A Day of Honors

We should probably have named May 1st as " Mr C's Day of Honors."  He was honored not only at the Downtown Rotary Luncheon with the Better Business Bureau's Student Service Excellence Award, but also had Honor's Night at his school that night.  Of course, his sisters would have balked at renaming the day just for him as they think he just needs to walk into a room and someone will clap and give him a certificate.

Mr C was a Rotary Honor Roll Student in 8th Grade and thus eligible as a Sophomore for the Service Excellence Award in which the BBB gives a check for $200 to the charity of C's choice.  He chose a food bank that he and has grandparents have served at nearly once a month for the past year.  We are thrilled to think of all the food that gift will allow the food bank to purchase.  I was thrilled that I could be Mr C's date to the luncheon and watch him walk across the stage to receive the award.  Mr C didn't mind that this luncheon meant skipping out of school for a few hours and a free lunch. He did complain however that the lunch was a little skimpy and we needed to stop off for some beef jerky before returning to school! Guess at an All Boys High School he is used to more than just a chicken breast and rice for lunch!

Later that night, we went to Mr. C's high school honors night where we were amazed to find out that he had been awarded the Academic All State Award for Golf.  This is a state award given out by the Athletic Association for Schools for being both a difference maker on the team and maintaining at least a 3.8 GPA during the season.  Amazing.  It is such a blessing to watch your children excel in life and take on a challenge, push themselves, and achieve their goals.  Mr C was determined last spring that he wanted to make Varsity Golf this year and spent the better part of last summer, fall, and winter making that dream true by shear will, practice, practice and more practice.  His dream of making Varsity was achieved and his efforts to help the team were acknowledged.  It doesn't get better than this.

Probably the most amazing part of "honor's day" was that as we sat in the gym it would begin to snow outside and pile up on the roads.  It was May 1st.  Really. Snow that made the normally 15 minute ride back home into a knuckle holding drive of 30 minutes.  As we were leaving the event, the Head of School told us to drive carefully and reminded us all that at last years' event the weather outside was 90 degrees.  Gotta love our hometown; the weather is fickle.

Eagle Scout Ceremony:: Great Prep for the Future

I would say that planning an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony and Party is pretty much a dry run for a big Graduation Party.  Let's just say that I now understand why Senior Parents look so exhausted in May.  All worth the effort for a day to remember for years to come; but boy that was some work!  I kept thinking I should be getting my own Eagle Scout Award.  Well I kinda did; the mother's pin.  That word alone makes me chuckle because that was the only part of the party I didn't really run through in my head before hand and it's where the funniest part of the day happened.

Now before I pull out all the gushy parts about the pride I felt that day or the joy it was to see this first big milestone happen in my son's life, here are few of the "outtakes" of the day and the planning.  The small details I don't want to forget.  I'll gush and awe later..

My Top Five Eagle Scout Memories:

1. The Video.  I am not a video producer.  I barely know how to edit my photos on Picasa, but for some reason I was sure I could create the movie of the boys scouting years.   I gathered all the photos I could from Tiger Cubs on up and put them all on Picasa, uploaded Mr J's photos, and then tried to mesh the two into something looking like a video.  Good Start.  Hours of work. However, when it came to adding music, I just couldn't get it to work.  After three straight days of working on the video with no luck, I casually said to Mr C that it would just be without music.  He went on my computer and in ten minutes had uploaded everything to Windows Movie Maker and had two song synced perfectly.  Ten minutes max.  At that moment, I wondered if he would live to see the video at the party, because I wanted to kill him.  Where had he been for the past week?
   
   
2. Centerpieces.  I originally had big plans to make centerpieces with flags and Eagle Scout emblems in mason jars. Pinterst Quality of course.  Then my friend S who was my co party planner and mother of Mr J found a bunch of already made items that we could use for the centerpieces. Parts from various parties in the past that had been stored away with all the Troop Materials.  S asked me if I was willing to just use what we had.  You betcha!  Isn't that what scouting and sanity are all about; using what is already available.  I loved working with Ms S on this party because not only were we both willing to do what it took to make this a nice event, we weren't crazy about making it over the top elaborate.
   
