The boys finally completed a week of full on cub scout day camp. It's intense- 8:00am to 3:30pm in the Southern June heat. I was proud of them for making it through each day without complaining. And to make sure we didn't win the parents of the year award we insisted they participate in their swim team practice each day after camp for an hour (don't worry I gave them a snack before they had to leave). =)
I made a point to volunteer one day after hearing a plea for help from those in charge. It was that one day of walking around with 17-7 year old boys shooting bows and arrows and b.b. guns, playing kick ball, and hammering a 'box' (don't quite know it's purpose but hey, a boy can fill a box with just about anything under his bed) that made me walk down memory lane of my own boy scout experience almost 11 years ago. I thought I would share some memories and lessons learned.
I was fresh out of Wesleyan College - a women's liberal arts college in Macon, Georgia. I was also getting married that summer to my sweet heart and best friend back home in the country fields of Curve, TN. (no, literally we got married in a field out by my parents' house in the midst of my mother's flower gardens and a semi-hidden tractor shed). But I did look like Cinderella and I did make my grooms' men wear tuxedos in that 100 degree heat and humidity.
So I needed a job - I had a husband to support now...hee hee! (He was finishing up his degree at MTSU - where he teaches now - and working part time at the airport). We moved into the married student housing on campus - a quaint little two room cinder block apartment on campus. Did I mention I needed a job?
I was overqualified to do some things and under qualified to do most. But then I found it. It was in my field - nonprofit - and it had an outdoorsy type aura about it - I wanted to be a Boy Scouts of America District Executive. I think the title District Executive is what drew me in. It sounded so...so, important as I sat in my cinder block apartment and sipped cold sweet tea out of my new crystal wedding high ball glass and counted pennies in our checking account. Oh, and it paid a lot! Well, a whole $30,000 a year lot - which after making a career out of babysitting for the past four years and free internships I thought I had hit the jack pot.
Little did I realize when I put all my pennies into that scouting basket career would I have to prove my self worthy for the next 3 years. I was the first female D.E. in my metropolitan city of Mufreesboro and to say I was not looked upon favorably by those old, white bearded, belly protruding, too tight uniform wearing scoutmasters would be an understatement of the century.
I grew thick skin - even if I did cry a lot on the way home from meetings in my scout owned Malibu and pray a lot - like my life depended on it- as I boldly marched my new L.L. Bean boots and horrifyingly ugly swamp green uniform shorts wearing body up to those campfires, making sure to greet each one of those old men with a sweet southern 21 year old "hey ya'll" and a firm handshake. (my daddy taught me well in the area of a good handshake)
I am proud to say I won them over. At least to my face they grew to like me. I earned their respect by not acting like I knew what I didn't but by being willing to learn what I needed to and stand up for what I did know. I cared about my volunteers. I believed in the cause we were working for. I figured out the game and I played it well for the short time I was there. It was a two sided game - one made up of those who were making a living off of scouting and the vast amount of money behind it and then there were the volunteers who it was a way of life for and who gave countless hours to the boys they were serving. I respected both groups...but now I have crossed over from the money making side to the serving side.
I am now full circle living back in the district that I earned my first paycheck and livelihood from. It was this same county where I raised thousands of dollars along side judges and doctors as well as cooked peach cobbler in a dutch oven beside red faced, country speaking retired marines. I have taken what I learned from that short stint of professionalism and used it to start other nonprofit organizations, rally volunteers, raise money and train leaders. I have also taken the skills I was challenged to learn from sleeping under the stars, keeping my composure under prejudice and unwarranted pressure, and a love for the unbridled enthusiasm little boys have for the outdoors and used it in my life post-scouting.
As I stand beside my young boys and give the two fingered salute to the flag, sweating in the hot sun as I help them pull back the bow and balance the arrow as it haphazardly flies through the air and bounces off the target, and help teach them to respect others and themselves as a true scout does, I hide in my heart the lessons I learned from the boy scouts eleven years ago as a pioneer woman in the scouting career. I am proud of myself and now I am proud of my boys too.
Jun 3, 2011
May has come and gone...
I'm sorry did someone hit me over the head and flip the calendar from April to June?
May is the busiest month of the year for moms with kids in school. It is just simply insane...but I love it! No long narratives this time just a recap of the month of May.
Our family started the warmer month off with our first family camping trip (one that included sister girl). I was honestly very nervous about the whole sleeping in a tent together but it was great! Everyone had a wonderful time...got extremely dirty...and we found our new favorite camping/hiking/water hole site only an hour away from the 'boro.
