Praying Mantis

There's a praying mantis that lives on our balcony. The kids were a bit freaked out by it in the beginning, but I think it's really neat. Here are a few pics.

I've Embarked Upon a New Adventure...

I have a new calling (job/assignment) at church. I've been called as the Relief Society President of our ward (congregation). Honestly, I thought that if I was ever asked to be RS President, it wouldn't be for many, many more years (if ever). For my non-LDS friends, the Relief Society is the largest women's organization in the world and is dedicated to compassionate service and relieving the suffering of those enduring trials in their lives. This calling can involve a great deal of time and effort, often as much as a full time job. As with all ward callings, these are unpaid, but the blessings are incomparable.

I feel quite humbled and inadequate to be taking on this responsibility. I see many of my imperfections and am sure others can point out even more of them. I take great comfort in my testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by a prophet and other inspired leaders. If I am the individual who has been called to serve in this capacity, the Lord will help me accomplish the things that need to be done.

I have also been blessed with a wonderful family who are very supportive. I am especially grateful for my loving husband, without whom I would not be able to fulfill even an iota of my responsibilities.

If you want to know more about why I feel the way I do, please visit the following websites:

http://jesuschrist.lds.org

http://mormon.org

All Tuckered Out!

After working so hard initially shaping AJ's Pinewood Derby car, John crashed on the couch. Around the same time, our strange cat, Mia, was sleeping like a person under the table. (Yes, I know I am becoming that weird cat woman for posting more pictures of my cat, but it was quite funny!)

It's Pinewood Derby Time!

AJ and John are working on AJ's first Pinewood Derby car together. It's such a creative idea in appearance, that AJ has forbidden me from posting photos of the actual car until after the Pinewood Derby. So some photos of John and AJ working on the car (without showing the actual car) will have to suffice. I will post photos of the car in early October after the race.

AJ's First Pack Meeting

AJ had a great first pack meeting! He and the other Scouts participated in a scavenger hunt in the tree area surrounding the church.

He also received his Bobcat badge, and enjoyed the privilege of being turned upside down while I pinned on his Bobcat mother's pin.

AJ's Birthday!

AJ turned 8 on August 14, and we had a small family celebration. Here are a couple pictures. (For more AJ pictures, check out my earlier post with pictures of him through the years.)

Eight is a significant birthday for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. AJ has reached the "age of accountability" meaning he is old enough to know right from wrong and is eligible to be baptized. AJ's baptism will be held this Saturday, September 12.

Equally exciting for AJ is that he is now old enough to participate in Cub Scouts through the ward. AJ has watched his older brothers go to den and pack meetings and could not wait to join. He's had a blast so far!

Our move...

As I mentioned earlier, we moved. We're rented an apartment on a short term lease while we look for a new home to purchase. We've seen several promising homes and think we may make an offer on 2 of them. I've seen one of them, but John hasn't. The other one is in a tract we like and we've seen this model before, but not this home (which is currently occupied by renters.) We're going on Friday and will let you know if anything comes of our trip.