   
3. Family and Friends.  We were so blessed that both my and my husband's family were able to join us for the celebration of this accomplishment.  P's folks and brother came all the way from Chicago for the weekend.  As Mr C said, "this was so far one of his biggest events in his life; a goal he set for himself years ago was realized and sharing that with your family really is priceless."  I was so touched that so many of the dear friends and neighbors who have been a part of making C the young man he is were there to celebrate.  We had about 60 people from just our "side" come out to support him. Wish I could have invited everybody who has been a part of C's life; but the catering budget was only so big.  Totally Amazing.
   
   
4. Ceremony Itself.  There really is no way to tell yourself to sit back and relax and enjoy the show at one of these "life events," but that is exactly what I told myself all day I wanted to do.  I wanted to be involved enough in what was happening to be excited, but also to observe and soak it all in.  I wanted to be like Mary and "ponder" the day.  I did.  I really enjoyed seeing the Scouts do all the parts of the Court of Honor and watch my son and Mr J recite the oath and promise.  It's really a big deal, the accumulation of a lot of work and a great honor.  In many ways, the event was very sacred.  So thrilled that our pastor was able to come and pray blessing over the boys.
   
   
5. The "Pinning."  Now this is when the funniest part of the day occurred.  Mr C had asked me to wear a sweater or a jacket or a blazer, but the dress I found included none of the above.  It was in fact a silky dress with a high boat neck collar, but I promised him that it would be ok to just bend the collar over and insert the pin; modesty in tact.  However, I did not anticipate that he did not know how to unpin and pin.  He fumbled and fumbled and then make the comment that we hadn't practiced this part of the ceremony and there was no Scout Badge for pinning.  It was lighthearted and fun and finally Mr C was able to pin it on.  Thankfully, the father pin went much smoother.

All in all the Eagle Scout ceremony and party was exactly what we'd dreamed for the event; a time to honor Mr C and to be with important people in his life.

Courtside Seats at the Globetrotters: Doesn't Get Better than This!

According to my husband, my youngest daughter had the "night of her life" court side at the Harlem Globetrotters.  Totally her love language.  Miss A was thrilled when Dad offered her a night on the town, just with him, to see the Harlem Globetrotters.  Basketball Season had just finished a few weeks ago and Miss A was in between "seasons" with soccer and softball still in the future so she was still in a basketball state of mind.

The event almost didn't happen.  Dad was returning from San Francisco when his plane was delayed due to mechanical issues with no ETA in site.  Finally, they announced boarding and Dad made it home with 10 minutes to spare.  Enough time to change clothes and grab the tickets.  God is good.

A few years ago Miss A had the Globetrotters " Big Easy and Flight Time" as her Amazing Race team and fell in love with the idea of a basketball team that was about fun.  Ever since, we've been on the lookout for a chance to see them in person and so this evening was a dream come true for Miss A.   Big Easy was even on the court that night.  Amazing.

One of the best parts of the night was the chance to get autographs from the players. Of course, you had to purchase a $35 Official Harlem Globetrotters Basketball to get the chance, but sometimes these moments can't be judged by money.  At least that's what my thrifty husband was thinking and from the look on Miss A's face she agreed.

According to Miss A, the Basketball Game was so fun to watch: they even did one play in slow motion and reverse which was totally amazing. I'd say of all our kids Miss A is the one that gets the most out of going to sporting events.  She really gets into the experience.  If you throw in the snacks and maybe a souvenier, she really gets into the event!

Miss A is already planning her next big date with Dad and hopes that it might include another sporting event and some famous players' autographs.  I hear the Senior Golf Tour has a tournament near by this summer so maybe some golf clapping, lemonade in the stands, and a warm walk through the course will be in their future.

Happy 13th Birthday to my Favorite Oldest Daughter

Today is Miss M's Thirteenth Birthday.  For a birthday loving girl, it seems like this birthday has taken FOREVER to get here as if the past few months have been traveling at slow speed.  Maybe that's what has been causing us the crazy weather; slow speed days.

Miss M has always been a breath of fresh air in our family.  She's part drama queen, ballerina, and deep thinker.  If you want to know what is happening in our family or around the world, you just need to ask Miss M.  She knows.  The little girl with the crazy Blondy curls has been the young lady with crazy big dreams and even bigger heart for people.  She wears her heart on her sleeve which can be hard in the harsh world of junior high, but she's learned to guard her heart as a result and wait for God's perfect timing with life.  In a world that is trying to get girls to grow up too fast, I'm thrilled that M is just being a thirteen year old girl for awhile; that bridge between childhood and adulthood can be a slow journey and we are going to enjoy every minute.