While cupcakes were being eaten, publishing parties being thrown, buses were loading us up for field trips left and right my sweet husband went on a mission trip to Namur, Belgium (see previous blog post). I survived the week alone - well not really alone - I truly couldn't have survived all the activities at the boys' school without the help of my parents, Nate's parents and then my friend and partner in crime! The best part was when Nate returned...with a box of the best (and probably most expensive) chocolates ever!!! I know I ate 3/4th of the box within three days!!
But I deserved it right?
The boys successfully finished first and third grade. They really enjoyed their teachers and breezed through the year with no drama and little tears. I was so appreciative of their teachers this year!
A celebrated tradition we now have with cub scouts is placing flags at the Stones River Battleground in preparation for Memorial Day.
The end of May and final class parties means one thing for the Callender family...vacation. We seemed to have set upon a trend of every other year going to the beach so this falling on our off year we were invited to the East TN. mountains with Nate's family (parents and two sisters). We stayed in a three story cabin fully furnished with video arcade, pool table, hot tub and flat screen t.v. in every room. It was a low key week - a little swimming in the pool, aquarium in Gatlinburg, some river play, put-put, a few date nights (thanks to Nanny and Papa)and lots of eating! The highlight of the trip I think for the kids (and the biggest kid - their dad) was when we were playing in the river and what we thought was a hell binder salamander about two feet long came crawling by Nate's feet. Yes, you can imagine what happened after that...the chase was on. Each child was able to touch it and Nate tried his hardest to catch the thing but to no avail. But he was rewarded for his persistence when he caught a snake (yes I said snake) a little further down the river. Don't worry...he has been trained through the "Crocodile hunter and Bear Grylls do it yourself videos". It was fun for everyone to hang out together for that long since it doesn't happen to often anymore, especially with Aunt Hannah who moved so far away to teach math at a university. (yes, two math nerds in one family - you should hear how they talk to each other about equations and never ending formulas)
Now we are home. Don't roll your eyes but it hasn't even been five hours since we were met in the driveway by those God forsaken Middle TN. ear piercing cicadas and we are unpacked, dirty clothes washed and folded, van vacuumed, plants outside thoroughly hydrated after I neglected them for a week, and children put in bed!
Now to conquer June!
May is the busiest month of the year for moms with kids in school. It is just simply insane...but I love it! No long narratives this time just a recap of the month of May.
Our family started the warmer month off with our first family camping trip (one that included sister girl). I was honestly very nervous about the whole sleeping in a tent together but it was great! Everyone had a wonderful time...got extremely dirty...and we found our new favorite camping/hiking/water hole site only an hour away from the 'boro.
While cupcakes were being eaten, publishing parties being thrown, buses were loading us up for field trips left and right my sweet husband went on a mission trip to Namur, Belgium (see previous blog post). I survived the week alone - well not really alone - I truly couldn't have survived all the activities at the boys' school without the help of my parents, Nate's parents and then my friend and partner in crime! The best part was when Nate returned...with a box of the best (and probably most expensive) chocolates ever!!! I know I ate 3/4th of the box within three days!!
But I deserved it right?
The boys successfully finished first and third grade. They really enjoyed their teachers and breezed through the year with no drama and little tears. I was so appreciative of their teachers this year!
A celebrated tradition we now have with cub scouts is placing flags at the Stones River Battleground in preparation for Memorial Day.
The end of May and final class parties means one thing for the Callender family...vacation. We seemed to have set upon a trend of every other year going to the beach so this falling on our off year we were invited to the East TN. mountains with Nate's family (parents and two sisters). We stayed in a three story cabin fully furnished with video arcade, pool table, hot tub and flat screen t.v. in every room. It was a low key week - a little swimming in the pool, aquarium in Gatlinburg, some river play, put-put, a few date nights (thanks to Nanny and Papa)and lots of eating! The highlight of the trip I think for the kids (and the biggest kid - their dad) was when we were playing in the river and what we thought was a hell binder salamander about two feet long came crawling by Nate's feet. Yes, you can imagine what happened after that...the chase was on. Each child was able to touch it and Nate tried his hardest to catch the thing but to no avail. But he was rewarded for his persistence when he caught a snake (yes I said snake) a little further down the river. Don't worry...he has been trained through the "Crocodile hunter and Bear Grylls do it yourself videos". It was fun for everyone to hang out together for that long since it doesn't happen to often anymore, especially with Aunt Hannah who moved so far away to teach math at a university. (yes, two math nerds in one family - you should hear how they talk to each other about equations and never ending formulas)
Now we are home. Don't roll your eyes but it hasn't even been five hours since we were met in the driveway by those God forsaken Middle TN. ear piercing cicadas and we are unpacked, dirty clothes washed and folded, van vacuumed, plants outside thoroughly hydrated after I neglected them for a week, and children put in bed!
