
When Gabe was just a bundle in my arms I took all five boys downtown to see the Olympic festivities. “Five boys?” a curious onlooker asked.
“Yes.” I replied proudly.
“Are you Mormon?”
I nodded.
“Ohhhh, all those scout meetings, pinewood derbies, sewing patches, five Eagle projects… I feel for you.”
(Did she really think that would be the hardest aspect of having five boys? I wish.)
But despite any naysayers, Gabe is absolutely GIDDY to become a scout. He has been wearing his shirt constantly since his birthday, studying the scout motto, practicing the salute and retying his neckerchief.


“What? STAPLE IT TO MY SKIN?!” Gabe shrieked.
“Well, yeah,” Ben answered. “We all had to do it. But don’t worry. First Aid is the next chapter.”
I watched in amazement as Gabe replied. “OK. Well, I guess we better get it over with.” and Ben prepared to fake him out with an empty stapler.


Didn’t hurt at all. (we use the sticky patch stuff– sewing patches is NOT worth the bother)
Tracy
Look at that proud and happy smile.
🙂
xoxo,t
Linn
So, so sweet!
The sticky stuff has never worked for us. *Huge sigh* I have to sew them on. *Huger sigh*
(Huger is totally a word, just so you know.)
Selwyn
Love the mind psych!
(Of course, I did actually use a stapler to hold the patches – though not into skin – until I told Hatro his shirt, his needle and thread, his new merit badge!)
Great action shot too 😉
Annie
I’m a fan of the sticky stuff. And then Sam’s scoutmaster made it a requirement that the boys sew on their own patches. (Harder and easier at the same time.) Oh, I adore that last picture. All light.
Trainer Momma
Ha ha! Love that! I have two boys and my 6 year is already counting down until he can be a Cub. I love those pics — what a crack up!
Mathmom and family
Bless his heart! You are really making me miss our scouting days. Those were really good times for Morgan!
martha corinna
I’m looking forward to this.
Seriously, could he be any cuter?
Michelle
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Michelle
I ADORE your children Michelle! It’s stories like this one that make me want to ask…..
“Can Tucker and I move in with you guys??!!”
🙂
Linkous
I don’t think this post is bragging any more than the scripture race one was. It’s just a record of what’s happening in one of the very best families–anywhere. This blog is for you and for those marvelous boys and beautiful princess to remember every wonderful moment of life together. And that race and the stapled shoulder just NEED to be remembered :). love you
kit
Jan Russell
OH that last picture – he melts my heart, there it is a big puddle on the ground. Love that cute boy!
Claudia
Joseph wore his shirt three days straight. And I wish someone one have told me about the sticky stuff. Two broken sewing machine needles later…
Don’t you just love how people think they know what “the hard stuff” is. And then openly share it as if they know you and your kids. Aye.
Love that kid. And his very funny big brother. Love them all for that matter:)
Jennk
Love how proud he looks in the last picture.