Littlest Scout

I think I've mentioned it a time or two, I am RR's Cub Scout leader. A thankless job it is. Counting the days till he crosses over into Boy Scouts. I had sworn I wouldn't turn into that person, but I did.  Thankfully I have made some very awesome friends in the process.  Friends make it worth it. Seeing your child enjoying himself makes it worth it.

Seeing more than one child enjoying it - that's the added bonus.

There are 7 years between RR and TT. And as such TT thinks everything about RR is the best. His toys, his games, his friends, the Cub Scouts.

When the boys come over to the house for a meeting TT runs around and yells "my scouts, my scouts, my scouts are here."

TT liked to actively "participate" in the meeting. He sits at the table and colors on paper when the boys are doing a table activity. If we are building something, Husband helps him out on the side.

Just this past week the scouts were over and we had a rather calm and seated meeting, reviewing details for their Arrow of Light Award.

So the big boys are standing up one by one and showing the Boy Scout sign and reciting the Boy Scout oath. Once they were done I went to move on to the next exercise and TT reminds me I missed him. So he stands up, like the big boys, fixes his fingers just to and says "and all of the pumpkins are outside and it was the very best snowman forever and ever."

Such a cutie!!  He sure will "his scouts" in February when they cross over and I am no longer their leader.

Down One

This week the Big Boy is at camp.

This means we are down to two children at home.

A baby and a three year old.

In some ways it has been easier having just the two kids closer in age.  No one to pick on TT, which means TT is crying less, which means ERP is crying less... because well ERP is a sensitive flower and cries when other cries... or when there is a loud noise...

But at the same time we, Husband and I, don't have that extra set of hands, that extra set of eyes that we've come to rely on.

When I found out RR was going to be a big brother, I swore I would never make him "watch" his brothers all the time.... because I swear that is how I spent half of my childhood.... watching my brothers.

And yet, here I am.  Down one child.... and wishing I had him around for the help.

He really is growing into a fine young man.  He loves his brothers and is very caring for them.  He takes his "over seeing" of them very seriously.  Like his name means - he is a wise protector.

Camp - The 2013 Edition

RR came home from overnight camp a few days ago.... here's a few exerts from his trip.

"It was a total bacon-fest.  Seriously, I had at least 15 pieces of bacon for breakfast.  Not one, but for two days."

"I only took one shower, but it was a great shower. I got it nice and steamy and then brought in a chair and just sat there in the shower."

"for sure, I am ready for a BB Gun."

"BB guns are better than bow and arrows, because they have scopes."

"I didn't get stung once, but twice.  Twice on my back. The bee was stuck in my shirt."  

Thank you camp for figuring out for me that he is NOT allergic to bee stings.

"This year when I feel out of the tent the bed fell on top of me."

"and the bathrooms, they really smelled this year.  They need some air freshener."

"and they made macaroni and cheese hamburgers.  It was really nasty."

"get it, get it Mom... pass the gas" proceeds to laugh uncontrollably

"and I missed you so much"

"I had marshmallows every night."

"campfires are good, but they last too long."

"see I told you I had to come home for a half week... look how much it's raining"

Wondering how camp was last year - you can check it out here.  Camp 2012

Scout Sunday

Today is Scout Sunday.  And in the tradition of our Parish, which is also the Charter Organization for our Bub Scout - Boy Scout - Venture Crew; boys who have completed the requirements for their religious emblem program are given their awards.

Last year, as a boy not yet receiving his First Communion, RR was eligible to earn and did receive his Light of Christ medal.

This year (and technically next year; although it can only be earned once) he was eligible to earn his Parvuli Dei emblem - which he did.

To get the medals the boys must complete a work-book and preform some charitable activities which better examine their faith.   The books are then certified by the Pack Master and Parish Priest.

Anyhow; there we were at Mass this morning.  RR was on his best behavior, was in the color guard, and sat with the other scouts.

TT on the other hand was a total handful.  Usually when I take him to Mass I take him to the children's services with RR, but since RR wasn't attending the children's services we didn't either.  For the record I don't think mine of Husband's backs will ever be the same again.  That kid is getting heavy.

When Mass was over the boys were given their awards; and then TT decided to crash the party.  Running up to the front of the Church yelling "Ray Ray".  

Thankfully everyone in church is of good humor and they made a joke about it.  

We celebrated afterwards with a trip to the pastry shop (not that TT deserved anything based on his behavior, but I think he's still a little young to understand that concept.)

RR had a strawberry-surprise  TT had a cupcake.  Me I had a bismark... I totally deserved something (and it was too early to start drinking).  

The Best Laid Plans

You know what they saw about the best laid plans right?

