1st Day of School 2011-12

Wake up sleepyheads, Summers over! LOL After a good breakfast, we decided to walk to school this morning. It was a bit chilly but the kids loved walking! They got their stuff in their lockers and off they went to class.

Looks like they had a fantastic 1st day of school! Good Luck this year! Love ya!

[PS Kindergarten doesn't start until Monday]

Red Hawk Scout

After our all day exertion to the AirShow, Justice got to attend the Boy Scout Night with the FM Red Hawks. [For the 1st part, Dad had to run the girls home since we had just got done with the Airsho. That means we didn't get any pictures of that part] Justice got to go to the Stadium early, join his Scout friends and go down on the field. He got to meet 5 or 6 of the Baseball players. The team put on a mini-clinic for the Scouts. He got to practice hitting the ball and being one of the out fielders. They also taught them how to pitch. Five fingers up, hand in the glove, step back with left foot, pivot, power, strike!! When Dad got back, Justice got to play on the playground, eat pizza and watch the game. They got home really late but had a great time! Justice LOVES doing things with his Dad and being a Scout!

Justice's Egg Drop

Oh, the things that are possible with a pair of pantyhose, a pair of baby rings, a box, and an egg!!! LOL

At Justice's Scout Day Camp this month, they were supposed to do an Egg Drop Experiment. So, Brett & Justice prepared something. Then, they didn't so it. Bummer! So they decided to put it to the test tonight.

3,2,1... Droooooooooooooooooooop! And guess what? The egg survived! Wahoo!

1st Pack Meeting

Justice had his 1st Scout Pack Meeting tonight! We were supposed to go swim and have dinner at Buffalo River but it rained so we went to the Church instead. Justice has worked hard and earned his Bobcat Award along with a few Belt loops this past month. Yeah! He got his awards, the scouts played with & popped balloons and there were friends and lots treats & pop. A Scout-perfect night!!!

Things Justice earned this time:

Way to go, Bobcat!!!

Scout Day Camp

Justice got to go to his 1st Scout Day Camp today. Brett got to tag along for the morning. They did tons of stuff. Their theme was Around the World. They got a passport and collected a flag sticker for each activity they completed. Some of Justice's favorite things included archery, sling shot, BB guns, making bird houses, soccer game, tug-o-war, being with the troop and eating lunch with Dad.

Priesthood Commemorative Campout aka Fathers/Sons

Brett, Justice, Michael and Ryan braved the grey skies to attend the annual Father/Sons Campout now known as the Priesthood Commemorative Campout. Politically correct title, I guess. That way ALL the men & boys feel welcome! They do have a small fireside with a speaker about the Priesthood Restoration every time so the Priesthood title is fitting. They did a campfire dinner and stayed up way too late! In the morning they did fishing and shooting. A Father/Son Paradise!

P.S. I didn't remind them to take the camera so... you know what that means. No pictures of the fun! But here's what the sunset looked like out towards their direction. I guess when it's all men--Ya get what ya get!!! LOL It was a pretty sunset though so enjoy! and imagine what it'd be like camping under it! ;)

Mr. & Miss Fixits

Remember those bikes I told you that Brett collected from Clean-up week? Well, I must have teased him too much about last year's one still being in the backyard. It must have been a "I'll show you" moment cuz he & the kids fix, scrubbed and cleaned them all up this weekend. They look fabulous! They're gonna sell them on Craigslist to make a little mula. Way to go guys!

Justice's Music Program

Justice had his 2nd Grade Music Program today. He did a fantastic job! He really likes to learn all the songs. I'm so glad we can support the kids in their programs. Thanks for inviting us Buddy!

Mrs. Dyrdahl has decided to retire this year so this is her final class of her career. Good luck to her in her new adventures!

Baptism Boy

We had the privilege this weekend to participate in Justice's Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are so proud of his decision to continue following the Savior. He looked so awesome all dressed in white with his Dad! I am so glad that Brett is a worthy Priesthood holder that can perform saving ordinances in our family. We are so blessed!

