Court of Honor part 2

 Scott receiving his physical fitness merit badge.

 Andrew receiving physical fitness merit badge and advancing to Life rank.

 Austin, who was the driving force behind the physical fitness merit badge, receiving his.

 Retiring the colors.

 Cub Scouts and leaders.

Boy Scouts and their leaders.  What a handsome bunch of guys!

Court of Honor part 1

 The Haffner brothers carried in the flags for tonight's Blue & Gold-Red & Green banquet. 

 Austin is serving as senior patrol leader.  I love this father-son pic.

 Weston led the Cub Scout oath with a seasoned scout leader in the background.

 Time for awards. 

Drew was first to receive his Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

 Neal received the same merit badge.

Christian received his physical fitness merit badge.

That one was a lot of hard work.



Leap Day!!

Leap Day only comes once every four years so I figured I'd better blog on it. I awoke this morning to no electricity and no school.  I cancelled seminary already yesterday as I knew this storm was coming.  I don't want the youth out on the roads either in deep snow or on slippery roads.

Here was the scene outside our house on the south side after my husband finished his plowing.  About 8 inches of wet, heavy snow made for a difficult plowing.

Here's the back yard.  The branches on the pine trees were really hanging low as expected with such a heavy load.  It's very beautiful.  I've said it before.  I love how clean everything looks after a fresh snow.  I know, I know, tomorrow is March, but we really haven't had winter yet.  Very little snow and only a few days where it was really cold.  Not that I'm complaining.  I figure the snow has to show up sooner or later and sooner is better as my track season will be starting soon.
I also like the way the snow comes sliding off our new roof.  It looks really cool and makes a loud "whump" sound as it hits the ground.  I'd rather not be under it when it comes down though.

A New Roof

When we bought our home I called the insurance agent to tell him we had moved.   He asked some questions about the size of the home, the age of the furnace, did we have AC and how old is the roof.  I told him the roof was replaced in 1979 which was 25 years earlier.  He said, "17 years?  That sounds good."  Apparently the insurance company would insist on a new roof before they would insure us. 

At any rate, it is time.  Nothing is leaking yet, but we didn't want any leaks.  We had an estimate in the fall and I knew there was no way we could afford to put on a new roof let alone a metal one like I wanted.  While visiting Pat's mom, she mentioned a contractor that put their new roof on and said what a good job he did and that he was very reasonably priced.  Pat made a call and he came over.  We got an estimate that was less than half of the first guy.  In fact, the metal roof is cheaper than a tear off and replacement of shingles.  So...on Monday the crew showed up and began the project.

Here are a few pictures from Monday when the sun was shining.  They finished the entire south side and started the north side.  On Tuesday they worked for a few hours before the snow showed up and made the working miserable. 

They're back this morning to finish the job.  Pictures of the finished job to come.

My Friend Sue

I love this photo of my friend Sue and I.  It was taken on September 11, 2011.  It was the day that Sue went through the temple for the first time.  I was privileged to go with her. 

She and I have been friends since the early 80's.  I think I was assigned to be her visiting teacher and the rest is history.  She's one of those people in my life who I connect with in a special way.  Our friendship can be put down and picked right back up where we left it even if there are weeks, months or even years between the putting down and picking up. 

I'm just now learning about her growing up years.  Isn't that funny?  We've known one another for decades and I'm just now finding out things I never thought to ask.  Perhaps because they weren't important for me to know.  I just knew that I loved her.

This week we got together and baked cookies for the sisters that we visit teach.  (We get to be companions once again and I love it!)  It was just the two of us and I loved every moment of it.  She's smart and funny and loves to laugh and she's a survivor.  She's taken whatever life has thrown at her and come out on top.  I know she hasn't had an easy life and I'm amazed by her ability to bounce back.  She's an amazing friend.

So Sue, when you read this, just know that I love you an incredible amount and I know our friendship will last through the eternities.

Happy Birthday Mom!

 Today my mom would be 74 years old.  I think it's amazing that my parents' births were only 12 days apart.  Dad is soooo much older than Mom.  I don't dwell on her often but since I live in her house and I am her daughter she is a constant every day part of my life.  I am who I am due to her influence. 

This picture is how I remember my parents....together.  It was taken at the Chicago temple ground breaking.  My dad must have been the district president as they were invited to participate.

I remember her as "Nana" to 17 little people.  More showed up after she was gone.  I do believe they all have a relationship with her even though they never met her in this earth life.  She was great at reading to the children and taking time to play with them. 

Now I'm the Nana.  Where did that time go?

 My parents' love was visable.  I think that's the thing I miss the most.  Seeing my dad without her.  Her coworker made a comment to me after her death about how she could see how much my parents loved one another.  That's how I want my children to remember my husband and I.  I hope people can "see" our love.

So on this February 11th, I feel a little sad.  But I am so overwhelmed with thankfulness to be born to a woman who taught me so much and loved me enough to listen when Elder Olsen asked her to meet with them to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know she has a great love for her Savior and that is a grand legacy that I hope to carry to my posterity.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Friends and Food

Last night at Andrew's basketball game, my friend Laura came to sit by me as I was all alone.  We had a good time catching up.  We decided it would be really fun to get together for lunch and invite another mutual friend.

Laura made a delish BBQ chicken, pineapple pizza.  It was so yummy!  We enjoyed good conversation and lots of laughing.  Thanks Laura and Michele!

I was assigned to bring something sweet for dessert.  Since all three of us are working on losing weight, I found something tasty without tons of calories or fat.  Here it is!

It's raspberry trifle.  In case you think it looks good I'm posting the recipe below.  

1 angel food cake mix

1 small package raspberry jello

frozen raspberries

3 or 4 containers of raspberry yogurt

Bake an angel food cake.  When it's cool, tear it apart into bite size pieces.  I do this in thirds as there are three layers to this dessert. 
Make the jello and add the berries.
Layer the torn up cake, then yogurt, then jello berry mixture.  Do this three times and top with whipped topping.  Real cream is better, but I was looking for low fat.  Refrigerate.

It isn't brain surgery and it isn't hard to do.  I've already forgotten to add the jello so just dumped it on top.  It worked.  Enjoy!

Emery Layne

Congratulations to my niece Alyssa who gave birth this morning to a beautiful daughter.  I'm sure Belle and Jake will welcome her with open arms. 

A Re-enactment

 I was going through some photos this week.  I had been looking for this one as it's one of my favorites.  My two older brothers and I all got married within 18 months of one another.  The babies came fast and furious after that.  This picture was taken about February or March 1984.  Tony appears to be a couple of months old.  Look at those young dads!  My parents had one grandchild and suddenly within three months they had three more!

Looking at the re-enactment of this photo, I believe it was 2000 that these grown up babies crawled onto their daddy's laps for another picture. 

I cannot even express how much I love all these grown up people.