Now to conquer June!
May 17, 2011
Poor Ralph...
"After all that we've been through...I will make it up to you...I promise to. And after all that's been said and done...you're just the part of me I can't let go! After all that we've been through...I will make it up to you...I promise to. ohhhhhh ohhhhhhhhhh oooohhhhhhhhhh violins..... You're going to be the lucky one....piano solo........(tears at this point remembering the puffy sleeves of long gone prom dresses, and pink died satin high heel shoes, oh yes, and big bangs and wings...)
Now drum interlude and some horns.....
"Hard to say I'm sorry" by Chicago.
You guessed it - the Karate Kid was kicked off Dancing with the Stars. I had been rooting for him since the first night that he stole the show and came in first. His freakishly teeny bopper face just reminded me of those posters I had stuck up on my cotton candy pink striped bedroom wall all through high school. I was in love with the Karate Kid - so of course it made me sad that he actually wanted to win that stupid contest because he called himself "the underdog" in life. I guess a one hit wonder (well he did go on to make Karate Kid II and God forbid I remind you of Karate Kid III)always has those lost dreams to live with.
So as I sit here in my kitchen and miss my husband very, very much, I listen to the Chicago Pandora station and make pasta salad for my son's first grade Author's luncheon at school tomorrow and get teary eyed that Ralph truly has gotten old (although his face hasn't aged a day over 16)and well that he just isn't that good of a dancer.
Now drum interlude and some horns.....
"Hard to say I'm sorry" by Chicago.
You guessed it - the Karate Kid was kicked off Dancing with the Stars. I had been rooting for him since the first night that he stole the show and came in first. His freakishly teeny bopper face just reminded me of those posters I had stuck up on my cotton candy pink striped bedroom wall all through high school. I was in love with the Karate Kid - so of course it made me sad that he actually wanted to win that stupid contest because he called himself "the underdog" in life. I guess a one hit wonder (well he did go on to make Karate Kid II and God forbid I remind you of Karate Kid III)always has those lost dreams to live with.
So as I sit here in my kitchen and miss my husband very, very much, I listen to the Chicago Pandora station and make pasta salad for my son's first grade Author's luncheon at school tomorrow and get teary eyed that Ralph truly has gotten old (although his face hasn't aged a day over 16)and well that he just isn't that good of a dancer.
May 16, 2011
Wild and wooly!
I did make my kids clean their bathroom on Sunday morning despite Eli persisently telling me that the toothpaste left in the sink was not his b/c he always cleaned out his spit when done brushing. (I couldn't argue with that but handed him the lysol anyway!)
I managed to juggle three kids and two parents (well, I didn't actually juggle my parents they more juggled my three kids and well me) on a Saturday marathon of soccer games and complete landscaping at the boys' school. I could kick myself for not taking a picture of sister girl - you all would have loved it! Picture this...pouring down rain, covered in mud and mulch, red berry juice smeared across her cheeks (thanks to big brother Eli), barefoot and lost pony tail holders (hair sticking out in all directions), soaking wet...and loving every minute of her wild freedom while the grown ups worked! So in love with my free spirited wild daughter!
My mother survived her first full out public temper tantrum from a grandchild. YOu would think after four previous grandchildren she would be prepared for it but I think nothing can prepare you for sister girl...I bravely (well ignorantly) agreed to shop at Tuesday Mornings with my mother today b/c we were all going a little crazy in the house. It didn't take 5 minutes before our young companion, determined to roam free in the store, voiced her opposition to holding an adult hand, being carried, or for goodness sakes riding in a cart. I went into the survival mode and don't remember much of what was going on around me other than the echoing screeches of sister girl's vocal chords richocheting in my eardrums and the legs and arms just flying around me. I used my latest accomplishment (boot camp arm muscles) to strong arm that same free spirited wild daughter that I forementioned being in love with and high tailed it out of the store...through the parking lot...and quickly onto the main street only looking up once to see if a police officer had been summoned.
My mother's only words once she was able to take a breath (after she walked sheepishly ten steps behind me out of the store) was "I have never seen a child throw a fit like that." I quietly glared in the rear view mirror at sister girl as she (I swear) proudly cut her eyes at me. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH HER!!!!