For now, Miss M is thrilled that she is no longer the only 7th grader in all the world without a cell phone.  On Friday, we took Miss M out for an early birthday dinner at a fun Tex Mex Restaurant (wherein Miss M had a Hamburger, she has her own mind) and P had arranged for the waitress to play along with a little surprise.  P slipped our waitress the phone when she brought the bill and then C strategically dialed the number and the waitress picked it up.  She said "oh, you want the birthday girl?  here she is" and handed the phone to Miss M who was shocked.  So much fun!!

Our plans to celebrate today include M's favorite foods; Grilled out Hamburgers, New Potatoes, Fresh Green Beans and of course Birthday Cake.  Thankfully, she's a girl after her mother's heart and likes White Cake with Butter cream Frosting (aka Wedding Cake)  Of course, there will be presents too; but P and I already know that one of the sweetest presents we've ever gotten happened 13 years ago when we first laid eyes on MGB.

Happy birthday to my Favorite Older Daughter!

Happy May Day! A List to Catch Up

I'm behind. I hate it.  This blog is suppose to be a record of our "life and times," but lately there has been too much life and too little time.  I have intentions of getting posts out on a timely basis, including ones on the Eagle Scout Ceremony that happened almost two weeks ago, the start of soccer and softball season for Miss A, and the fact that in a week we'll be a household of two teenagers.

I just need life to slow down a little.  So for now; until my calendar clears up a little I'll post a list of the top ten things floating through my head on this first day of May.

1.  My furnace and fireplace are currently on in my home.  It's May 1st.  Rumor has it that we might see snow tonight.  As confirmation, around town today I saw a snowplow.  Crazy weather we've been having. One day it's 85 degrees and the next it's freezing.  Try dressing your children for school.

2. It's very hard to send a child off to school one day in shorts and no coat, and the next day to convince them that pants and a coat are a necessity.  In the wise words of Miss A; "this Spring is a rip off!"

3.  Mr C has had two big golf tournaments in the past week (thank you Jesus for nice weather once in awhile) and we got to sit on Nana and Papa's back deck and watch his team on the 2nd hole.  The girls had Monday off school and they loved being golf spectators. They have mastered the "golf clap."

4.  Miss A has a sleepover this Friday with some of her fabulous friends.  It's a brave (or loony) mother who is hosting this crazy mix of giggly girls.  Mr C is spending the night at school as he has a golf tournament on Saturday out of town and leaves at 8:30.   Which leaves my husband and I along with Miss M for the evening. I'm thinking we will have a three person date to a nice restaurant to celebrate someone turning 13 next week.

5. I've decided that I spend more time in my car on average than I spend anywhere else.  On Friday, I spent nearly 5 hours driving to and from places and I never left town.  My neighbors are starting to wonder about my constant trips in and out of the garage.  Good thing I have my hidden stash of books, magazines and a money for Sonic Ice Tea stashed in the glove box.

6.  Miss A were going to try out a new Chic Fil A we'd seen advertised in town.  It was right in my driving path on Friday and would be perfect for lunch since she was out of school.  Only problem is that it's not a full fledged restaurant; no nuggets, no grilled sandwiches, no fries, no ice tea or lemonade.  Once we figured it out, we left.  Miss A and I both agreed that you can't go around pretending you are something you are not; this was no Chic Fil A.

7.  Miss M and Mr C have started playing some rounds of golf together.  On Saturday, they were playing an executive par 3 and par 4 course and Mr C nearly got an Eagle on a hole.

8.  Miss A and I had a mother daughter Saturday afternoon while the big kids were at golf and my husband was out of town so we built a fort in the family room, watched Wreck It Ralph and enjoyed the peace and quiet.  Miss A said she's misses times like this, like she used to have when she was  a "little kid."

9. In the past few weeks, I've read over six books.  At first, I couldn't figure out where I'm finding the time, then I remembered #5. I'm spending a lot of my time in my car waiting on people.  Prime reading opportunity.

10.  I miss blogging regularly.  Looking back over the past few months, I know I've forgotten a lot of the funny moments in our family and since I'm documenting in past tense, I don't have them written down.  These kids are really funny, and while I'm complaining that the days are long, I know too that the years are short.  They really are slipping away.

