Wood Badge Complete...FINALLY!!

This entry is for my Dad. Dad received his woodbadge award a few years ago and has been a positive infuence in helping me get my award. I wish that you could have been there with me. The people in Kosrae have no idea how lucky they will be to have you there with them.

I was scheduled to receive my award in February even though I finished it in December. However, there was a mix-up and they scheduled it for last night. When they realized their mistake they agreed to change it. However, I told them that I just wanted to get it done and also that way I could receive my award along with three other people that I attended Woodbadge with. It is so nice to be done. It was a great experience.

This first picture is me getting my neckerchief removed by my SR-902 Assistant Scout Master.
Next I received "the beads."
The new neckerchief was put on next.

The finished product.

Finally, I received my certificate for my Woodbadge from my SR-902 Scout Master, Michael Bay.

Rabekah's first week

Sarah was able to come and be with us for several days. She arrived just after rebekah was born last Friday and stayed until Wednesday morning. She was a life saver. She took care of the kids while I was in the hospital and then took care of everything else until she left. Rich had a huge project due on Wednesday night and had to work super long hours. Sarah made sure that Rich could get his work done and that everyone else got where they needed to be. Sarah, we already miss you tons. Thanks to you and your family back in Arizona for sharing you with us. It was also fun to have Ava here. It is scary to realize how fast children grow up. It seems like Ava was just born.

Rebekah was a little bit shocked by the flash.

Rebekah's first bath was this morning. She quickly kicked off the wash cloth that was over her. We told Rachel not to worry because babies cry a lot during their first few baths. Then, Rebekah proved us wrong. She just layed there and was as great as ever. She also had her 1 week check up today. She is up to 6lbs. 2ounces and is measuring 18 1/2 inches now. I guess that her head must have been quite cone shaped to make her be 19 1/2 inches at the hospital. Rebekah has been a true joy so far. She is calm and a wonderful day time sleeper. Hopefully we will all get our days and nights straightened out soon.

Rebekah Joy Phillips

At 10:41 this morning, Rebekah Joy Phillips made her grand entrance. She is 19 1/2 inches long and weighs 6 lbs. 5 oz. Rebekah gave us a good cry right as she was born, but she has been very calm since. For the first hour or so, she was very alert and laid there and looked all around the room. She is beautiful.

Emily was a trooper and did a great job. Both Rebekah and Emily are doing great.

The birth of a baby is one of those moments that make us ponder on the great blessings of the restored gospel. I am so grateful to know that Rebekah is ours forever. I am so proud of Emily and so grateful for both Emily and Rebekah (and our other children). We look forward to everyone getting the chance to meet our new addition.

At the Hospital

After a minor glitch (the hospital did not know we were coming), we are all settled in and waiting for the baby to make her appearance. Emily is doing great. More updates as events warrant.

Airport

LeeAnn stayed with me for a couple of days after Mom and Dad left for the MTC. She was a ton of help and made things a little bit easier.

We all saw Mom & Dad off at the airport. It was a very emotional day. We are so excited to have Mom and Dad serve a mission. We are so grateful for their service and example. We also miss them terribly!

I have been an emotional wreck this week. I will gladly blame the pregnancy. We sure do love and miss you Mom & Dad. On a fun note, we have had four family members all in the MTC together this week. My parents (Micronesia Guam Mission), my brother Dallin (Las Vegas Spanish Speaking Mission), and Rich's sister Ann (California San Fernando Spanish Speaking Mission). We are so proud of you all!

Santa Gifts

Christmas morning was so much fun. The kids always seem to make it magical. We had a lot of fun together with just our family opening gifts. Then, we headed out to Gordon and Jenn's house for a fun day of scones for brunch and hanging out together. Thanks for hosting and making Christmas so much fun this year Gordon & Jenn!

Lydia with her new camera.

Rachel with her baby doll "with socks and shoes" and a bottle.

Jacob with his rip stick.

Richie with his marble toy.

Christmas Morning

We have a tradition of lining up on the stairs on Christmas morning. The kids get to come down one at a time and see what Santa has brought.

Christmas Eve

We went to the Dallas Bar Association Christmas Party. We left at 5:30pm in hopes to arrive by 6:00pm. It started to ice outside and there were lots of accidents. We arrived at 7:50pm and the party ended at 8:00pm. The kids were such troopers. Luckily we were able to see Santa before the party ended. We arrived back home about 9:30pm.

We went to Jared & Sara's home for Christmas Eve. Dad read a story to all of the kids before we went home. Thanks to Jared and Sara for a very fun evening.

All of the kids got to share a talent. Most of the kids sang. Lydia played her violin while Anna played her guitar and Maddie sang.

Dad and Emily together.