(I tell you what I'm going to do...never go back to Tuesday Mornings again!) =)
I managed to juggle three kids and two parents (well, I didn't actually juggle my parents they more juggled my three kids and well me) on a Saturday marathon of soccer games and complete landscaping at the boys' school. I could kick myself for not taking a picture of sister girl - you all would have loved it! Picture this...pouring down rain, covered in mud and mulch, red berry juice smeared across her cheeks (thanks to big brother Eli), barefoot and lost pony tail holders (hair sticking out in all directions), soaking wet...and loving every minute of her wild freedom while the grown ups worked! So in love with my free spirited wild daughter!
My mother survived her first full out public temper tantrum from a grandchild. YOu would think after four previous grandchildren she would be prepared for it but I think nothing can prepare you for sister girl...I bravely (well ignorantly) agreed to shop at Tuesday Mornings with my mother today b/c we were all going a little crazy in the house. It didn't take 5 minutes before our young companion, determined to roam free in the store, voiced her opposition to holding an adult hand, being carried, or for goodness sakes riding in a cart. I went into the survival mode and don't remember much of what was going on around me other than the echoing screeches of sister girl's vocal chords richocheting in my eardrums and the legs and arms just flying around me. I used my latest accomplishment (boot camp arm muscles) to strong arm that same free spirited wild daughter that I forementioned being in love with and high tailed it out of the store...through the parking lot...and quickly onto the main street only looking up once to see if a police officer had been summoned.
My mother's only words once she was able to take a breath (after she walked sheepishly ten steps behind me out of the store) was "I have never seen a child throw a fit like that." I quietly glared in the rear view mirror at sister girl as she (I swear) proudly cut her eyes at me. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH HER!!!!
(I tell you what I'm going to do...never go back to Tuesday Mornings again!) =)
May 11, 2011
Random thoughts as I await a long week ahead of me...
I am staring down the next eight days of being without my husband while he goes on a mission's trip to Belgium. I am excited that he will get to spend time encouraging our sweet friends the Kea family and help them out for awhile (just a little jealous that I can't give Elizabeth a great big hug, drink coffee and stay up all hours of the night chatting like old times).
- And if any crazy people are reading this post please note my parents (big scary looking father included - hey Dad - are coming for part of the time) so don't even think about it!!
Random thoughts while my husband nervously restraightens our dishwasher beside me instead of packing right now...
Elizabeth has started taking her diaper off again at night so that her bed is wet during the middle of the night and then usually in the morning too. We have thought about getting a video recorder hooked to her bed to see just how she is doing this but then again there is always duct tape.
Eli is constantly worrying over me these days - "mom, is the half price medium sonic drink too expensive b/c you can get me a small."
Ian doesn't seem to comprehend indecent exposure and for some reason doesn't see the problem with wearing his pants unbuttoned and unzipped to school since he has trouble fastening them if he has to go to the bathroom ----I blame this on his father and his need to walk around freely in his whitey tighties at night!
I made the mistake of asking questions in a conversation with three homeschool moms at church tonight when one of them mentioned her children doing chores each day. Before I realized it I had admitted that 1. my children do not do regular chores (I realize at this point I am ruining them) and 2. I do not homeschool therefor I am already ruining my children (no offense to those precious friends out there who homeschool -- you guys just make it so hard for us outsourcing school moms to feel adequate sometimes!!!) and then mistake 3. When I mentioned my disapointment in myself over not making the boys do daily chores (excuse given that there is just not enough time to come home from school, play, do homework eat then do sports - church - piano - scouts) my sweet and listening husband chimed in that we really should get on that and make up a list for them b/c he bets they would do it if they wanted to go outside and play. ughhhhhh....does mothering ever get easier? Seriously?
I do plan on watching a lot of girly movies while Nate is gone (Dad I hope you don't mind) and eating lots of cereal and hot dogs and mac-n-cheese for supper...oh, and washing crib sheets and scooping out poop from the tub- I've got to tell you a funny about this...this is so my life...Elizabeth is playing in the tub after I've washed her and I'm in the kitchen hurring Ian through a late night snack after we have walked in from church while telling Eli to put up his laundry (yes, I have the bathroom door open so I can hear if sister girl bunks her head and goes under mind you!) while Nate is outside mowing (don't ask)...and when the boys and I go in the bathroom to brush teeth what do we find? A sweet angelic face looking up at us with a kitchen plastic bowl on the side of the tub holding a nice, long poop! Yes, she not only pooped in the tub but she managed to catch it and place it in the bowl and balance it on the side for me! How kind...that was my bedtime routine tonight.
