VBS and Twilight Camp

This past week was a big week for all of us, especially my boys.

We had VBS at our church and I was teaching in Amy's 3 year-old class. That meant we had to be at the church every morning around 8am; of course, rarely did we get there before 8:15. And then it lasted until 12:30, but by the time the last child was picked up from my class, we'd leave closer to 1pm. It made for a busy, long morning each day, but it was definitely a lot of fun! And it was just the beginning for Alex and Nathan.

Everyday, in addition to VBS, their daddy would come home early from work (around 3:30) and would whisk them off to Cub Scout Twilight Camp. This is just as it sounds... a camp that starts in the late afternoon and ends when the sun goes down. It's any boy's dream camp. They shot bow and arrows, BB guns, slingshots. They played with mud and drenched each other with super soaker water guns. They learned to tie special knots and built a bug cage and a toolbox. They did TONS of things that all little boys love to do. Of course, the weather has been very hot and all this happened outdoors. So that helped sap quite a bit of what energy they had left each day after a long morning at VBS. And then on four of the five nights they didn't get home until after 9:30pm. So we weren't getting them to bed until around 10:15pm. What can I say... I had some super tired kids (and a fairly tired husband ;)) by the end of the week. And did I mention how tired I was of washing load after load of dirty VBS and scout t-shirts so they could be reworn each day? But they had an amazing time and made lots of great memories. The exceptionally busy, tiresome week was well worth it.

Someone (or maybe there was more than one) took thousands of pictures at Twilight Camp and uploaded them to a site where family can view (and purchase desired prints) of all the photos. I copied some for this post, but plan to buy some prints for keepsakes. I was glad to find these shots of my guys:

Nathan

I think Alex is dumping mud in that bucket in some kind of mud race

Nathan throwing (or maybe trying to catch?) the frisbee

Nathan making a volcano

Can you see Alex? He's flashing a $1 bill in front of his face (no idea why!)

Bill throwing a frisbee

That's Alex on the right (making his toolbox)

Happy Father's Day!!!

To my dad...

To Bill's Dad...
And, of course, to the father of my children...

I love you all!

Happy Father's Day to these fantastic fathers, and all those other special dads out there. I hope you all had a great day. You certainly deserve it!

Basketball

Basketball season has arrived and the boys are thrilled!

Both Alex and Nathan had their first games on Saturday. Nathan was so anxious to play. He is amazing at dribbling the ball and I'd have to say that was probably his favorite part of playing the game. He had a great time and we enjoyed watching him and all the kids play. They were really cute!

He's wearing the black jersey, #23



Alex had a fun time, too, but got a little frustrated at times. They did things a little differently for his game. They had one boy from each team wear a different colored jersey, so then each child would know who he/she was supposed to guard. This may have helped playing defense, but since most of the kids still don't really know their team mates that well, it made playing offense difficult and confusing. It was even harder for Alex. His first practice was cancelled and he missed the second practice, so Saturday's game was his first time to meet his coach, his team and actually play a basketball game. But despite all of that, he had lots of enthusiasm and played hard. Tomorrow he'll get a chance to practice with his team, and I know that's going to help take some of the confusion away.

Alex is wearing the black jersey, #22




Next Saturday they'll get to play another game and I'm looking forward to it!

The Informal Demonstration

I meant to post about Amy's actual Informal Demonstration soon after it occurred, but life has just been too busy. So here is the synopsis, over a week later...

The makeup session that I was so fearing went rather well. A good friend came over and gave me moral support, and with her daughter's help was able to demonstrate how easily those fake eyelashes could go on. Amy put up a little fight, but with the distraction of friends, the eyelashes were attached fairly painlessly. The overall experience was so much better than the night of the rehearsal. I was feeling much more relaxed about the evening. We even left on time and got there super early. Bill actually had time to take the boys to Burger King for dinner and pick up flowers for Amy before the performance even started.

I was still not feeling great, but went backstage with Amy since she insisted. It was chaotic back there, but at the same time it was fun to be behind the scenes. And when she performed, I was able to stand on stage just back behind the curtains, so I could see her from fairly close up. She did great, though I could tell she was a little nervous. And just before her tap routine in the second act, she rubbed her eye and knocked off an eyelash. I had a horrible time getting it back on and it ended up quite lopsided for the performance. But at least it was on!