About 2:20 this afternoon we; RR, TT and myself, were in the activities room at a local nursing home with the rest of the Cub Scouts in RR's pack.  Everyone was singing their hearts out for the residents.  RR was in the back with one of his best buds and TT and I were chilling over on the side with his girlfriend and her mom.  I was having flashbacks to my days a Girl Scout and going Christmas caroling around the the neighborhood.  The streets were snowy and frosty and I am sure my mom had hot chocolate waiting for us when we got back.  It was around this time that I finally decided on where I wanted to go for my belated-birthday dinner; 99 Restaurant.  I was in the mood for steak.

You see I had the best plan laid out for today.  I took the boys to breakfast and grocery shopping in the morning.  TT was suppose to nap when we got home; then lunch and out to Christmas caroling for 2pm.  After caroling was through; and since we were in the neighborhood, we were going to swing into our local Toy and Baby Mega Store and get the boys Christmas gifts off lay-away and grab some needed day-to-day baby items (read disposable diapers for night time and wipes).  We had plans to meet my mom for dinner; and I figured we would go see the mall Santa while waiting for her.

My plan did not take into account what would happen if TT didn't nap.  My plan also didn't take into account what would happen if TT refused lunch.

Guess what?  TT didn't nap.  TT didn't eat lunch, aside from a few bites of banana.

But still I was optimistic.  There we were at the nursing home and the boys were signing and my heart was filling with holiday cheer.  The residents clapped and we began our tour around the facility signing for the residents and handing out cards.  TT was doing well.  Very well.  He was happy and smiling and clapping and flirting with any old lady that would give him a smile.

And then he wasn't.  We reached the end of the rounds and they were handing out ice cream, and TT had to wait to get some and he lost it.  By far the biggest meltdown of his life.  Other parents were trying to console him, offering him toys, music on their phones.  Nothing.  Husband showed up just in time to help me wrangle him into the car.  

Oh, the crying and the tears he was miserable.  But then he calmed down some and ate his ice cream in the car.  Husband and I couldn't decide what to do.  We bickered about it.  Just go home or do we carry on?  We opted to carry on.  We got to the store.  It was insanely crowded.  I went to get the lay-away.  He took the boys to look around.  I texted my mom with an update and got the gifts into the car quickly.

Upon coming back into the store I came across the rest of my family.  TT had spotted a Mickey Mouse train-set.  Does it get any better in his eyes?  I think not.  Where we buying this train?  I think not.  And so the water works and the tears ensued; again.  He screamed.  He flailed around.  Green snot was pouring from him nose.  He was red in the face and sweating.

I tried to save my day out with the family.  I walked Teddy and walked him some more; hoping he would fall asleep.  We offered him more food and more walking.  But there was no hope.  We needed to go home and he needed to go to bed.

I know in the grand scheme of things days like these don't matter.  I know we made the residents at the nursing home happy and I know my mom isn't upset about missing dinner and I know there will be more chances to see Santa.  But I still feel bad.  Like I could have controlled whether or not TT slept.  I think not.

And I am very grateful for my children, no matter how many meltdowns they have, no many how many plans are ruined.  I am thankful that they are alive and well and are able to ruin plans.  The tragedy in Connecticut yesterday really hit home for me, as it did with most of the nation.  I've hugged my boys longer and tighter since then.  I cannot fathom sending my boys off to school and never seeing them again.  My heart truly breaks for all of those affected.

Excerpts from Camp

Here are a few details about camp, straight from the boy's mouth:

"and one morning we had bacon AND sausage.  Three of each."

"Three leaves let it be.  Unless of course it's a clover.  Those are OK."

"Yesterday for lunch we had chicken potpies.  It was gross it had crunchy macaroni and mayonnaise in it."

"I rolled right out of my sleeping bag, off the bed and fell out the side of the tent.  I bumped my knee and got a face full of dirt."  Ouch!

"I'm a swimmer.  There are three levels: non-swimmer, beginner and swimmer.  Can you believe it, I'm a swimmer?"  Apparently the lessons at the Y are paying off better than I thought.

"and I climbed the climbing wall.  Without a helmet."  Really(?), this doesn't sound very scout like.

"I got my whittling badge.  When can I get a pocket knife?"

"The showers were so cool.  The Weblos pulled them down and it was like running around in an indoor sprinkler."  

"Can you believe it?  I got a bulls-eye.  Now you know I am ready for a BB gun."

"And they sold liquorice.  Four pieces for 25 cents."  I can only imagine how many pieces he got.

"I had to face my fears when we learned about spiders."

