Dry Feet Are Happy Feet

Josh went on his first camp out with out dad last weekend. They went up to Island Park and camped out in the snow.

He slept in a tent outside a cabin.

We packed him two sleeping bags, 4 pair of long, woolen socks, ski pants, snow boots, and various layers of warm clothing.

He had three pairs of gloves, a wool cap, two coats. I forgot to send him hand warmers.

We dropped off his pack at his leader's house the Wednesday before they left.

His leader asked him if he should get into his sleeping bag with wet, dirty socks on. Josh was horrified at the thought. His leader said, "Dry feet are happy feet."

He asked how many pairs of gloves Josh had. Josh said, "One" his mother said, "Three." His leader said, "Dry hands are happy hands."

They went snow-shoeing and he sharpened and used an ax.

He came home bubbly and happy.

The next day at Church I went up to his leader that had just been released (they are getting ready to move) to say thank you. He told me that they had checked on the boys every hour during the night. His turn was 2:00 a.m.

What a blessing to have faithful, good men to care for my boy as he learns how to become a man. This is the first step in many, but he is learning about manhood.

I worry who they will call to replace this good leader.

Leap Day

Snow, snow, snow.

I am grateful that I did not have playground duty today. I did that yesterday.

I love listening to my boys practice the piano. Josh is learning "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." I love that he is loving good music. He just passed off :"In the Hall of the Mountain King."

Boaz sits at the piano to play his current song random moments during the day. I love that.

I came home today to my blog book for 2011 waiting for me on the table and a note that my husband had brought me a sandwich and it was in the fridge. I'm sad I wasn't here to eat lunch with him.

My father-in-law is recovering well from hip replacement surgery. He is up and walking. Something I just can't imagine.

I am gearing up for our Relief Society Birthday Party tomorrow. I have to make chicken cor don blue. I know I spelled it wrong. I hope I can make it better than I can spell it. I have to go and get the recipe.

My sister, Brenda, said that she is coming to visit us in March. I can't wait. I miss her way much.

The boys have their homework done, and have donned snow pants and are outside playing in the fresh, new snow.

All in all, it is a good life.

February 28

Today I am grateful that testing is going so well at work. Giving about 80 students a 4 part test is a bit crazy. We are almost through the second section. Yea!

Ward Conference

We were challenged today in Relief Society to journal about one good thing each day.

I remember when Elder Bednar ( I think) talked about that in General Conference about 4 years ago.

So my one good thing today . . .

I am grateful that my father-in-law is recovering well from his surgery. I am grateful that Boaz is feeling better. I am grateful for my computer -- I am going to drag my boys along with me as I try and index.

Delinquent Blogger

Shame on me.

I have been to Oregon and back since I have last posted.

We dashed over to see Thea, Karly, Brenda and Tim.

They were all busy with work and school, but we did manage to have a few dinners with them.

It was great to see them and hear about what they are doing.

I was silly and forgot my camera, so no new pictures.

Thea has three jobs and almost has a full class schedule. She is hating chem right now, but soldiering on. We talked about how much she loved her writing classes and she doesn't have any more of them. After knowing that she wanted to do Dental Hygiene since starting high school, she is now thinking about trying something else.

We said go for it. This is the time to explore different options.

Karly is making up two classes from last term and almost full time this term. She is in chem also, but not the intense three-term series that Thea is in. She also has Sociology.

She loves her new dog, Dixie. She is enjoying karate.

She will be okay. She takes one day at a time.

Brenda and Tim are so cute together. The first year of marriage can be difficult, with out all the heart ache of nineteen year old daughter. But they are doing well. We sure love him. :)

Sunday was fun visiting our old ward. Such good people that we had to leave. We miss them and were very happy to say hello. :)

I spent Monday visiting with old friends and trying to get the boys together with their old friends too. Craig enjoyed a golf game on green grass. It is still dead brown stuff here in Idaho.

The trip was over way too soon, and we are back in the swing of school and work.