Husband has finished rearranging the tupperware in the dishwasher (I obviously didn't do it right) and is now packing but needs some advice...I will go support!
- And if any crazy people are reading this post please note my parents (big scary looking father included - hey Dad - are coming for part of the time) so don't even think about it!!
Random thoughts while my husband nervously restraightens our dishwasher beside me instead of packing right now...
Elizabeth has started taking her diaper off again at night so that her bed is wet during the middle of the night and then usually in the morning too. We have thought about getting a video recorder hooked to her bed to see just how she is doing this but then again there is always duct tape.
Eli is constantly worrying over me these days - "mom, is the half price medium sonic drink too expensive b/c you can get me a small."
Ian doesn't seem to comprehend indecent exposure and for some reason doesn't see the problem with wearing his pants unbuttoned and unzipped to school since he has trouble fastening them if he has to go to the bathroom ----I blame this on his father and his need to walk around freely in his whitey tighties at night!
I made the mistake of asking questions in a conversation with three homeschool moms at church tonight when one of them mentioned her children doing chores each day. Before I realized it I had admitted that 1. my children do not do regular chores (I realize at this point I am ruining them) and 2. I do not homeschool therefor I am already ruining my children (no offense to those precious friends out there who homeschool -- you guys just make it so hard for us outsourcing school moms to feel adequate sometimes!!!) and then mistake 3. When I mentioned my disapointment in myself over not making the boys do daily chores (excuse given that there is just not enough time to come home from school, play, do homework eat then do sports - church - piano - scouts) my sweet and listening husband chimed in that we really should get on that and make up a list for them b/c he bets they would do it if they wanted to go outside and play. ughhhhhh....does mothering ever get easier? Seriously?
I do plan on watching a lot of girly movies while Nate is gone (Dad I hope you don't mind) and eating lots of cereal and hot dogs and mac-n-cheese for supper...oh, and washing crib sheets and scooping out poop from the tub- I've got to tell you a funny about this...this is so my life...Elizabeth is playing in the tub after I've washed her and I'm in the kitchen hurring Ian through a late night snack after we have walked in from church while telling Eli to put up his laundry (yes, I have the bathroom door open so I can hear if sister girl bunks her head and goes under mind you!) while Nate is outside mowing (don't ask)...and when the boys and I go in the bathroom to brush teeth what do we find? A sweet angelic face looking up at us with a kitchen plastic bowl on the side of the tub holding a nice, long poop! Yes, she not only pooped in the tub but she managed to catch it and place it in the bowl and balance it on the side for me! How kind...that was my bedtime routine tonight.
Husband has finished rearranging the tupperware in the dishwasher (I obviously didn't do it right) and is now packing but needs some advice...I will go support!
May 6, 2011
Here's to popping our bubbles
This has been an exhausting week. A challenging week. A week that took me out of my comfort zone and plopped me right smack in the middle of confrontation. But it also taught me something.
I recently took on a volunteer role. I have been thrilled to get involved in this intimate way. I tend to be a stand back and not get in the way kind of person UNLESS I am in charge of something. THEN...I find the courage to step up and step out of my comfort zone. The past few weeks have allowed me to do that and I have had so much fun amidst the stress and business of planning and working.
But then it happened. When you step out of your comfort zone and step into the public eye you often step on some one's toes. And I did some stepping this week.
There is no point to go into detail of what or who it was about. Just simply a misinterpretation of something said or a look given between two people who don't know each other well and then feathers were ruffled.
I hate ruffling feathers. Especially when the feathers I ruffle turn around and have a scary and intimidating attitude.
But I have learned to practice what I preach to my children. Forgive when you are wronged. Ask forgiveness when you hurt someone else (even if you didn't do it on purpose) and then let it go. The letting go is the hard part. But I managed to somewhat do it. And so now that the week is over and we have made our peace and all seems to be behind us (other than the memory of those scary ruffled feathers coming down my throat) I can successfully say I have survived.
I was talking to a friend about all the goings and comings of the week's activities and we both agreed that sometimes we wish we could just stay in our own little bubble. That way we wouldn't have to interact with scary people or step on any toes (unintentionally) and all would be well. But we both knew that this isn't how we are to live our lives.
To do good we must risk getting hurt. To make change we must risk upsetting those who might not agree. To make a difference we must risk putting a bulls eye on our chest for others to take a shot at. But if we didn't risk what would we have to show for ourselves other than our little bubble?
