Eagle Scout Court of Honor

It was such a special night, we couldn't have asked for it to turn out any better...

We felt so blessed to have such great support and felt so much love and honor towards 2J's, but mostly towards the Scouting Program, which we feel has been such an instrumental tool in molding him into who he is.

He had so much support from friends...

And favorite Primary Teachers...

Great Scout Leaders (who never quit teaching him a tighter grip he he he)...

To Family that lives near by....

And even Family that lives around the corner...

And more Family traveling from afar...

A friend of the Family that works for the BSA in our District, Officially opened the Ceremonies (pretty cool)....

One of the Committee Chairs told about Scouting, and the trail to Eagle all the way from Cubs (this little guy is his son, and a brand new scout)...

We heard some beautiful words from Uncle Tom on Patriotism (it was so sweet when he got choked up like Grandpa (his brother) does when he talks about something so close to his heart).

Uncle Tom, you were fabulous!!

Then he presented the flag to Jacob that we had flown over the US Capitol Bldg on July 11, 2007 in honor of earning his Eagle Scout...

His Scout Master had some great things to say about him from the times they had together over the past year. He told a few funny stories about how he got his campout nickname "ravioli".

I won't throw mud on his sparkling day... but something about a wilderness survival trip, and after the leaders left them with what they thought was all the food and gear for them to survive on their own ~ while everyone was living on berries and dirt, 2J's was the envy of the trip with a can of ravioli that managed to make it through the pat down.

He just smiled "A Scout is always Prepared".

Proud Parents...

Mom got pinned (for all her support and hard work too)...

And Dad too (I suppose for not strangling him before he made it this far)...

The "Eagles Nest" are those men in attendance who are Eagles...

(apparently only approx. 2% of all those who join scouts make it this far)

The Bishop of our Church, gave some great words of encouragement, to keep making goals and not quit with this achievement, but spring board from here and soar like an Eagle...

And the Eagles all stood for the "Eagle Promise"...

Is that really our kid...

They put him to work on the flag ceremony (missing some of our boys to football games)...

We had time to visit...

And Hug our new Eagle Scout...

The little cub scouts definately look up to these older boys...

Did someone say Cake!!!!!

We had a water color print of the Caldwell Train Depot (where he did his Eagle Project) framed with the Mayors seal on it, for him to have in his home some day to remind him of the work and dedication and leadership skills he used to complete his project (you know when he get's old and forgets, like me)

We couldn't have made it through the night without all the help from our friends...

Our Hostesses....

Our Pianist....

Our Committee Chair who pulled the entire evening together...

and our lovely photographer behind the camera...

I finally got to brag about all of his interests, accomplishments, talents, and hobbies over the years and throughout his scouting days. His Dad has been giving me such a bad time about all these things I have saved... but I finally got to show them off...

...

What is with the showering of gifts... it's not your birthday.

I supposed you just get to do this one once... I will let it slide this time.

It was so nice for him to be honored in such thoughtful ways from those who love him, for his achievement.

Awww....

The belt buckle bling...

Is that an Eagle on your hat...

No way Cabela's... wahoo!

~

Thank you to all.... it truely does take a village to raise this child.

He is our "Stripling Warrior", but you all helped in molding him into a real Champ!

He made it...

No Time to Blog... trying to spend every moment enjoying the time I have with my family.

But the kid did it, he got his Eagle Scout Metal.

It was a beautiful ceremony and I have lots of pictures to post, but I will go be with my family. And share later...

Papa and Nene are coming today!!!

My Mom and Dad are driving over from Seattle today for 2J's Eagle Court of Honor... we are so excited!! I think I can count on one hand how many times my Dad has actually been inside my house (so it's a pretty special occasion). I think he likes me (he he he), he just seems to always manage to get me to visit him instead of the other way around. My Mom has come tons without him... he probably prefers it that way... but we managed to persuade him this time. I think 2J's has much more influence than I do with his Papa. It's a good thing between them.

I tried to get 2J's to show me his excitement so we could capture it on film... but I guess I am slowly wearing out my family for posing for blog pictures. Need to get another angle so I can sneak in on them. Anyway, we are all really excited!! Hubby even cleaned up his mess in the garage.

Just something new I have tried with an old favorite. These All~Bran Crackers (I like the Garlic Herb, but they have regular wheat flavor too) are pretty healthy with tons of fiber and while they don't really taste like a chip, they totally satisfy that crunchy salty craving without eating chips. You get like 18 in a serving for the calories (not like 3 or 4 with other crackers). I am not a whole wheat, grain kind of girl, I don't really even like wheat bread... but these are a yummy snack. I especially like them with the Laughing Cow Light cheese (which comes in a huge array of flavors now too... an old favorite). Yummo!

Give the Dog a bone...

When we went to the City today we brought back bones for the doggies... they love them sooooo much! Rudy holds them in his paws like he has little hands. Cute.

Oh ~ Don't give me that look, you got your bone.
Just because you eat faster than him... Pouter :)


On the way back from the City today, we saw all the terrible fires they are working so hard to put out here. Nope, those are not clouds! It is so hot and dry here, it got up to 100 today. As you can see, they are in the foothills and we are not very close to them, but it sure doesn't help the air quality here in the valley, we have noticed a real difference over the past few months since they have been fighting them. I understand lighting has been the biggest starter.

The Paint Job...

Well you've been asking to see pictures of the kitchen/dining room I painted earlier this summer.... sadly it hasn't been clean enough to take pictures until now (well just not showroom clean, you remember I have a teenager living here that loves to cook... it's a blessing and a curse).

We have been cleaning for Papa and Nene, so now I can proudly post the new colors of the kitchen.

I am not sure if I will keep the green or not, but I will live with it a year and then decide. I do love the red wall along the back of the kitchen, which didn't show up very well in the pictures. And I was really happy with the lights I put in for the cozy home glow effect... it really adds a comfy feeling in person. Now I just need to get the bright lights in under the cabinets to shine on the counters for some good work surface lighting and I will be set.