Lesson from a Children's Book

Yesterday I ran across a book at the library that caught my eye and I just HAD to read--Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt. Here's the description from Amazon:
 "Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ... his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting ..."

And the review from Booklist:
"In a tongue-in-cheek tale that may help to prod anxious readers out of their hidebound routines, a squirrel discovers the pleasures of leaping into the unknown. As the world's a scary place, what with the killer bees, green Martians, tarantulas, germs, and sharks that might be lurking about, Scaredy Squirrel keeps to his tree, and to a precise, minute-by-minute daily schedule--until a supposed "killer bee" actually wanders by, causing Squirrel to dislodge his suitcase-size emergency kit. A wild lunge to rescue it turns into a long glide (portrayed in a gatefold), as Squirrel discovers to his astonishment that he is a flying squirrel. Eventually, Squirrel returns in triumph to his tree and from then on adds a daily glide to his accustomed rounds."

It was a cute little book, geared toward the 4 & up crowd, and I just LOVED it. I kept thinking about how much I am like Scaredy Squirrel--comfortable in my safe, little "tree" but when something unexpected, and even "dangerous," happened, I was able to find out something amazing about myself I hadn't known before.

I'm thinking this book has to become part of my personal library.

Visitors Galore!

We had lots of visitors this holiday season. We kicked it off with Dad & Georgia coming on Dec. 16 to help celebrate Aubrey & Carson. My niece, Jacy, was here from BYU on the 16th as well. She stayed until the 22nd when the rest of her family came from Wisconsin. It was great to have Susie, Eric, & their family here from Wisconsin. Although they didn't stay with us, we were able to see them quite a bit. Chris & his family came to visit for a few days on the 26th (I learned that my house isn't really baby-proofed, something that will have to be remedied once grandchildren enter my life). Then on Tuesday Dec. 27th Mikkel & Lise (nephew & his new bride) came through town on their way to Rexburg. We had a big family dinner that night, which was fun to see all the cousins that were here. On Wednesday I ended up picking up another niece at the SLC airport because her ride fell through. She was spending a few days here in Utah County with a friend before heading up to Rexburg. We were able to spend most of the day with her, Mikkel, Lise, Chris, Jill, & kiddos. When Susie's family left to head back to Wisconsin on Friday, they left their two college kids here with me. It was fun to have Nick & Jacy here for a few more days until their BYU apartments were ready.

I didn't get any pictures from most of this--what was I thinking? I do have one of all the cousins that were here on the 27th--pretty fun to see their personalities shine through.

Christmas 2011

I feel so blessed this Christmas season. I have my son home from his mission. I have 3 awesome kids who bless my life. I have extended family who love me. I have good friends who are there for me when I need them. I have a job I love. I have a warm, safe, comfortable home to live in. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ to teach & guide me. And it's Christmas! I love my Savior, and love to celebrate His birth this time of year. And as a bonus, Christmas is on Sunday this year--what a wonderful day!

Quick Trip to Texas

Aubrey and I traveled to San Antonio on Monday Dec. 19 for one nephew's baptism and another nephew's wedding. (Kind of crazy for Aubrey to hop on a plane less than a week after getting home.) Jacob was able to be baptized on Tuesday and then Mikkel & Lise were married on Wednesday. We had an EARLY flight home on Thursday, so it was a very quick trip. I'm so glad we could go to support them on their special days. I hope it was a help to Fred & Nanette as well. (Plus we had some yummy Texas barbeque, always a good thing.)

Jacob & Fred at the baptism

Jacob with his Papa & Lola

Mikkel & Lise coming out of the temple (with a candid of Dad & Nanette on the side)

Happy Bride & Groom!

The little kids weren't so happy, even in their fine-looking clothes!

It was SO cold! I was (unsuccessfully) trying to keep them warm while waiting for the pictures

It was hard to get a good picture of these guys--Abby & Daniel were NOT happy campers!

Cute shoes! LtoR Abby, Nanette, Isabelle

Daniel wanted me to take a picture of his shoes too :)

Eagle Court of Honor

Carson waited a long time for this night to come--over a year. He decided that he wanted to have his Eagle Court of Honor once Aubrey would be able to attend. It was a great evening. Aubrey had spoken in church earlier in the day, so we had lots of family spend the afternoon eating and visiting before the Court of Honor. I am so grateful for everyone that made the day possible--all of Carson's past & present Scout leaders, his friends, my friends, our family--we couldn't have done any of it without you.

