Blue and Gold Banquet 2009

Tonight was Andrew's Blue and Gold Banquet for cub scouts. This is the first one he has actually been able to attend. Last year he came down with Strep the night before. So he was excited to be able to decorate a cake with Grandpa and go get his Bear award. He just finished the requirements for his bear award and he also got two arrow points.
Andrew and Grandpa had fun making cupcakes into a basket of apples. The theme was USA ABCs. Meaning, all the states in the union. So each kid got to pick a state to represent. Andrew chose Washington and he made a basket of Washington Apples.



The boys were also asked to do the centerpiece for your table with their state as the theme. I asked Andrew what he thought represented Washington and he said, "Lots of trees." So, we made the state flag by using a green table cloth and printing up the seal on the computer. Then we made a bunch of trees to go around it.



First thing were the awards. Andrew got his Bear patch and I got a pin.



Then we ate hot dogs and chips for dinner, what's more American than that? After dinner they awarded certificates for the cake decorating. Andrew got "Most Imaginative." And the cupcakes disappeared. They were the first cake gone. I was happy not to bring home red frosting. I even went to the kitchen and washed the platter.



Congratulations Andrew!! I'm so proud of you and how hard you work on Scouts. Good Job!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Just want to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day, especially to my Valentine.


Jeff and I have never really made that big of a deal out of Valentine's Day. We always make a date out of it and usually buy something that we have wanted together. One year we bought a set of pots and pans. I have a vague memory of being told that if I ever tell anyone at a party that he got me pots and pans for Valentine's I'd be in trouble. But it wasn't like that. We had wanted/needed a set, we hadn't been married for long and it was a good excuse to go spend a chunk of money on ourselves. This year that doesn't work so well.



Jeff sent me a beautiful pair of real diamond earrings. I have always wanted a real pair, but it has never been high on the priority list. But now I'm wearing a very pretty set of pretty diamonds. Yay! He also always gets me roses for Valentine's, one rose for each Valentine we have celebrated. This year I actually get a full dozen. I'm looking forward to the years when I'll get more than two dozen.





Jeff bought all the kids a Webkinz. They love the online Webkinz world. Danae got two for Christmas and suddenly Andrew was interested in stuffed animals. So everyone got one that daddy picked out especially for them. (I had to email Jeff a link and an explanation of what the big deal was.) Jeff also always buys our girls flowers. This year 'he' bought them a dozen tulips. They are very sweet just like my girls.

Jeff, I love you. I'm grateful to be the focus of your love and devotion. You fill my life with joy and more love than I ever thought possible. Thanks for being such an amazing man.

Happy V-day to everyone.