"You can't ride my little red wagon.  The front wheels brokin' and the axel's draggin'"  This is a song which apparently you sing over and over again, louder each time.  

"Mom you'll be mad, but I chanted with everyone else: we want food, we want food."

"and they had peanut-butter with out peanuts."
Me: "You mean they had creamy, not chunky?"
"No, it was peanut free peanut-butter."  Um, OK.  

"I made a fire with two Weblos.  All of the other kids where just goofing around.  Kids these days, they didn't want to learn anything."

"Last night I slept in my clothes.  Undies, socks, CSI shirt and my uniform shirt.  I had my backpack on and didn't sleep in my sleeping bag.  I wanted to be ready for when you came to get me.  I hate it when things aren't in order and ready."  Ahhh.... love you too kiddo.

"Next year I need to go for a full week."

Checking the List

I'm checking the list and checking it twice; and no I'm not Santa.

Tomorrow the big boy leaves for camp.  Overnight camp.  Four days and three nights.  Good thing he isn't going for a whole week otherwise.... otherwise I have no idea what I would be packing his gear in.

uniform - check
4 pairs of shorts - check
4 pairs of under clothes - check
4 shirts - check
jeans - um, no... it's going to be in the high 90s
sweatshirt - check (just in case)
raincoat - check
pencil and pad - check
camera - check (disposable - I'm not that silly)
towels - in the dryer, so almost check
bathing suit and water shoes - wearing
first aide kit, flashlight, toothbrush, cup, soap, shampoo, bug spray (non-aerosol), sunscreen, toothpaste - check, check, check and more checks
watch - um no, he would lose it
pocket knife - um no, he's 8 and clumsy
spending money - oh, I suppose
"old sneakers"  - check, does he have any that aren't old?
sleeping bag, blanket and pillow - triple check

So basically everything expect the kitchen sink.  He's not allowed to bring guns, ammunition, drugs, alcohol, cell phones, pets, fireworks, or "inappropriate reading material".  Dammit, I was going to try and pack his cat and send him with a fifth of JD and a copy of Hustler.  Ha... I know, I am so so funny.

Wish us luck tomorrow... hopefully I won't forget the towels.

Project Food Budget: Week 34

Last weekend we were watching Man vs. Food and Adam, the show’s host, was in Hawaii taking on the pancake challenge.  For this challenge he had to eat 4 lbs. of pancakes and toppings.  He was able to choose the pancake toppings and fillings and from his choices he picked bananas and chocolate chips.

Why had I never thought of this before?  We love banana pancakes.  We love chocolate chip pancakes.  Why not combine the two to make extra yummy pancakes?  So on Wednesday that’s just what I did. 

They were a hit.  In the words of the 8-year-old, these are “the bomb-est of bombs”.  I chopped up the bananas fairly small so they almost melted into the pancake as they cooked.  I served them with whip cream, maple syrup (the real stuff) and blueberry syrup.  Sure not the healthiest of meals, but at least I used turkey sausage. 

For other meals this week we had:

Monday: scramble eggs, potatoes, peaches and turkey bacon
Tuesday: the boy’s had mac and cheese and veggies, and Husband and I went out for our anniversary
Wednesday: “the bomb-est of bombs pancakes
Thursday: the boy’s had grilled cheese and veggies on the way to Cub Scouts
Friday: pasta with tomato sauce and salad
Saturday: sesame honey chicken, brown rice and veggies

I spent $74 at the grocery this week, plus spent another $45 on a Schwan’s order.  If you’re not familiar with Schwan’s they are a frozen food company that delivers to your house.  Aside from this service they also provide a lot of those frozen diet meals you see on TV.  I stocked up on frozen chicken breasts, 20 breasts for $17 yes, please.  We’ve gotten these before and love them.  

• Emily Levenson
• Dairy-Free Cooking
• Test Kitchen Tuesday
• Red Pen Mama
• Fit Flexitarian
• Warm As Pie
• Katy Rank Lev
• xox, b
• Project Food Budget 2.0
• That's Just Me
• Two Eggs Over Easy
• Eat Whole Be Vital
• Four Happy Violets
• Pgh Dad
• yogabeautylife
• Charmingly Modern
• naMAMAste
• Six Dollars a Day
• What da Health?
• Brandon and On
• French Press
• Veggie Meal Maker
• Eryn Says...

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

The big boy, aka Turkey, spent Friday night with my mom; so Husband and I took the time to wrap up the holiday shopping.

