Taking a break

I am taking a break from a few things in an effort to find peace, balance and simplicity. Plus, living in the Vista, do I really have anything THAT exciting to post? Let's be real: it has been a struggle over the last 3 months to find anything good to post. So, au revoir for now.

Jared's Weekend

Tomorrow Jared will be participating in the 21st Annual Bataan Death March Marathon. He meets with surviving BDM members this afternoon. Wish him luck.



"NO MAMA, NO PAPA, NO UNCLE SAM" ............ REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE

Aloha

Jared and I attended our ward Luau last weekend. He was a sport and dressed up with me. He received a lot of compliments on his outfit. Aloha!

Tombstone with Judy

In addition to the Grand Canyon, one of the excursions we made while Judy was visiting Arizona was to Tombstone, AZ. It was a little chilly that day (okay, it snowed on us while we were watching the reenactment of the Earp Brother's famous shootout), but we took our time looking at everything in the O.K. Corral, enjoying the 1960s "historama" theater show, and eating at a yummy saloon.We did a little shopping, too!

BSA - Catalina Council

If you know Jared well, you know that he never completed the requirements for Eagle Scout, mostly because he hates camping (go figure he is a Marine now). When we lived in Okinawa, he was asked to help with the scouting program, and he humored the church calling (that someone thought was a good idea). We were both relieved when they picked up on the fact that he wasn't following through on things and released him.

Recently we both had the opportunity to volunteer as BSA merit badge counselors (and Jared had the opportunity to redeem himself). I am a counselor for Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community, Law, and Crime Prevention. Jared is a counselor for Citizenship in the World, Shotgun Shooting, Rifle Shooting, and Radio (he is a communications officer, after all).

On Saturday, we participated in our first ever Merit Badge Advancement Fair. I was so proud of Jared's good attitude and willingness to volunteer despite having to get up early and be there at 8 AM. He helped 4 scouts complete the Radio merit badge!

Below are two pictures of the rooms we taught in--if you look closely, you may even notice Jared's decorative chalk board! Way to go Jerry!!

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State

Jared's mom Judy joined us in Arizona last week. During her 10-day visit, we traveled up to the Grand Canyon. It was a 6(ish) hour drive from our home in Sierra Vista, but well worth the trip! The views were spectacular.

Happy New Year!

Food, friends, fun (and puzzles)!