The 365 Day Project

This past week, Wednesday, May 20, required an early morning visit to see a physician with one of my kiddos. While waiting for the physician to arrive (that is how early our appointment was), I passed the time by browsing through a Better Homes and Garden magazine. An article in the magazine was called The 365 Day Project. The article included a series of moms, also known as artists in their own rite, who had chosen a project, something that could be completed daily. One took a daily photo, another wrote a blog, and yet another knitted a coffee cozy. This sent my mind racing, what a wonderful way to document life, the life of the Wild Wallace Clan. The mind pondered the many ways I could accomplish the 365 project, I could: blog, take a daily photo, write in a journal (using my favorite items - colors and imagination), better yet I could use the I-Pad to take photos AND blog. Nonetheless, the goal of the project seems SIMPLE! Do something EVERY day, without failing. I set out to figure out what would be the easiest way to complete my daily task, considering my time, energy, and responsibilities, but most importantly my overwhelming flaw - PROCRASTINATION!! Sooooooo, here is is 4 days after I decided to wrangle the 365 day project and I am already behind. In giving myself a little credit I did purchase a VERY, nice, PINK leather journal with the intention to keep track of my thoughts daily using pen and paper, with occassional colored pencils and crayons too. However, the more I pondered my project the more I decided it was necessary to include photos. To me, photos tell their own stories, stories that words can express with practice and patience in honing a writing craft, but stories that are short, sweet and to the point. Something that can be accomplished daily . . . . so I am back to square one, trying to figure out how to accomplish my daily goal, and how do I get caught up since I am already 4 days behind. I suppose a project of this nature is much like a baby trying to walk, they fall down, they get back up and try again, one step at a time, one foot forward, each minute, each hour and each day they press on until they figure it out. Words to live by, forgiveness of self, and a promise to try again tomorrow. The 365 Day Project Day 1, March 20, 2013 To the Moon and New York City The place where the 365 day project idea came from, a visit with a neuro opthamologist to evaluate Amanda's optic nerves. She traveled to the moon in an MRI machine with all of its click, whirs, bangings and tappings, all the while watching Boy Meets World. The end result - ALL CLEAR, thank you God, but I had a sense of peace before we got there it was going to be okay. Early morning MD appointment followed by a late night departure for New York City with the show choir from school. From the Moon to New York City. The 70 mile/hour club At the same time Amanda is scared and weeping about her departure to New York City, Christian has earned induction into the 70 mile per hour club at his baseball training facility, the prize - 2 NEW t-shirts to add to his wardrobe. His goals, a red band, and 70 miles per hour in Turn and Burn and Tee Exit Speed. Baseball lingo for him to explain, proud as a peacock is what I see - enough said. After 2 weekends of baseball games (before the 365 project, but worthy of noting), 2 wins, 13 strike outs as the pitcher and a GAME BALL! Passion and hard work at their best!! Day 2, March 21, 2013 Return to School Back to backpacks, daily homework, packing lunches, early to bed and early to rise. Christian, Amanda and Emma return back to school after 2 1/2 weeks of being tracked out. The last 9 weeks of the school year, the last 9 weeks in middle school for Christian, before a LONG, REAL summer break. Mike traveled to Flow Town for the day to visit friends old and new and to figure out the TAXES!! New York City Update: Text, texts and more texts from Amanda who is feeling the absence of being away from family, home, and mom.

I miss you, I really miss you.

A day touring the city and funds ALL SPENT - time for finance 101.

Are you glad you made the trip to New York? Yes, but I still miss you.

Day 3, March 22, 2013 It's FRIDAY, Mime Stations of the Cross One more work of week for myself before my schedule changes to one day a week, I am looking forward to being more available for the family. One more week left in LENT and the high school youth group presented the Mime Stations of the Cross. When you envision mimes you think of speechless, comical interactive actors, but to see mimes reenacting the Passion of Christ, the hear the pounding of the nails, to examine your conscience and to realize you are the REASON for Christ's crucifixtion, VERY POWERFUL representation, unlike any other you would experience. Katy portrayed Mary, the Mother of Jesus. A beautiful representation! New York City Update: workshop day with Broadway artists and lots of activities, much better spirits today, exhaustion!

It was fun and HOT!

Day 4, March 23, 2013 Hike for Christ An early morning start for Mike and I as is typical for weekend, a breakfast date and a trip to Sams to bless our freezer with some food. The kiddos enjoyed the morning to sleep late and catch up from their return to school, or countdown for spring break in Katy's case. Mike and I decided to allow the kiddos to attend the Hike while we remained home for some down time. The beauty of having a teenage driver, you are granted more freedom and flexibility with your schedule and your taxi service. Sooo, off they went to the local park to hike 5 miles in rememberance of Christ's journey to the cross and to raise money in support of homeless in our area. Truly a lenten experience with prayer, a decade of the rosary at each mile marker; fasting, 2 hours to accomplish the hike followed by lunch afterwards; and almsgiving, money to support homeless in need of housing. Mass for Palm Sunday, the kiddos went to dinner with Katy and her debit card. Pack 444, Blue and Gold for Mike and I - a PROUD sense of accomplishment to know that we, together with a team of AWESOME leaders, put the wheels in place for such a wonderful organization. An example of what you can accomplish when it is God's chosen plan for you. New York City Update: Performance Day, all the practice up to this point payed off and all went well. Mamma Mia on Broadway for the evening and a late night call, midnight. A more sure, confident, joyful voice I hear on the phone. Day 5, March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday, a Day of Rest A day to sleep in, OR to catch up on your 365 day project. No activities today - RAIN, RAIN and more RAIN, baseball was cancelled, no EDGE, Mass is complete - a day to enjoy the presence of family with meals together and no other obligations. Sheer Bliss! Thank you God for this gift.