Maybe May will be the month that I catch up on the personal side; where I spend more time blogging and capturing the moments.  A lot happens this month and I want to remember it all in the years ahead.  This is my last month of 2nd, 7th and 10th grader and these are precious moments.

Now to go back in time and catch this blog up a bit! Make sure to scroll back a few entries in the days ahead I really do have some fun memories to write down.

April Snow Showers Bring?

Miss A one morning, so proud of her fancy towel wrap around her head

This morning, I was out running a few errands for the "big" Eagle Scout Ceremony this weekend and big fluffy snowflakes were falling from the sky.  Snow.  In April.  I really thought Spring was suppose to be here by now, but each day I look at the weather and tell my kids to wear long pants, sweaters and pants.  Last week, I finally put away the snow pants, hats and gloves because I couldn't stand them anymore.  I had to go get my husband's snow boots this morning as he had an appointment west of here where they were expecting 2 to 6 inches.  Miss A told me a hood on her "wintry spring coat" works better in this weather anyway.

Enough.

Mr C is besides himself over the state of the golf team this season. According to him, the year he's actually playing well the weather causes four tournaments to be cancelled due to snow and last year when he barely made the JV team they played every match.  He is itching to play so bad.  Two Saturday's in the last month, he's actually played golf in about 30 degree weather and made it to the clubhouse just a bit before it started to snow.  One day, he was out on the practice green and driving range and the clubhouse manager's car was the only one in the parking lot.

Of course, I realize that come July and August we will be complaining again about the heat! We'll be begging for some cool weather and the ability to go outside without sweat rolling down our face.  I know this, but it still makes the waiting on the nice weather hard to stomach.  Miss M told me yesterday that she has never hated her winter wardrobe more than the last few weeks that she's seen glimpses of her spring clothes in the closet and had to keep them there instead of wearing them.  Can't blame the girl.

You would think that since it's been so cold and miserable that I would be all caught up on the blog, creating new scrapbook pages and have the best meal plans ever for my family.  Reality is that I've done "40 Bags in 40 Days" the abbreviated version (when you start two weeks late) yet still come up with 48 bags to give or toss away.  Pretended to be a Videographer and created a masterpiece for the Eagle Scout Ceremony of "scouting through the years" and tried to keep up with the new spring schedule of soccer, softball and golf.

I'll admit that on most days the only item still on my "to do list" is the line "update blog" and I consider that a success.  Well, I guess if I'm honest the lines that include the word; laundry, put away, fold or sort socks and underwear" tends to be uncrossed out as well, but that is normal. Right?

My goal for these final weeks of April and May is to get all caught up with blogging, laundry, scrap booking and knitting before "those" kids get out of school and I get nothing done all summer long!

Watch Out, New Driver in the Family

Mr C has his Driver's License and he's not afraid to use it to get him around town. Since C had Good Friday off of school, we figured it was the perfect opportunity to go the DMV and pick up his license.  Having taken Driver's Ed over the summer, all he needed to do was turn in certificate and take an eye exam.  Of course as per a trip to DMV, we forgot his social security number at home and were panicked that we'd have to leave our great spot in line to go home.  Dad to the rescue; he found the number on some health documents at the office and was able to call us with right as our #10 was called!  Phew!

C's snazzy license would take a few weeks to come in the mail, but at least we walked out with a temporary card.  To celebrate the accomplishment, we went out to lunch, did a little shopping for some cool red golf pants for tournaments, and then Mr C went and played 18 holes of golf!  I had to drop him off as I needed the car that afternoon and Mr C admitted he was a little nervous to drive on a busy Friday afternoon.

By Monday though, he was ready to take the car out for a spin around the Neighborhood and even let Miss A tag along.  She was disappointed the trip did not include ice cream, but enjoyed sitting in the back directing him around her "neck of the woods." 

Mr C has now requested a big city map to put in his room.  He'd like to draw out routes to his favorite places.I think his highlighted spots will be the area golf courses, the baseball fields where he'll umpire this summer, and maybe if his sisters have anything to do with it a few frozen yogurt shops.  

I'm realizing that those concerns I had a first time mom with the "big moments" like walking, preschool, friends, and little league strike outs are all pretty minor in comparison to the prayers I'm offering now for him as he drives away in a car; for wisdom, safety and protection.  I'm trusting that Jesus really does have that "wheel."