Saturday morning we opted to skip swim classes because Monkey was rocking a 101F fever; and instead went to breakfast and did some more shopping.  We drove a little way up north east from us to a breakfast joint that has a cow head's on the outside of it and counter service circa 1960, swung by my cousin's shop in hopes of an adjustment (she's a licensed massage therapist, but was sadly closed), and then went to the children's outlet.  Once we were done at the outlet we figured we'd walk around town some, since Monkey was already snuggly in the carrier.  We wrapped him up good with a blanket and set out hand-in-hand down the street.

The town we were in hasn't changed much with the times; and honestly there isn't much shopping to be had (aside from a men's clothing store that has great socks and cub scout gear).  The buildings are all brick, three or so stories tall and boost places to get your appliances fixed or nails done or second hand goods.  Normally this town is a bit on the depressing side.  This day however was different...

This day it was a Christmas wonderland.  Pine garland with big wreathes were stretched high across the street; and small lighted Christmas trees stood on poles above the sidewalks.  As we walked we were followed by Christmas music playing from the mini trees.  The air was crisp and cold; and then a light snow started to fall.  It was picture perfect.  It was more than picture perfect, it would have been perfect if Turkey was with us.  We vowed to come back at night, just for a drive by, to see all the lights.

Stylin'

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I am Turkey's Cub Scout Den Leader this year.

With this position comes the great responsibility of looking as un-stylish as possible.  (OK, maybe that's not an official rule).

Today I got my leader's shirt.

Here's an example photo I snagged off eBay.

While these shirts have come a long way from my mother's day as a den leader for my brothers, the shirt still has a lot to be desired.

I donned it tonight, with a little fear; and when I looked in the mirror I knew I wasn't going to win any awards.

But all of that changed, when Turkey saw me wearing it.  He gave me a thumbs up, and said "You look awesome Mom".  Awww.... what more could I ask for?  Maybe I am stylin'.

Picking Up the Pieces

On Monday, July 11th, we suddenly lost a great man, my step-father.  It was the kind of quick and sudden passing that not only left you with heart-ache and tears, but also with shock and disbelief.  All at once the world slowed down and sped up at the same time; and everyday life was put on-hold.  

I haven't been to work in a week; instead I have been with my family.  Driving out to see my mom as much as possible (it's a 45 minute drive) and at the same time trying to give Turkey space to grieve while trying to keep home life as normal as possible for him (as it was he had Cub Scout Day Camp during all this).

Yesterday, Saturday, we said our final good-byes (more to come on that over time) and today we slept in late and started waking up from our daze.  Husband and I looked around the house, and despite cleaning mid-week during everything, we were met with a total mess.  I had cob-webs on my washer and dryer, and piles of dirty clothes higher than the door.  For a mid-morning snack Turkey made himself a potato chip and mustard sandwich on the last two pieces of bread and I realized I really needed to get to the grocery store.  It was time start picking up the pieces of life.

Step-dad isn't (wasn't I should say) the kind of guy who would like you mopping doing nothing, and with that in mind I started moving again; all be it slowly.

I chipped away at the dirty clothes (6 loads done, none folded), went back to using cloth diapers (who can use cloth during a time like last week?), went to the grocery store with the family in-tow (including Husband who sprained his ankle this morning), and started cleaning little by little.  It's a work in progress, and like healing from a tragedy like this, it will take some time and never really be done.

Good Manners

The other night I was leading Turkey's den meeting (although I am not technically the den leader until the end of this month), and I set out on a mission.  The mission - The Good Manners Belt Loop.

Belt loops are something Cub Scouts can earn by completing three requirements as set forth by the national headquarters.  There are belt loops in two main areas academics and sorts.  The Good Manners one fell into the academics areas.  The three requirements to be completed where 1) make a poster showing/telling 5 good manners, 2) introduce two people correctly, with at least one of them being an adult and 3) write a thank you note.  This seemed like a piece of cake, so armed with Turkey's copy of Dude That's Rude (Get Some Manners) off we went.

And while I wasn't expecting the boys to come out of the den meeting proper little gentlemen that lifted their pinkie finger while sipping tea; I had expected a little more.  I was a little embarrassed, dare I say, by how few manners the boys could tell me about.  Even Turkey was quieter than he normally was (maybe their silence was them practicing good manners); and when I did ask him for examples of manner and what to do in certain situations he quoted his book (at least now I know he's read it).  And it's not like these boys lack manners - they are all very polite, listen well, help with set-up and clean-up.  Maybe it was just because they were surrounded by other 7 year old boys, not wanting to look like goodie two shoes and all that.

But in the end they started to pull it all together - once they started making the cards.  Maybe it was the craft aspect of it.  Maybe it was because a lot of them made cards for the former den leader.  Maybe it was their parents prodding... but in the end they did it.  And showed me the polite boys I know they are.