Scouting

Our experience with the Cub Scouts this year, so far, has been extraordinary.  Lewie has learned so much about life and being a model citizen, and I hope as he continues year after year, he'll remember all of these important values.  Last fall, he did his first community service project as he "scouted" for food.  This spring, so far, he learned...

1)  Outdoor Ethics - During a recent walking stick ceremony (in April), Lewie earned his walking stick and went on his first real hike (about four miles).  He learned all about being careful with fire, showing consideration of others while camping/hiking, and following the principles of "Leave No Trace" and "Tread Lightly" when it comes to picking up after ourselves and being gentle with the earth.

The scouts brought a trash bag with them in case they saw any litter that needed to be picked up, and the Cub Scout Master pointed out ways our hikers could enjoy the environment with the least amount of physical disturbance to the plants and animals...

2)  Grow Something - In this "adventure," Lewie learned how plants grow and how to tend a garden.  I offered to have the den meeting at my house, and together, the three "Wolves" with their moms planted seeds, made a terrarium, and then started growing a sweet potato plant.

The scouts enjoyed making their terrariums the most.  They first had to put small rocks on the bottom of their glass cookie jar, followed by activated charcoal (to keep the container from growing mildew), and then potting soil.    The boys chose their plants (I bought about four different kinds), and after planting them, I let them choose their own special rock to put inside the terrarium for decoration.  (The rocks actually came from my own collection that I started as a kid.  My mom saved them in a glass jar in our furnace room!)

3)  Reverence, Honor, and Patriotism -  On Memorial Day, Lewie attended his first flag ceremony and had a chance to personally thank all the veterans in our town.  (One veteran recently celebrated his 100th birthday.)  For the first time, Lewie learned that Memorial Day is much more than just a day for parades and family picnics.  He learned it's a time to pay tribute to those who have served and died for our country. 

Yes, I'm pleased with the values Lewie is learning in scouting.  It's definitely one of the best decisions I've made this school year.  Growing up to be a responsible, trustworthy, helpful, and kind adult is priceless.

A Day to Celebrate Motherhood

This month has been a whirlwind... Work has required me to attend numerous events--retirement parties, award banquets, commencement, and the like...  Then my son, of course, has been keeping me busy with rollerskating lessons, swim lessons, Cub Scout outings, and birthday parties.

Three weeks ago, May became further eventful when Lewie accidentally spilled a glass of water all over my laptop.  My first reaction was to think the computer would be fine after it had a chance to dry.  Not so.  Although I still have access to the internet, half the keys on my keyboard don't work.   I was forced to buy a new one, which should be arriving, finally, in a few more days.  It has been a long three weeks without one--and a long three weeks without blogging!

                                               *                    *                    *

Mother's Day came early this year, and so there was some last minute running around to buy gifts for my mom and mother-in-law.  The weekend was cold and rainy.  Still, the sun came out in time for us to have dinner at our favorite restaurant--The Hopkins Inn.  The past two years we were able to enjoy their beautiful patio overlooking Lake Waramaug.  This year, the patio was closed (due to the rain), but we still enjoyed eating in their very charming dining room, which dates back to the 1800s.

Although the restaurant is somewhat formal, our dinner conversation was the usual--lots of laughing, potty humor, and the typical jokes that entertain a seven year-old and forty-five year-old husband equally.  Heck, my mom and I enjoyed ourselves just as much.  "You can dress us up, but you can't take us out," seems to be the slogan that describes us best.

After dinner, we visited the Hopkins Vineyard next door, bought a few treats, and then returned home in time to start preparing for the work week once again.

Flowers from my "boys."

Going to the Hopkins Inn has now become a tradition for us for the past four years; it's an opportunity to treat my mom, family, and myself to a fancy dinner, and quite honestly, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.  Still for me, Mother's Day is just a day because I feel loved and appreciated by my son all year long.  At age seven, he still gives me daily hugs, kisses, and "I love yous."  He asks me to play with him even if there's a group of friends nearby; he requests me to tuck him in at night; and he's overjoyed when I tell him I'm getting out from work early so we can spend the day together.  Yes, motherhood can be exhausting (and even a little frustrating when a computer needs to be replaced), but my days are now filled with meaning and purpose, which makes it oh so worth it!