So, I have a couple of daughters that are American Heritage Girls. And the group decided to hold a Camp-o-ree. Original plan was for mother and daughter to attend camp. Andrew and I had planned to attend the prior week for cub scouts. Ours didn't work out. So, the day before the camp-o-ree we decided that we should all go. (5 of us anyway). So, we loaded up the truck and off we went of a Friday night. Excitement abounded. We quickly chose a campsite and started setting up camp. After putting up the tent, we realized that we had set up on some tree roots. I said no problem as I had an air mattress and it wouldn't matter to me anyway. Life is good. Then we go to bed.
By 10:00 we had no air in the mattress and my son had a real nasty cough. Add to that a pretty nasty rain storm around midnight and sleeping was not going to happen. Being a typical competitive man who does not like defeat, I was determined to not let one bad night beat me. So, while everyone started their activities on Saturday morning, I went off to Academy for supplies.
After collecting 3 new air mattresses and a sleeping bad I headed back to camp via my house where I took a shower. My wife had previously decided to not stay a second night but the kids wanted to stay and I was game. Armed with a new outlook and functioning gear, I proceeded to set up camp again. The 3 new air mattresses fit perfectly across the tent. Our food preparation was stressful that night as it just didn't want to get done.
Finally about 10:00 that night we settled off to sleep. Probably one of the best nights of sleep ever. The next morning after breakfast my 17yr old broke down camp all by herself. I am very proud of her.
I am hoping to continue this with my children as we all learned a lot and came closer as a family.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
So, it's been a while
Not quite a year since I last posted. Not too bad. But definitely time to write again. Life has been interesting. I have a daughter graduating from college soon who is also getting married. Read: whole new set of emotions and thought here. I have another daughter in Europe until May. When she comes back she will only be around for a couple of weeks before going off again. These things are kind of hard to get used to but at the same time there is a lot of satisfaction and pride in seeing these 2 fine girls growing up and making there way in this world.
But lets not forget that we still need to focus our attentions on the other 4 children that are still at home with us. I am extremely proud of my 2 high school daughters. Both have had to face different challenges this year and are battling through them. They have both shown fortitude and high moral character. My two little ones (6 and 8) can be a bit demanding with all of the activities that we have going on. But with the great support of my wife we will overcome all of these challenges and be stronger for it.
Currently, I have been looking at all of these challenges as part of my lenten journey. I have had some success and some failure with the lenten resolutions. But, that is part of it. Isn't it? Perhaps the hardest part of my lenten journey has been my pledge to be positive and encouraging in everything I do and with everyone I meet. I don't think the devil likes this one because I have sure been attacked recently. Please pray for me as I will pray for you.
But lets not forget that we still need to focus our attentions on the other 4 children that are still at home with us. I am extremely proud of my 2 high school daughters. Both have had to face different challenges this year and are battling through them. They have both shown fortitude and high moral character. My two little ones (6 and 8) can be a bit demanding with all of the activities that we have going on. But with the great support of my wife we will overcome all of these challenges and be stronger for it.
Currently, I have been looking at all of these challenges as part of my lenten journey. I have had some success and some failure with the lenten resolutions. But, that is part of it. Isn't it? Perhaps the hardest part of my lenten journey has been my pledge to be positive and encouraging in everything I do and with everyone I meet. I don't think the devil likes this one because I have sure been attacked recently. Please pray for me as I will pray for you.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Just get a new one
We live in a disposable society. Look at some examples; If our computer or TV messes up a bit, we just get a new one. It is very hard to even find a place to get one repaired. Furniture, clothes, shoes, you name it don't get repaired any more. We would rather just dispose and get a new one. More and more we seem to live in a disposable society. Things that are no longer shiny and new have little value. I am often shocked by the amount of trash I see people putting out every week.
In today's society, I think this has spilled over into attitudes about people and life. We endeavor to reuse and repair as often as possible but it is often easier and less expensive to just replace. Now how does that relate to life issues. Well, let me attempt to tie it all together. Some in this world promote the ideas of Euthanasia and abortion of eliminating people that are not "up to standard" in the name of humanity. But I think it is more like a lack of humanity. My kids when given a choice of cookies or pretty much anything will go to great lengths to make sure they bet the biggest and best.
How many of us in our social circles always look for others that are at least equal if not socially above up. Everyone wants to move up the ladder of prestige. Jesus, however, made it a habit of reaching down to pull others up. How often do we fret over not being invited to an "A" list party? I am not saying these gatherings are inherently bad. As usual it is more about our hearts and motives. We strive to instill in our children, proper christian values. But we still have to deal with our kids saying things like, "I like so and so, they have the next cool toy".
I do feel though that as long as we keep trying to instill these values through our words and actions, they will pay off in the long run.
In today's society, I think this has spilled over into attitudes about people and life. We endeavor to reuse and repair as often as possible but it is often easier and less expensive to just replace. Now how does that relate to life issues. Well, let me attempt to tie it all together. Some in this world promote the ideas of Euthanasia and abortion of eliminating people that are not "up to standard" in the name of humanity. But I think it is more like a lack of humanity. My kids when given a choice of cookies or pretty much anything will go to great lengths to make sure they bet the biggest and best.
How many of us in our social circles always look for others that are at least equal if not socially above up. Everyone wants to move up the ladder of prestige. Jesus, however, made it a habit of reaching down to pull others up. How often do we fret over not being invited to an "A" list party? I am not saying these gatherings are inherently bad. As usual it is more about our hearts and motives. We strive to instill in our children, proper christian values. But we still have to deal with our kids saying things like, "I like so and so, they have the next cool toy".
I do feel though that as long as we keep trying to instill these values through our words and actions, they will pay off in the long run.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Cub Scout Camp
This week is cub scout camp. It is a week met with incredible excitement and major apprehension. Excitement from my son and apprehension from me. As excited as he is, I was equally apprehensive. But, I have found the ability to not only meet the challenges of leading 12 7 year old boys but now I am sharing his excitement. Each day is filled with activities that teach science, leadership, teamwork and being physically fit. I am proud to be involved with my son in scouting. It is something that we will be able to remember for the rest of our lives.
I was pondering on this experience and comparing it with other activities like sports. While I think sports are good, they often only involve watching our kids play. Scouting gives me the opportunity to teach and grow with my son, the skills that will carry him well into adulthood. Today, he and I both had to cross the monkey bridge. The monkey bridge is a bridge made of 3 ropes; one on the bottom and 2 on the top. A person must cross the bridge walking on a single rope while holding onto the 2 top ropes.
Tomorrow should be fun. I have become part of our lunch time skit. I will be appearing as Darth Vader in our lunch time skit. I hope the Ewoks do not attack me.
I was pondering on this experience and comparing it with other activities like sports. While I think sports are good, they often only involve watching our kids play. Scouting gives me the opportunity to teach and grow with my son, the skills that will carry him well into adulthood. Today, he and I both had to cross the monkey bridge. The monkey bridge is a bridge made of 3 ropes; one on the bottom and 2 on the top. A person must cross the bridge walking on a single rope while holding onto the 2 top ropes.
Tomorrow should be fun. I have become part of our lunch time skit. I will be appearing as Darth Vader in our lunch time skit. I hope the Ewoks do not attack me.
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