We made it through the whole performance and from what I was told, everyone did fantastic. It was a fun experience for all, but quite draining. I look forward to the next one, thankfully a whole year away. ;)

Eating fruit snacks before the performance (and so kindly offering Mommy one)

All the little ballerinas playing Candyland between performances

After the performance, proudly showing off her flowers from Daddy and Granny and Paw-Paw


Cute close-up

Finally on Stage

Amy has been asking me for months when she'd get to dance on stage. I'd tell her, "Not until your recital." Or as I am supposed to refer to it, her informal demonstration. Last night she finally got her opportunity.

This was her second rehearsal - the ever so important dress rehearsal. We'd had a studio rehearsal a couple weeks ago. I am one of the host moms, which means I stay backstage with Amy's class and help make sure the girls stay together and get them where they are supposed to be. It can be a hectic job, as a hostess is also responsible for making sure they are in their appropriate attire, makeup applied, hair perfect, etc. I was both looking forward to it and dreading it all at the same time. The dress rehearsal meant fully dressed for performance - full makeup, including false eyelashes! I've been apprehensive about those silly eyelashes ever since the parent meeting before Amy even began her ballet classes. I thought to myself, you want me to glue false eyelashes on my 3-yr. old (and keep in mind, Amy was actually only 2 when I found out about the lashes)... and you expect her to dance with them on??? Talk about your disbelief.

So fast forward to yesterday. The big day had arrived. And I was sick. I'd caught Amy's virus - the one she had all last week. I'd been sick since Saturday, but I still had a low grade fever that morning and figured no parent was going to want me around their kids. So I got another mom to perform my hostess duty. It meant I got to sit in the auditorium and watch the whole rehearsal. This was both good and bad. First of all, long story short, I'd made a doctor's appt. that afternoon that took longer than I'd expected. I wasn't left with as much time as I really needed to get Amy dressed and ready. And try putting black eyeliner on a 3-yr. old when your low on time and your hands are shaking! I was making a complete mess of Amy's make-up, so I finally gave up and we left almost 30 minutes later than I'd wanted to. So not only were we late getting there, but Amy's make-up was not done - including those before mentioned false eyelashes. The other mom ended up finishing her up, which I felt so bad about. And on top of that, I think it traumatized poor Amy. Obviously, she didn't want strangers messing with her. She had a meltdown halfway through and claimed she was finished for the night. She wasn't going to dance anymore. Thankfully, I was able to convince her otherwise.

We made it through the night, and if you ignore the bad make-up, crying, and in the end, missing one eyelash, she did quite well. She couldn't remember much of her dance routines, but she smiled a lot and waved to the audience. When she was on stage, she was happy. Who could ask for more?

Sadly, I don't think this experience met with Amy's expectations. What she had been looking forward to for so long ended up being a rather unpleasant night for her. She's been telling me all day that she does not want to go back to "that room" (where they waited between performances) with those "other mommies".

So tomorrow night for the big performance, no matter how tired or congested I feel, I'll be backstage with her. Hopefully, things will go more smoothly!

Here are some pictures from the night. Pictures and video are not allowed during the real performance, so I did the best I could at the rehearsal. I wish I'd gotten closer (and less heads in my shots)!

Amy on the far left, smiling at the crowd

Amy - the one with her hands in the air
Amy (in the middle of the photo)
Amy is the one on the left (such good form :) )
Amy is on the left, arm raised and foot out
Amy is the one standing in the back, far left

Stir Crazy

This is our 5th day stuck in the house. Amy woke up sick on Monday morning and is still running a fever today. Nathan began running fever last night and has a fever today. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that Alex doesn't get it... or Bill or myself for that matter. I think this makes up for the long period of good health we've had. We've now done our share of being sick. Would it be possible for us to go back to being well? Please?

Out with the Old...

Approximately $200 for Bill to fix the old dryer... Looks like I get to go dryer shopping!

Esther

In our Bible lesson today we talked about Esther. It was such a fun little lesson.

After we'd completed all of our other school work, the boys cut strips of brown yarn that I then tied onto two longer pieces of yarn. The bigger section with all the attached strips could then be wrapped over their ears to make it look like a beard. They had so much fun running around with their new beards! Then we made a special cookie dough that needed to be refigerated for a couple of hours before we could complete our special Bible lesson cookies - to be eaten at tea time, of course.