As guests arrived, Justice had them sign his Remembrance Book and gave out Articles of Faith cards as a thank you gift for those who attended. He had tons of people that came to support him on his special day. We were told there was standing room only. What a loved kid we have! Thanks to all who came or wanted to be there even if they couldn't! ;)

Justice chose those who would participate in his Baptism Program. With Brett being in the Bishopric, Justice asked him to conduct, Baptize, Confirm and welcome Justice into the Church. It was special for Justice especially because he adores his Dad. Justice asked his Grandma Karla and Mom to do the prayers. Aunt Shauna gave a talk on Baptism. Then after the Baptism, Grandpa Randy gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. While the guys were changing out of their wet clothes, we played the guests a DVD that Mom put together for Liberty's Baptism called Baptism and Remembering Jesus. It's one of our favorite videos. We found it on YouTube a couple of years ago. The kids love it!! Oh, one cute memory... after Justice got baptized one of his friends yelled "Wahoo!" LOL Wahoo is right! What an exciting day!

Justice looked super sharp in his new suit (and new CTR tie-tack from Shauna). He is one good-looking kid! Funny little tidbit... when we were getting ready for the baptism, Justice went to the Church in his pjs because we knew he'd just be changing into his white clothes when we got there and then into his suit after. So, Mom grabbed the suit out of the closet on our way over. For some reason Justice look at it when we got there and discovered that there were no pants with it. Ooops! We sent Grandpa Randy back to grab some so we ended up starting late. Oh well. M.S.T. [Mormon Standard Time] anyways, right? Good thing Justice caught it beforehand or he would have come out in his Star Wars PJ bottoms. LOL Unfortunately, we didn't figure out until after the baptism that he hadn't brought any extra socks [cuz he'd worn his new white socks from the Rasmussens into the font] and only had his red rain boots for his foot attire. Shoot! Luckily, I had some McDonald socks (you know the ones you buy so you can play on the PlayLand?) in the car. Too funny! Nonetheless- we have one Handsome boy! Luv ya Buddy!

After the closing prayer, everyone joined us in the Primary Room for refreshments. We have some great friends! Thanks to all those who brought something or helped set up or clean up or just came to show love for Justice. We really appreciate you all!

We told Justice he could pick ANYWHERE he wanted for the Fam to eat lunch after. Guess where he chose? Subway! Can you believe it? That's one healthy kid? At lunch, Dad and Mom gave him his own set of Scriptures with his name on them and a medallion for his pocket to remind him to follow Jesus always! Everyone had a yummy lunch and the little ones danced like they were at a ball. What a fun day!

Justice- We are so proud of you! You are such a smart, good-lookin' kid. We know that Heavenly Father is majorly proud of you and your decision to follow His Son. We know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's true Church on the Earth. Being baptized by the proper Priesthood authority and by immersion is the 1st essential step in returning to our heavenly home. We pray that you continue to follow the Spirit and do those things in your life that allow you to be close to the Savior. Love ya tons, kiddo! XOXO

Happy BDay to our BOY!

We Partayed ALL day today to celebrate Justice's 8th birthday!

Justice and Brett started out the morning by making a Go-Kart run for some Sandy's Donuts. They looked pretty awesome all decked out in their new helmets! ;) Then, Brett made a humongous, yummy breakfast for our BDay boy per his request! Donuts, eggs, bacon and chocolate milk. Of course, that was about as long as he could wait for presents. So, rip 'em open, kid!!! He got tons of stuff. Thanks for those that sent things! (We miss you) His favorites included anything Pokemon and his 2 new Webkinz friends! 

He enjoyed the rest of the morning with all his new treasures until all our guests arrived. Since his Bday this year landed on Easter weekend, we made the annual Easter Hunt into one big Birthday/Easter Bash. After the hunt and lunch, everyone joined us in singing "Happy Birthday" to Justice. Make a wish, buddy! 

The rest of the night was filled with movies, playing with new toys, decorating Easter eggs, a few Egg Fights and spending time with the fam.

Hope you had a Terrific Day, Justice.

We sure luv ya!