Bruce Dallin, Scout Committee Chair, Conducted the Court

David Pack, one of Carson's friends, led the Flag Ceremony. 3 more of his friends participated as well.

Kevin Barnes, former 11-year-old Scout leader, convened the Court

Eagle's Nest

Dave Packham, former Webelos leader and current Venturing Crew leader, spoke about Carson

John Cannon, former Scout leader and Varsity leader, awarded the Eagle

Here I am pinning his award on his shirt, along with 2 palms he has already received. (He actually has 4 now, 2 just haven't been presented yet)

Carson putting on my Mother's pin

Love my boy!

Aubrey leading Carson in the Eagle Charge

Carson presenting his mentor pins to Landon Cooley and Kasey Walker (who couldn't be there so it was accepted by his wife Jenni)

Giving the Scout repsonse

Bishop David Paulson giving a few remarks at the end of the meeting

He's Home!

 Finally the day came for Aubrey to return home from his mission in Germany. I had been counting down the days from about 102 days away. When it got to the last few days, I actually started counting hours--starting at about 100 hours away. I know, I know, kind of crazy, but I just couldn't help myself. I was extremely emotional in the last few weeks leading up to his return. So much so that I wasn't sure how I would be able to keep it together at the airport. Surprisingly, I didn't cry that much when he actually got home, maybe I had got it all out of my system somehow. The kids were excited as well, even if they did have to miss part of school to go pick him up. He was scheduled to come in at 2:00 pm on December 13. I had followed his flights online and knew that he would be on time. Grandma & Marla met us at the airport and we all anxiously waited for him to round the corner in the International terminal. I had already given Carson the assignment to take the pictures. I didn't want to miss a single chance to hug him. When he finally came around the corner, I jumped right at him and gave him a HUGE hug! In fact, I couldn't stop hugging him. I just didn't want to let him go. The pictures are kind of blurry, but it's okay, they are just perfect to me.

Grandma was happy to see this missionary grandson!

 Maren and her friends made this sign to hang on the house to welcome Aubrey home.

The flags are for all the missionaries who have served on the Hatch side. (Grandpa--New Zealand, Geoff--California, Marla--North Carolina, Allen--South Carolina, Gary--Denmark, David--Connecticut, Melissa--Chile, Bryan--Brazil, Todd--France, Kyle--Hawaii, Cameron--Portugal, and Aubrey--Germany)

We put these back up on Sunday the 18th, the day Aubrey spoke in church and reported about his mission. Pretty awesome sight!

It's been great to have him home. I love seeing how he's grown into a man in so many ways. I love hearing his laugh. I love hearing him interact with Carson & Maren. I am so glad he chose to serve a mission and to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I couldn't be prouder of my son :)

December Preparations

I had lots to do to get ready for an exciting December. I wanted to be completely ready for Christmas & the Court of Honor before Aubrey came home on the 13th. I actually came pretty close. The house and Christmas trees were actually decorated Thanksgiving weekend (WAY early for me). My Christmas cards were signed, addressed and waiting to add a picture from the airport. Our Christmas fortune cookies were decorated, boxed, & delivered. All presents (with the exception of a few items of clothing for Aubrey) were all purchased/made and just waiting to be wrapped. Carson's Eagle scrapbook was put together (just missing the journaling) and the programs were printed. All of Sunday's food was planned, purchased, or assigned out. Bedrooms were cleaned in order to accommodate all the guests our house would see over the busy two weeks. Even my kitchen was cleaned (with help from a very kind friend). I couldn't have done all of it without the help and support of my kids and friends--THANKS!

Here are a few pictures from our fortune cookie night.

And here's one of my lazy dog sleeping on my pillow (his favorite place to hang out lately). He didn't do anything to help get ready for our busy holiday season!

Continuing with Time Travel--Preference

 Carson went to preference with his friend Carlee on November 12. They made a mighty cute couple! And one of the highlights for Carson was the ride in the stretch Hummer limo. It couldn't navigate the neighborhood too well, so no pictures of it for me, so sad. But at least I got a couple of them when she picked him up. Of course, before she came, Carson had to ham it up for the camera.

More Time Travel--AF Canyon in October

 One day during fall break (late October), Maren & I headed up American Fork Canyon to take some pictures. We missed a lot of the colors, and the pictures won't be winning any awards, but we had fun anyway.

 Carson and his friend Megan also went up AF Canyon to take photos. They found a few more colors than Maren & I did. Here are a few highlights from their photo shoot.