Monday, February 27, 2012

Scout-a-Rama!

Another year as Wolf Scout Den Leader brought another Blue + Gold banquet!  This year we went with a western theme.  It turned out really cute!
Invitations
Activities:
roping, tin can shoot out, saddle pics
Dinner:
chili, cornbread, salads, dessert
Entertainment:
Wild West "Gangs" skit, country classics guitar sing-a-long

Wyatt earned his Wolf badge :) 


Our wonderful cub scout committee:
Lynette, Doug, Carole, Treasa, me, Melanie
I also wanted to mention when we did our hygiene unit this year, I was able to borrow "glow germ" from the county health department.  The boys LOVED it!  A ShOuT oUt to good community resources!!



Friday, February 24, 2012

friday night fun

Friday nights are usually fun-filled for us.  This weekend was no exception!  First we were off to the new Harmon's downtown.  We really know how to have a good time-- seriously, it was entertaining!  We met Bob Harmon + he gave the boys coupons for a free piece of fruit :)  They each picked out a huge kiwi.  We ran into Bob again shortly thereafter + he advised the boys to be "tough" and just bite right through the rind into their fruit-- their faces were priceless!

Then we ventured to a Salty Dinner Theater production!  We saw "For the Love of Guinevere" at Joe Morely's.  My HS bud Scotty played King Arthur.  It was fun to see him in action.  The boys had a great time with the interactive cast.  As for me, I was 3-shades of red anytime I got picked on.... Good times!
Several fridays back we had dinner + game night with my sibs.   Everything from "Loot" to "Just Dance 3" we had a blast!!










Get your friday night fun on!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Snowflake

Ez has been waiting FOREVER for a build-a-bear.  Thankfully, Santa left a GC in his stocking.  Off we went!  He had plans to make a camouflage bear, but this location didn't have any, so he ended up with "Snowflake."
Stuffed, washed, dressed, boxed...
[that darling $20 Broncos uniform  is no longer wanted... little punk!]

happy boy!!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

{heart}

Valentine's Day was as lovely as ever.  [i can't believe it's been 4 years since our Valentine's disaster!]  J-dawg spoiled me with roses + chocolates.  What more could a girl ask for?!  Dinner + a chick flick?  Oh, got that too!  Thanks, babe!!  I definitely am feeling the love :)
We went to Sostanza for dinner.  One of our fave sit-downs in Tooele.  Classy :)  They had a special Valentine's menu:
Their presentation is always superb.  Love it!

Our yummy dinner was follow by The Vow.  Pretty good, but sad.
My BFF Tresea was her sweet self + spoiled me with this little treasure.  What a good friend :)
The boys scored treats from mom + dad, grammy + gramps, school friends + church girls.  Jer got a GC to a fave bakery from me.  Lots of love for everyone!  Happy Valentine's Day!!
And on a LoVe sidenote:  a gal I went to HS with is now a therapist. I stumbled upon her blog the other night + I feel like it's the best marriage/love/personal/parenting advice I've ever heard. We all have our ups + downs, so even if you're in a good place, there's awesome tips for all of us. Free therapy. Happy reading :)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Art

My boys' art work always brings a smile to my face :D  
Ezra's creations:



 Ezra's self-graded report card:

 Wyatt's creations:


 Love my little artists!!!

Flashback:
In an effort to de-clutter my home, I found this pic stashed behind another in an old frame.  It was my high school buddies last night together before we all went off to college (except Scotty, who had already left).  We went out for dessert @ LaCaille.  Sweet memories!!
Dan, Sean, Matt, Derek, Steve
Loni, Chere, me, Julie

Monday, February 13, 2012

Aunt Pat

My great-aunt Pat (Papa Von Der Lohe's little sister) recently passed away from complications following back surgery.  She was a wonderful lady + will truly be missed.  Our hearts go out Uncle Charles!  xoxo
Patricia A. Del Pino
February 4, 1935-February 1, 2012
Pat was born on February 4th, 1935 in Los Angeles, California and passed away on February 1st, 2012 in San Diego.
She was a devout Christian who lived out her faith. People were attracted to her by her friendliness and outgoing ways. She attended Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles City College, San Diego State College, and the U.S.C. School of Social Work. She received the Master of Social Work degree from U.S.C. in 1961.
Pat served as a social worker at San Diego County Hospital from 1957-1959. She served as a social worker at a Christian adoption agency from 1961-69, at Hollygrove Children’s Home from 1969-78 and as director of the social services department at Arcadia Methodist Hospital from 1978-95, for a total of 36 years in social work.
Pat had three older brothers; Arnold, Robert and Donald Von Der Lohe. Don was handicapped and Pat helped him a great deal after their mother died.
In 1982 Pat married Charles Del Pino. They were happily married for over 29 years until Pat’s death due to complications of back surgery.
Pat was a courageous woman of strong Christian faith. She developed many strong and lasting friendships because of her upbeat and caring ways. She was a five gallon blood donor to the Red Cross. Pat was not a ‘Lone Ranger” Christian but was always active in her local church.
For about the last 13 years she served as a volunteer tutor helping children with homework and reading. For the last ten years Pat kept active in spite of serious physical problems. She was a fun loving person. Her last car was a PT Cruiser with flames, an ooga horn, and flames mud flaps.
She is survived by her husband Charles, her brother Robert Von Der Lohe, her sisters-in-law Betty Von Der Lohe and Marylyn Pratt and her brother-in-law Ray Del Pino. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, and extended family and friends.
Her motto from the old hymn was “..tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home”. She is now indeed with the Lord.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Miguel Covenant Village, 325 Kempton St., Spring Valley, 91977. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Mount Miguel Covenant Village. The memo line on the check should state ‘Benevolence Fund’
[my boys + me with Aunt Pat  + Uncle Charles, April 2011]

Monday, February 6, 2012

On the Road.... Home

We packed up Sunday + headed to 29 Palms (near Palm Springs) to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center where Jer was stationed for 3 years. Jarom was born there, so he wanted to see his "roots." Unfortunately, we couldn't get on base without a sponsor with all the new restrictions, but we could see quite a bit (of nothing) since it's all desert.  Of note: 29 Palms is the "City of Murals" and you can find a tatoo parlor and barber shop every 50 feet!!!
After spending boot camp in San Diego, you can only imagine the disappointing awe Jer + his fellow Marines felt when they saw where they were stationed! 
 Luckily, Joshua Tree National Park is across the highway! Jer used to rock climb a ton whenever he had weekend leave.  His nickname was "the butcher" cuz his forearms were HUGE (like a butcher) from climbing so much!  Jarom is interested in getting into it, so we scrambled around the rocks a bit (I planned well + was in heels-- lovely). 












[sadly enough, Ez's adorable monster jacket got lost somewhere between here + home :(  and our brand new camera charger is gone as well-- left it plugged in at the hotel, called, they had it in the lost + found, mailed it to me at MY expense-- but the one they sent me is NOT mine!  Found out it's cheaper just to buy a new one!]


We also made a pit-stop at Hadley Fruit Orchards in Cabazon for their world-famous date (as in the fruit) shakes!
Then it was off to Las Vegas where we stayed the night at the Stratosphere. Took the kids to the top, drove the strip cuz they were too tired to walk. Put the kids to bed, then hit the casino. This time we played $10 and won $75 on the quarter slots!! Yeah!!
Great getaway!!  A final THANK YOU to my Mom + Dad!!