We were so stuffed from the day that we saved his Birthday Meal for Sunday. His request was T-Bone steaks, crescent rolls, strawberries, blueberries, carrots and Eclair Cake. With it being Easter, we had to throw in some Deviled Eggs as well- which he loves so it was a bonus! We invited Matt & Haylie over to celebrate with us. I totally spaced taking a picture of us singing the Bday song over his Eclair cake. Oops! But what a great BDay weekend. Happy Birthday Buddy! We're way excited for your upcoming Baptism. Yeah!

OK! So I lied! I just found a picture of us singing over his Eclair Cake!

Happy Birthday to You!

Chachacha

Seven Favorite Things!

It's been a fun, busy 7th year for Justice. Here's a look back at some of his favorite things.

We love ya Buddy!

Scout Preview

Justice got the chance to check out what it will be like when he turns eight this April and joins the Scouts. He LOVED it!

They had a parent meeting beforehand and then let the boys join in on the Troop activity. They made Pop Can Bugs. The whole group only made two of them. But Justice and Karl (being visitors) got lucky enough to take them home. It has a batteries and a working switch. You turn it on and it buzzes across the floor. Pretty awesome!

Also, at school Justice made a poster All About Justice! It was fun to see what he thinks about and what he likes. Obviously, Brett is a pretty amazing Dad and person. Justice has a great person to look up to.

Luv ya Buddy!

Justice the Master of Gingerbread

The 2nd graders @ the Elementary always have a Gingerbread House Party in December. So I got to join Justice for a candy-lickin' good time! Justice was way kind and shared all his stuff with a friend from his class. Way to be thoughtful, Buddy!  He did an amazing job! Looks good enough to eat! {Oh and don't worry! We will after Christmas! LOL}
Justice's masterpiece:

His class & some of the other Gingerbread Houses:

Deer Hunt 2010

Brett got out for the Deer Hunt 3 days this year. This was the first year that he got a buck tag. Three, LONG, beautiful days; a $100 fine (dang- first day of the hunt rules); but no Buck. Darn it! Except for the buck he pulled out of his pocket to tease the kids. LOL! He's SOOO funny! He went again this year with Phil Christiansen and Jason Erikson on the first two days. This is the beautiful sunrise they saw: (Of course this is the ONLY picture he got- I can see I have a long ways to go on my photo-op-Honey-training LOL!)

On the 3rd day, it was Veterans Day. Brett and Jason let Justice tag along. The brave souls were up at 5:15 AM to brave the cold. They returned at around 7:45 PM. What a long day! They saw a couple of deer today and even shot at one but didn't get to bring any home. It was good experience for Justice to see what a hunting day is all about. (Only it would have been AWESOME if they had got one) They kept in contact with walkie-talkes and all took turns with a nap in the truck at some point. Ahhh that's the life! Thanks Honey for spending some "Guy" time with Justice. He sure loves you!

At least Justice brought some wildlife home today. ;) It's an empty Turtle shell. He found it by the lake. It's really cool! This is the back:

Better Happy Hunting to everyone else!

Football Season is over!

Justice just finished up his Flag Football season.

It's been fun that Brett has been able to help coach.

Justice plays defense most of the time and is awesome at grabbing flags.

We are very proud of you, Buddy! Great job!

PAWSitive People

This year the kids Elementary School started a new Program called PAWSitive Prints. When Wildcat students are found exhibiting PAWSitive behavior by fellow students or teachers or office staff, their names are placed in envelopes on a bulletin board by the office. At the end of each week, thePrincipal holds a drawing for a PAWSitive Winner from each classroom. They get a prize and a certificate as well as their picture taken. The "Winners picture" is hung in the office for the entire next week.
Well, just turns out that in this 1st month of school so far, BOTH Liberty & Justice have had their names drawn. Way to go you two! We are so proud of you!!!!

Primary Program

The kids participated in the annual Primary Program today. They did an amazing job!!!

