Jesse an Eagle Scout

When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we find we can accomplish magnificent things. Learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time, often just one baby step at a time, learning to love the doing and learning to use the accumulation of TIME.

Jess has spent several years doing just that.

It was such a joy for Scot and I to see one of our children get this concept and really appreciate the efforts he put in over a long span of time.
He has always expressed how much he loves accomplishing something. Getting a big project done at school or speaking in sacrament meeting have been moments of great joy to him. Maybe a sense of relief? But, there sure is some great lessons to learn from this type of relief. This is the first of many celebrations for Jess. One that will live on forever.

Typically the Mother introduces the candidate. Typically the Mother does the brunt of helping the candidate. We are not typical. For this reason we chose Scot to do this. He really is the inspiration to helping Jess. I was just the behind the scenes cheerleader. Scot did a wonderful job too. He spoke of Jess coming into this world and being placed in a bubble (ICU). Going on to say that we believe he is still in another sort of "bubble" (teenager). He shared some experiences from earlier childhood years of holding Jess's finger through the crib and singing "I am a Child of God" for about 8 years! Well, he did get out of the crib for some of those years. :)
He also shared how proud and happy he was that he was becoming better than he was. Isn't that what we want? He really is better than we were. What a great man that Jess will be!

As I was enjoying the program I realized during this portion we had all three cousins (same age) lined up helping. All next in line for this wonderful achievement.

Marty Smith (long time friend and Scout Master to Jess) presented the award and shared some great memories they had while camping, driving around fast-offerings, and playing pranks. He mentioned Scot's comment to Jess about him being happy that Jess was becoming better than he was and how much he must love him to say that.
Jess also gave his mentor pin to Marty. What an honor. He really looks up to you!


Me putting his pin on.........


Jess giving me my pin......

Uhmmm.......Jess do you need some help?

This man that I gave birth to is taller than me!

Dad getting his pin..................


Marty putting on his Eagle scarf.

And we are done........phew.......... on to refreshments.

We decided to do an ice-cream bar. It was so fun and easy. Thanks Olivia, Uncle Dan, and Aunt Mary. It gave me a chance to mingle and take some pictures.

Uncle Rick getting a run-down of the merit badges.

Curtis (Jesse's oldest cousin) giving some hugs. Uh, Curtis is he taller than you? :)

Styl-in Porter girls....... thanks for coming.

Scot and I realized that Jack has not even began his Scouting career. Ahhhh.....next year.
Jess has been a great example to follow. We are truly blessed.

Many thanks to all the dedicated leaders who helped Jess find his way. We love you all!