Another Reminder

Today was our Cub Scout Pack's bridging ceremony where Hunter moved from being a Tiger Cub to a Wolf...Hunter and me with our Cubmaster

...along with the other ten boys in his Den. As much as I absolutely love these boys, I will not be moving up with them as their Den Leader. I had already made this decision a while back and even got the new Den Leader(s) chosen and trained. I was confident that the Den would be in very good hands...I wouldn't have it any other way.

But, I was not prepared for the mixed feelings that I would experience. I didn't anticipate their sadness when I announced to the boys that I would not be their Wolf Den Leader next year. I was not prepared for the hugs and genuine "thank yous" that these handsome 7-yr. olds gave me today.

New Wolf Den, Pack 4154

I have to admit that there were times during this last year that I thought I must be crazy to take on this responsibility. Today was a simple reminder that I really DO love it! I did assure them that while I may not be their Den Leader, I will still be involved in the Pack. So, we'll still see each other from time to time.

The Math teacher stopped when he heard
that unmistakable thud -- another
brain had imploded.

A taste of things to come for Jaren...

There is Beauty All Around

Recently we've had some not-so-great news that has turned things a bit "upside down" for our family. While we are spiritually convinced that things will work out for the better, I must admit that for now it feels like my glass is half empty.

But, for Mother's Day my first Gardenia blossom came to life and it was quickly followed by a dozen more this morning. I clipped a few and displayed them in my kitchen window taking in the awesome aroma of these flowers--A fragrance that can be followed into the living room.
I was reminded of the beauty that is still all around me. I can just look out my kitchen window or wander my yard and admire the flowers, the fruits, the butterflies, the birds. I am absolutely amazed at how my flowering plants have just taken off these last few days. Almost as if nature knew that I needed it right now. It brings peace to my soul and it calms my troubled mind every time I stop to admire it all. It's especially inspirational to me during this time of struggle and uncertainty.

Yep, it's definitely what keeps me going.