This was their parts:

Glory-

Mom went up to hold her and all the Nursery parents sang You are a Child of God. She just smiled at all the kids instead of looking into the audience. She would have loved to be up on the stage with them the whole time! ;)

Victoria-

"I know Jesus loves me because my Dad earns money at work."

(She said she can't think of anything else to add to that. LOL- Also, she is having issues with being away from Mom lately so most of the program consisted of this sweet little girl with tears running down her face. Way to be brave though!)

Justice-
"I feel my Savior's love when I say my prayers, choose the right and feel the Spirit."
Liberty-
"I can follow Jesus Christ's example in many ways. Some of these ways are choosing the right, saying my prayers every day, studying the scriptures both personally and with my family, and keeping all of His commandments. Even though I am young I can also follow His example by being a missionary to share His Gospel message to others. I can do this by being a good example, giving my friends Gospel information or inviting them to activities or to Church. I know my Savior lives. I love Him and know that He loves me. I also know that as I follow His example, I will be able to live with Him again. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

What great testimonies they have!!! Luv ya, cute kids!

Primary Activity

Today the kids had a Primary Program Practice & Quarterly Activity. The Primary Presidency always does a fabulous job! Sister Walen asked me to come take pictures so, yeah for me!- I have pics to blog about.

After their morning practice, they broke up into Junior and Senior Primary groups.

The JUNIOR Primary went to the Primary room with Sister Cudney & Sister Cook for some activities. They had a great time! I wasn't in there but Brooke took pictures so here's some of the fun they had:

The SENIOR Primary went to the gym. Sister Walen broke them into three teams and they had a blast!! They had a relay race with different stations. After each station, the kids got to "decorate" one of the leaders. Sister Ironroad volunteered to have her hair done up with chocolate-dipped clips. And Brother Larsen (the Stand-in for the Bishopric) volunteered [ok his lovely wife answered the phone but "he is such a great man" LOL!] to be made into a Human Pinata. What great sports they both were!

The Teams: (The green Team won. Way to go guys!)

The six different stations and the brave leaders:

After the Activity, they all had sack lunches made by the Primary Presidency. Thanks ladies- the whole day was great! Check out Justice's new glasses. Isn't he look so handsome? (Victoria thinks he looks just like Brother Larsen! ;) All I can say is that Justice is one good-lookin' Buddy Holly! They look awesome on you Buddy!

First Day of School

The kids were so excited for school today! They requested a "real" breakfast (I know- slacker mother, I am) so I actually made french toast and eggs and a home-made smoothie. (Are you so proud of me, Cheri? LOL) They ate really good! I didn't get a picture of it though. Guess there's no evidence that I stepped up my game. Oh well! The kids were pretty comfortable with already knowing the school from last year then, going and getting settled in their classrooms last night so they didn't even have me walk them in. I dropped them off at the far curb of the round driveway and they walked into the school all by themselves! Actually they ran to the door. That's a good sign, right?

After school, we ran into a couple friends and got to play on the playground together and visit for a bit. Everyone seemed to have had a fabulous 1st day of new experiences. We had to practically drag them away from the school. It was like a First Day of School partay!

When we all said our goodbyes, my little fam took Andrew Ray with us and made a stop at Sandy's Donuts for an after-school treat. Once again- no picture! No proof- once again- what a fabulous first-day-of-school-Mom I am! Dang! LOL!

Liberty's 1st Day of the 4th Grade

Justice's 1st Day of the 2nd Grade

Liberty & Justice-I am so glad you had a great first day kiddos!

We're so proud of you!

Ready, Set, Go...

We're all ready for school to start tomorrow. Holy cow! Where did the Summer go?
We did our essential school shopping earlier this month so, we just did a little toy shopping for our last day of Summer...

Did a little Swimming in our home-made hot tub....

Checked out the new teachers and classes at Back to School Night...
Liberty & Mrs. Spainer

Justice & Mrs. Gerri Dyrdahl & their Student teacher, Kate Seaberg

Then, after School Priesthood Blessings by Dad and a fun-filled FHE, the excited kids tried to get to bed early! (We are such night owls- dang!)

Good Luck tomorrow guys!

CTR!

You'll do great!