers came and sang their version of Happy Birthday and served him his own personal cake which he so gratiously shared with all of us. Thanks, Blake!!

Nothing like feeling like the 'Star of the Show!'

"Chocolate. My favorite!"

"What could it be?"

"No way!"

"COOL! An IPOD touch!"

My, How Time Flies

It seems like yesterday when Blake put on his original Cub Scout uniform. He was so excited to finally be able to be a Wolf in the Cub Scouts. He proudly wore the navy blue Cub Scout shirt, neckerchief, slide, belt and hat. He looked so grown up that day as he walked into the church in his full Cub Scout uniform with Wolf book in hand.

Today, on his 11th birthday, 'The Best Boy in the World' moved up from the Cub Scout program to the Boy Scout Program. He is an official member of the Longhorn Council, Pack 536, 11 year-old Boy Scout Troop. Tonight was his last official Pack meeting as a Cub Scout. He earned his Webelos badge, his Arrow of Light, which is one of the few badges you can wear on your scout uniform the rest of your life. He also earned his religious square knot, plus a whole lot of other little belt loops and badges. It was a super-fun Pack meeting. After that, he and his dad went to their 11 year-old Scout meeting. Did I happen to mention that my Handsome Husband is now and Assistant 11 year-old Scout Master? (They are going to have so much fun together!)

We couldn't finish the night without having a birthday cake. "Make a wish, Blake" May the next eleven years bring you as much joy as you've brought me these past eleven years . You truly are, 'The Best Boy in the World!"

Love, Mom

Yes. His new Boy Scout shirt is a little big. But he'll grow.

Blake - Getting ready to receive all his awards.

When a boy crosses over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, they literally cross a bridge. Awaiting them on the other side is every Eagle Scout in the room. They were happy to welcome Blake into the Boy Scouts.

Brother Ludlow telling Blake about all the great things he's going to experience in Boy Scouts.

It's just not your birthday if you don't eat cake.

Happy Birthday, Blake!!

Which Is Better?

Which is better? An unexpected day off of school? Or your birthday? Today 'The Best Boy in the World' got both!! School was canceled everywhere in North Texas because of an ice storm last night that left 1/4 inch of ice outside on every flat surface. Although the sun was shining, we spent most of the day in the low to mid thirties. Beautiful, but cold. Blake slept in. He wanted French toast for breakfast, which was fast and easy to do. Then he spent the next hour or so trying not to 'wipe out' on the ice with his new scooter. We spent a fun afternoon at Harkins Theater seeing 'Inkheart' with Brendon Frasier. It was pretty good. The best part was just having an unexpected afternoon to spend with my most favorite people on earth, my kids. Thanks Mother Nature, for providing us with a wonderful surprise day off!

Only in Texas do they cancel school on a day like today!

Check out our ice.

'The Best Boy in the World' on his 11th birthday.
This is much better than a classroom on your birthday!

We love the movies!

Rite of Passage?

Where has the time gone? Nearly 11 years ago, they placed a long awaited, beautiful baby boy in my arms. To say I was overjoyed would be an understatement. This beautiful boy has grown into a very handsome young man who loves to be outside riding his bike or any one of his scooters, playing computer games, eating cookies or just 'doing boy things.' He truly is, as I like to call him, "The Best Boy in the World!"

Over the Christmas break, Blake and his dad did the 'boy thing', or maybe I should call it, 'male bonding'. Whatever it is, I think my beautiful baby boy has passed through some sort of rite of passage as you can see. The only thing that doesn't make me so sad, is that he was SO happy at his success. He was a better shot than his dad! (We are having his 'prize' processed. We'll be enjoying a few venison roasts for Sunday dinner.)

Blake and Bob had a fantastic time together at Rough Creek Lodge hunting, zip-lining, and whatever else boys do when they hang out together. I am so grateful for the time they get to be together and do some 'male bonding.' If Blake turns out half as great as his dad, he'll be one wonderful, young man.