Here's to popping our bubbles!
I recently took on a volunteer role. I have been thrilled to get involved in this intimate way. I tend to be a stand back and not get in the way kind of person UNLESS I am in charge of something. THEN...I find the courage to step up and step out of my comfort zone. The past few weeks have allowed me to do that and I have had so much fun amidst the stress and business of planning and working.
But then it happened. When you step out of your comfort zone and step into the public eye you often step on some one's toes. And I did some stepping this week.
There is no point to go into detail of what or who it was about. Just simply a misinterpretation of something said or a look given between two people who don't know each other well and then feathers were ruffled.
I hate ruffling feathers. Especially when the feathers I ruffle turn around and have a scary and intimidating attitude.
But I have learned to practice what I preach to my children. Forgive when you are wronged. Ask forgiveness when you hurt someone else (even if you didn't do it on purpose) and then let it go. The letting go is the hard part. But I managed to somewhat do it. And so now that the week is over and we have made our peace and all seems to be behind us (other than the memory of those scary ruffled feathers coming down my throat) I can successfully say I have survived.
I was talking to a friend about all the goings and comings of the week's activities and we both agreed that sometimes we wish we could just stay in our own little bubble. That way we wouldn't have to interact with scary people or step on any toes (unintentionally) and all would be well. But we both knew that this isn't how we are to live our lives.
To do good we must risk getting hurt. To make change we must risk upsetting those who might not agree. To make a difference we must risk putting a bulls eye on our chest for others to take a shot at. But if we didn't risk what would we have to show for ourselves other than our little bubble?
Here's to popping our bubbles!
Apr 26, 2011
Just a little catching up...
It has been too long since I sat down and typed on this blog. I will blame it on the fact that my computer and secret cyber BFF/counselor died a slow and painful death on me. But now I have a new face to stare at that is a little larger and shiny black rather than all glass and silver looking. I'm getting used to him but seeing how he still doesn't contain half the stuff I need from my old BFF I don't use him very often. (changing over computers is a very slow process when depending on your husband who is grading papers, taking two boys to soccer/scouts and piano for me as well as laying a new bathroom floor and fixing a flooded toilet so we don't have to pay the $1000 it would have cost to get a real Mr. fix it - which in turn is how we paid for my new Cyber BFF I'm staring at now)
Don't even ask what I do all day while my wonderful husband is doing all that...psttt...don't do it! =)
Last I wrote was Spring Break - seriously? Now it is Easter weekend...by far my favorite spiritual holiday (yes, it even beats out Christmas).
What has been going on for any nosey or just interested/caring long distance friends and relatives?
The boys' finished a year of cub scouts. And I can now proudly say I have successfully gone from professional scout executive to behind the scenes "Ghost Leader" den mom! It was a learning experience for Nate and I - too bad I want to continue with the experience and the face/body to our leadership duo doesn't next year. I'm still working on him. I am proud of Ian for completing Tiger Cubs and Eli his Bear badge.
Eli turned ten...we celebrated by having a sweet little group of friends come spend the night. He has remained friends with these guys since he was 4-5 years old (preschool for half of them then kindergarten). Sadly, most of them have changed schools but we still try very hard to keep their friendships strong. I just had to add the picture of them all (minus Braden) from kindergarten before performing in the talent show. They look like teenagers now it blows my mind! In short...I am more proud of this kid then I could ever put into words. The fears he has overcome through the years of shyness and anxiety and the gentleman he has become now is overwhelming. He is such a great kid I truly can't wait to watch him grow up to be a man!
For me...I reluctantly at first but now very enthusiastically have taken on the V.P. position at the boys' school's Parent Teacher Club. I never thought I'd be "one of those moms" but I am actually loving it. I recently told my sister I think when one is stagnant in their life in terms of activities or outside responsibilities to fill one's mind (besides potty training, finger painting, grocery shopping and cleaning the house) one can become a little "crazy". (well...I used other words to describe my mental state but I will spare you all.)
It has proven good for me to have an official job to do now. I like feeling somewhat important even if it is just being in charge of recruiting volunteers for tasks, finding a good deal on flowers for all the staff during teacher appreciation week and meeting with a landscaper to coordinate a school-wide cleanup/beautification project. It is a part time job that doesn't pay...but it seems to be keeping my mind from having the "crazies".
We had a wonderful Easter weekend. Nate's grandmother came to stay with us along with her husband Max who we all love. She has more energy and spirit than anyone I have EVER met! I love being around her.
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