REI garage sale part deux

Clyde caught wind of another REI garage sale about 2 weeks ago. I got up early this morning to go sit in line. (I got there around 7:15ish.) It was freezing!! I brought some knitting to finish, but my hands were too cold, even with gloves on, to keep knitting. I was wearing a shirt, sweater, hoodie, hat, scarf, long wool coat, 2 pairs of socks, with long johns and I swear my toes were numb! They hurt, they were so cold.
Clyde got there around 9:15 and waited the remaining time with me. He even brought me a chick-fil-a biscuit and hot chocolate. How sweet!

Was it worth the wait in the freezing weather?

I must say yes! Look @ the loot! We got all of these shoes for less than the full price of the boots, which are for me! The Keen sandals were brand new!! We got the pair Erin is wearing for less than $2 and the teal ones were less than $5. The other sandals were $8. Clyde also bought a pair of pants and a computer case, which is is that price of less than the pair of boots full price.I love these garage sales!!

When I got to the store, there was a familiar face. She nestled down and got warm and comfy on the sidewalk. Any guesses to whom this warm gal is? (1 hint...she is my visiting teacher...)

maylee will be so proud!

Friday morning was the Terrific Kids breakfast ceremony @ school. Libby and a friend won from her class. There were lots of children rewarded for being terrific in grades and spirit. The PTA served donuts and oj after all the certificates were handed out.

After the ceremony, we were on our way out when we spotted Libby in the gym, during her P.E. time. I waved at her and the teacher thought I was waving @ her & came to the door and invited us in to watch. She also invited Jacob and Penny to play for a minute. That was way sweet. We didn't stay long but it was fun for all of us. Jacob tried his best @ the hula hoop. Maylee would be so proud. (She is an award winning hula hoop-er!) Penny had fun trying to jump rope. She would just flick the rope at her toes.

terrific kid hula morning

r.i.p han solo

We are very sad today. Clyde noticed this morning that our dear pal Han Solo wasn't doing too well. He picked him up to love on him and Han's paws were cold. Clyde gave him to me and I wrapped him in one of my knitted dishcloths to warm him up. About 15 minutes after the Wardlings got on the bus, Han died in my hands. Poor thing. He was such the sweetest, poofiest hamster. He was such a good sport allowing all the Wardlings to pick up up @ will. He was the father of 27. Beloved by all.

When Clyde and Erin came home from school today, I dug a hole and we gently laid our good friend to rest, wrapped in my knitted dishcloth.

Han Solo, you were the best. We loved you and will cherish you always!

We used this opportunity to talk about death and Our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation. I think that this allowed our Wardlings to truly see Heavenly Father's plan. It also gave us an opportunity to explain that our bodies stay here on earth when we die and that our spirits then return to Heavenly Father. We are all sad @ our loss, but I am grateful for the understanding that we have of the Plan of Salvation and for the knowledge that we can return to live with our Father in Heaven.

bobcat

Last night was Josh's 1st pack meeting for scouts. He earned his Bobcat. The fun part was when his scout leader picked up up and flipped him upside down for the award to be pinned on him. This is done, because until he does something nice for someone, he can't flip the badge over. I think Josh liked this. The meeting started off with a penny drop and ended with some arm wrestling and some find the penny games. Josh is really enjoying cub scouts!

1st pack mtg

my baby is a young woman now!

Time seems to just fly bye. I don't seem to notice it until one of my Wardlings has a birthday. Twelve years ago, an amazing blessing came with the birth of Erin. I remember thinking right as she was born and we were told that we had a girl, that "that's what I really wanted." She was beautiful! Still is for that matter. Clyde had suggested the name of Erin and it just seemed right. He also suggested her middle name...Bean. That one took some convincing, as I wanted Lindsay. (I think it was because Nirvana's Kurt Cobain's new daughter's name was Frances Bean and Clyde is a HUGE Nirvana fan.) So, after 31 hours of labor, out came our Erin, wide eyed. Her big brown eyes looked up at us, the instant her head was delivered. This should've been a clue as to her curiosity. We are blessed to have Erin in our lives. We love you Erin Bean. Happy 12th birthday!

Erin got this really pretty dress from my folks this year. She needed a pair of nice Sunday shoes, and I found 2! (Who doesn't love shoes?) She also told us hintingly that she wanted the sweet pea collection from Bath & Body Works. Jacob, Penny, and I grabbed her some this week. Josh drew her a picture and origami'd up a house for Erin to color. How sweet. Clyde had Erin choose our meal tonight...Chinese. Lovely! The best gift of all though came from Libby. At their elementary school, they are given these green tickets for good behavior. Libby saved up all of her tickets to buy Erin the puppy dog. It took 75 tickets to buy it. Clyde asked Libby how many tickets she could earn in one day and she said maybe 2-3. How sweet are my Wardlings?! Libby could've chosen anything for herself and yet showed her love for her sister. Oh- do I love my family!

Tonight was Erin's first night @ Young Women's. It was a murder mystery that was related to the BOM. She had so much fun!
Happy Birthday sweet Erin!