Once lunch was finished and our cookie dough chilled, we completed our tea time cookies. We made Hamantaschen, which are fruit and nut filled cookies that are made in the shape of Haman's hat. These are typically eaten as part of Purim, which is a celebration of Esther and the ancient Persian Jews' victory over Haman and his plan's for their annihilation. The boys wore their beards and crowns (neither wanted to wear the three pointed hat that represented Haman) and ate their cookies while I read to them the story of Queen Esther. Amy, who is still fighting illness, did not want to eat her cookie. And Alex wasn't too fond of the filling, though he devoured the outer section in no time. But Nathan and I both found the cookies - in their entirety - to be absolutely delicious! I have to admit... I ate two. And I could have eaten more if I hadn't forced myself to stop. But they really are so delicious while warm. Mmmm....

The kids are now finishing out their Bible lesson with a viewing of one of our favorite videos: Veggie Tales Esther, The Girl Who Became Queen. Thanks, MFW, for a fun lesson on Esther!

Hamantaschen cookies: We used apricot preserves, Goldens & Cherries, Craisins and pecans for our filling. Yummy!

Alex and Nathan as King Xerxes (Nathan took off his crown already)
Amy as Queen Esther (we keep our costumes simple :) )

End of Another Great Season

Today the boys played their last games of this baseball season. The weather was hot with very little breeze, which made being a spectator somewhat unpleasant. But the sweat and slight sunburn was worth it to watch my boys finish out their baseball season.

Nathan had a great last game against the Braves this morning. He got to bat twice and played short stop, catcher and pitcher. He did great at each position; I don't think he could have ended the year any better!

Nathan up to bat

Nathan playing catcher

Nathan playing pitcher

Granny, Cody, and a pretending-to-be-sleeping Alex

Amy sitting in her favorite spot to watch the game: Paw-Paw's lap

Alex's game came a little later, giving us time to go out for lunch with Granny and Paw-Paw and cousin Cody. We made it back to the ball park in plenty of time for warmup before the game against the notoriously difficult-to-beat Cubs. It became apparent fairly quickly that our boys were tired and not exactly playing their best. Alex hardly ever strikes out when up at bat, but his first time up in today's game he struck out, as did many of our boys. Thankfully, their boys weren't hitting too well either. Our players, though still a little sluggish, did manage to perk up a bit during the game and we only lost by 2 runs, which considering the reputation of the team we were playing, was really good! Alex had a great hit his second time at bat and overall played a great game.

Alex up to bat

Team parties are, of course, part of the end-of-season baseball tradition. Nathan had his team party at Mr. Gatti's on Wednesday where he received his trophy, ate pizza and had fun playing lots of arcade games. Thanks to Granny and Paw-Paw for taking him and Alex since Bill was out of town and Amy and I had to be at her ballet rehearsal. I am sad that I missed that special event in Nathan's life, but I know he had a great time just the same. Alex's team party occurred today just after his game. It was held at a had it at a nearby park where the kids were able to run and play and just hang out with each other. This also enabled the parents to relax and actually talk to one another, something we can't normally do too well when we're all watching, cheering and coaching the baseball games. The party also involved cake, trophy presentations and gifts for coaches and helpers. The kids had a great time, as did all the parents.

Alex's team party

A cake that's cute and delicious, too!

Alex and his new trophy

I'm glad that the many practices and games have finally concluded, but I'm also somewhat sad. It has been such a joy to watch the boys play each week and to see how far they've come from when they first started out the year. I'm going to miss watching them play. But just because baseball season is over doesn't mean all the excitement has to end. In a couple of weeks, we start basketball season at the Y. The fun never ends!

No More a Tiger

Yesterday was our Cub Scout Pack's "Bridging Ceremony" where the boys cross over to the next level of scouts. Alex went from being a Tiger to being a Wolf. Bill, as the Tiger Den Leader, led their part of the ceremony. We only had a few boys show up, though our overall den is pretty small anyway.

Alex was so excited! Even though the Webelos were supposed to remove all his old attire (Tiger hat, slider and handkerchief) as part of the ceremony, he already had it all off and was tossing everything over to them as he went running up the bridge! I love his proud expression as he stood up tall and gave his boyscout salute.

