This is 14

 Wow.  How is my baby boy 14?  I swear we were just bringing him home from the hospital.  Years ago I was complaining to a mom friend that Max is up at the crack of dawn every day.  She has four boys and promised me that before I know it I would need to drag Max from bed.  I didn't believe her at the time, but wow as she right.  Max would sleep until noon each day if left to his own devices.

He loves  playing video games with his friends.  He enjoys his time with boy scout and has attended a couple venturing activities that he loved.  He impresses us with his saxophone and always beats dad at chess.  I swear the child survives on goldfish alone and he is growing like crazy!  Even if I do wish time would slow down, it is pretty amazing to watch the young man he is growing into.

Max and his Sax

 

Max has completely fallen in love with the saxophone.  He has really taken to it - he was invited to the all district honor band this winter!  

We all thoroughly enjoyed the concert.  Watching Max play is one of my very favorite things!

Merry Christmas!

It was our turn to host Christmas Eve this year and what a wonderful evening it was.  The weather was crazy warm and we were able to open the windows and enjoy the screened porch. 

This guy still believes with all his heart.  He was so excited about the idea that Santa might come on Christmas Eve.  He asked Santa for a Nintendo Switch this year.  He thought that would be a good way to save mom and dad money, you know since the elves would make the Switch and we would only need to buy a game :)

These two were super sweet and humored mom with pictures, even if they recognize someone. 

We are so incredibly lucky!

The little guys were up at 4am.  The teen was not thrilled to get up at 6am.  I love this yearly picture of the boys on the steps.

Lots of fun opepening presents after singingn hpapy birthday to baby Jesus.  We even got a smile from Max!  Christmas Miracle!

The Monkey Farts bath bomb kit was a quite the gift.  Had us all laughing.  We wrapped up the day with a quite dinner with Nonna and Nonno and a lunch with Grandma and Grandpa on Monday.  Too bad mom didn't take any pictures!

Christmas Preperations

 
As in years past Elfie and the Christmas Calendar returned.  The boys love seeing where Elfie hides each day.  It has been fun now that Max is older because he gets in on the Elfie hiding side of things.

Apparently a drought about 10 years ago led to a tree shortage this year.  We were able to find a pretty, but slightly Charlie Brownlike tree.  William thought it was pretty crazy that he cold lift it over his head.  Jack thought it was pretty funny too :)

Lots of lights, tons of meaningful ornaments, and a few stands of beaded garland made for a passable tree.

Life was pretty crazy the two weeks before Christmas - isn't it always?  I'm so grateful for friends that look out for us and send random cookies to brighten our day when we really needed it.

It was determined that Santa is over chocolate chip cookies so the boys decided oreo balls would be a better option.  I'm happy to say that a couple even lasted long enough for Santa to enjoy them on Christmas Eve.

Serving Others

I love the focus on service in the scouting program.  I want my boys to grow into adults that are willing to do work for the benefit of others and I want them to find a sense of joy and contentment in that work.  We were excited that scouting for food was back this year.  The boys all worked hard to deliver bags one week and pick them up the next.  Because of their efforts food pantries are well stocked.  

They also had an opportunity to serve at The Little Bit Foundation.  This organization provides for basic needs of students that are not met at home. They distribute clothing, shoes, toiletries, and school supplies in disadvantaged schools.  It's a pretty amazing organization and I'm proud my boys were able to take part in helping.

During our visit the boys bagged toiletries and school supplies.  They were so efficient that the employees kept having to find more supplies!  It was a great hands on way for them to help others. 

Confirmation

 Wow.  How is my baby old enough to receive the sacrament of Confirmation?  

I know we should work on him tying his own tie, but this is just too sweet.

Max worked hard to prepare for the sacrament.  He worked several fish frys and scouting events for his service hours.  He also chose a Saint name - Gregory, the patron saint of music.  He loves his piano and saxophone.  Nonna was his sponsor and the two of them spent several evenings at church talking about what faith means to them.  It was pretty sweet and I know that time was special for both of them.   

After Mass we headed over to the parish center for a reception and of course some pictures.  Max didn't want to smile with his teeth, but he was excited to show off just how tall he has gotten.  

I'm so grateful Aunt Anna, Max's godmother, was able to join us.  Nonna and Nonno were also there to see Max receive the sacrament.  I think Max's favorite part of the whole thing was that he can now be finished with PSR :)

My love for these four crazy, wild, handsome, hilarious boys just keeps on growing.  I am one lucky lady!

Jack the Builder

 I've continued as the leader for Jack's cub scout den.  I have to admit as these sweet boys get older the requirements are getting more and more difficult for me to pull off.  In this activity the boys had to learn how to safely use hand tools to create a project.  

Brian and I spent hours cutting and predrilling the wood for these cuties to complete a bird house in our hour time frame.  They did great!