Finally, February in a Flash!

Let's fast-forward through February--

On the whole it felt like February was a rather quite month for us. Probably because we were sick for most of it. Just as soon as we thought we were lucky enough to make it through the winter without any major illnesses, the kids all came down with a series of yucky stuff...clearly we jinxed ourselves! After a number of visits to the doctor for strep throat, a serious sinus infection, out of control asthma, and finally a run of the mill cold, we were able to make it through the rest of the winter without catching anything else.

When we weren't busy getting over one sickness or another, we managed to keep busy with scouts and more:

 

Even though M became a Bear when he turned 9 in January, it wasn't until the February Pack Meeting that he was officially welcomed into the Bear Den.  M had to go into the "The Cave" where the "The Bear" was ready and waiting to pounce. M fought bravely and emerged with a bear claw as his reward.  M sure enjoys Cub Scouts and we are so grateful to all the wonderful leaders that put great effort into making it such a good program for M and all the other Cub Scouts in our Pack!!

Part-way through the month, J-rod's work held a fun Family Field Day and BBQ at a nearby stadium. The kids had a lot of fun making different things in the arts and crafts tent, eating lots of cotton candy, and playing on all the different bouncers. M even challenged mom to a 'sumo' wrestling type game...we each suited up with face masks and climbed into big blow up suits and then tried to knock each other down. What fun we had!

(Click on collage to enlarge)

Sadly, in the middle of February J-rod had opportunity to help handle the details of a funeral and help the grieving family of a gentleman in our ward. After battling poor health for a long while, Brother D was only 39 when he passed away, leaving behind a young widow and a young family of 8 children between the ages of 3 and 17. Though we are grateful that Brother D is no longer suffering, we are sad for the beautiful family that he has left behind to carry on without him. Throughout this whole experience they have been an amazing example of strength to us all. Though this is probably one of the more difficult things J-rod has had to do since being called as bishop, we are both grateful for all that this experience has taught us.

On a happier note, we celebrated Valentine's Day with presents for the kids from J-rod and Zippy as well as G'pa & G'ma S--

 G'ma S--the singing puppy dogs were a hit!!

"Just like me, they long to be...close to y-ou!!!"

Also in honor of Valentine's Day, our ward held it's annual Family Dance. Just like last year J-rod had to work that night, but the kids and I went and had a good ol' time!

Now we say farewell to February as we continue our efforts to get our blog all caught-up!