Nathan didn't get to crossover the bridge, but he did get recognized as being a new Tiger cub. He was a little shy about going up in front of everyone, but with Bill already up there, he gained the courage to stand with the Cubmaster.

At one point, Alex was chosen to stand with the Cubmaster and tell him about his experience with Scout Fair. Thankfully, our Cubmaster is very patient and kind because in his shyness, it took Alex awhile to respond to the questions he was being asked. But seeing him standing there so sweetly was priceless. He did great!
And even though Bill is very busy at work these days, he has stepped up to become our Pack's Assistant Cubmaster! So he'll be doing this in addition to being the Wolf Den leader. I am so proud of him for all of his committment to our boys and their experiences as Cub Scouts! And as much as Bill loves the outdoors and camping and so much of what makes up the scouting experience, I know they are all going to have fun!!!

Unplanned Haircut

Yesterday I gave the boys haircuts. And today, while I was talking on the phone with my mom, Nathan pretended to give Amy a haircut. And then, Amy gave herself a haircut.

Thankfully, it wasn't a lot. But the clump she cut off was from the front side of her hair, and when stretched out, it was about 5 inches worth. When she asked if I could put it back on again and I said no, she cried. I cried. We all cried. I am so sad. If her hair is anything like mine, this section of hair will not grow back as curly.

And did I mention that in just a couple of weeks she has her first ballet recital? I think I'm going to need a bit more gel and hairspray now.

Wanted: A GOOD Sunscreen

I am so frustrated by sunscreen. Obviously, I have to put it on my children because I don't want them to burn. But why does it have to ruin their clothes in the process???

On Saturday we were out in the sun almost the entire day. So of course, we doused the kids in sunscreen several times throughout the day. It wasn't until later that night AFTER I'd washed their clothes that it became clear the collar and sleeves of Amy and Nathan's shirts were yellow - very yellow. I soaked them in Oxy clean overnight and tried washing them again the next day, but the yellow remained. This has happened before, but with a different sunscreen. Upon reading the warnings on the sunscreen bottle, there is mention that the product could stain some fabrics. But who reads those things?!? And I certainly wouldn't expect sunscreen to discolor clothing. So now I have a $12 bottle of barely used sunscreen that I might as well throw in the trash; yesterday I bought a new $12 bottle of a different brand of sunscreen that does not say anything about staining clothing. But even so, I'm still afraid to use it.

FYI: Here are the sunscreens that have discolored my kids' clothes (both have the same fabric-staining disclaimer):

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Breakfast Beagle

Nathan, reading the story title in his reading lesson: "The Eagle Meets a Beagle."

Me: "Do you know what a Beagle is?"

Nathan: "Yes, it's something you eat!"

Happy Shopping

Typically, when I have to take all three of my children to the grocery store, it is a stressful, unpleasant experience. This is not because my children are bad kids; they are just kids being kids. They start out happy and good and then as time passes and they become tired, they start to act up and aggravate each other. That's when it becomes unpleasant for me. I'm sure many moms can relate to this. I try to go when I can take a maximum of one child with me, but sometimes a stop with all three becomes necessary. Today was one of those days. And considering we'd just come from playing at the park, I figured we'd definitely have some struggles at the store. But I was wrong. There were only a couple of difficult moments, but for the most part, all three of my kids were wonderful. And it wasn't just me that noticed. A super sweet man stopped me to tell me that my kids were the nicest he'd seen in a long time. He then handed me three dollars and said he wanted each of them to buy something they want. I was so proud. We all thanked him profusely, and then the kids joyfully made their selections from the small supply of toys and games there at Kroger. What a happy experience. I pray all outings with the kids could be just like this one!

Lego Disappointment

For months Alex has been talking about the cool Darth Vader Lego set he'd be getting for his birthday. He just knew he would get it and he couldn't wait. Since it was a relatively cheap set compared to most, we indulged him. And it is a cool set... Unless your child expects to play with it. I've learned that the larger and more complicated the Lego set, the less you can do with it. But how do you explain that to your 7 year old who is becoming very frustrated by this Tie Fighter that falls apart every time he tries to put Darth Vader into or take Darth Vader out of it. So Sad.