Times of Our Lives

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Bengal Ball

Katy attended her 8th grade formal dance, the Bengal Ball, last Friday, June 5th.  She was beautiful in her formal attire and had a fun-filled evening with her friends.

Coordination of such an event, without teenage drivers, is a gift of Emily's mom, Liz.  Thank goodness she likes managing that aspect of events because it isn't my specialty.  The agenda included a photo session at our house at 5 p.m., the dance from 6 to 9 p.m., snacks and appetizers (aka dinner for teens) at Applebee's, and midnight bowling from 11 to 1 p.m.  Since the Wallace crew has a taxi, mom's minivan, I was charged with escorting the lively group to the dance.   Emily's mom, picked the group up and escorted them to Applebee's for dinner.  It was easier for one parent to pick them up at the dance; therefore, our entourage of vehicles didn't add to the confusion of the limousine line at school - yes, there are teenagers (and their parents I suppose) who chose to have a limousine for an 8th grade dance.  After a late dinner, the group was off to midnight bowling. 

The transformation from the beginning of the evening to the end of the evening was apparent as each teen seemed to wither like flowers that close for an evening's rest.  It didn't help that Katy and 2 of her friends had the end-of-course test for algebra at school that day.  I believe there was more mental fatigue than they realized. 

Day is done, gone the sun, hmm, hmmm, hmmmm . . . . . .

A fun evening for all - mom and dad included.  The first of many formals to come!

A camping we will go, a camping we will go - PART 2

Today was drop-off day for Amanda's camping trip.  We started the morning with our usual fare and decided we needed to "throw" together a S.W.A.P.S (Silly Whatcha-ma-call-its Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) for Troop 1569's premier camping trip.  In keeping with our new favorite camp song, The Princess Pat, and her rigabamboo we constructed our own "rig-a-bam-boo" using some bamboo skewers.  Quite cute I must say!  Cute enough that mom kept one for herself. 

Preparing for Amanda's camping experience was much easier than preparing for Christian's.  The mere fact that the Troop did not have to hassle with tents made the preparation easier it seems.  Hmmmm, I don't know why. 

Unlike Christian, Amanda had no hesitation in departing for her trip.  Once she was assigned with her adult leader, she packed her supplies, loaded up in the van and was ready to leave.  I had to seek her out to say my good-byes.  She was ready for her grand adventure.  She repeatedly said, "I have been waiting to do this.  I can't wait to go.  I told Mrs. Brown (her teacher) about my trip.  I can't wait." 

What a difference in personalities - the elements that make each child unique.  Several parents who were dropping off girls were dropping off their only child.  They were all excited about their child free evening.  I was getting a taste of life with half of my children being gone.  While strange, it was fun to have some time with Katy and Emma - of course, I have more than enough time with Emma these days, but the days are getting fewer and fewer as she will be starting kindergarten in July.  How quickly the time is approaching!

We followed Amanda and her Troop caravan down the road for a piece after which point we went our separate way. Katy, Emma and I were off on our own adventure - SHOPPING!!!  Of all things, shopping for material to make a dress for Katy -a dress for her 8th grade dance.  WOW -  lots of exciting adventures going on at the Wallace house.  Lots of adventures to savor and document for later.    

A camping we will go, a camping we will go . . . . .

The Princess Pat, sailed across the seas, crossed the channels two, la, la, la, la . . . . .  Amanda's newest camp song. 

It's a camping weekend for the scouts in the family, but not the leaders.  The leaders, aka Mom and Dad, were mentally challenged to help the scouts, Christian and Amanda,  pack their gear for their first camping trips.  In otherwords, that means MOM was mentally challenged, not DAD - Dad merely sauntered in to rescue the newbies from frustration and to minimize the clash of the Titans - the bulls, Mom and Christian.  This is the first camping trips for both WITHOUT parents!  Packing the Girl Scout supplies wasn't that difficult as it has been done before when Katy went to summer camp; however, packing for the Boy Scout was a new experience.  Packing for Christian required us to consult with the Boy Scout handbook and required a shopping trip to Wally World for supplies, of course.  Thank goodness we already have all of the camping gear (backpack, sleeping bag, mess kit, etc), otherwise we could have paid to stay in a hotel for several nights.  After collecting all of the supplies, labeling items, assembling a first aid kit, Dad sauntered in to help us stuff the supplies into the backpack.  Mom and Christian received valuable tips for placing all the items, in the correct locations, in the backpack. 

Christian left with his Troop last night and Amanda leaves with her Troop today (they both are finally "Troops"  no more confusing the "Pack" with the "Troop" - that's another MOM thing!!). 

After dinner last night Christian and I departed for the designated drop-off location - church.  It is the farthest we travel from home during a normal week, a mere 6 miles from home.  The girls chose to stay home and dad is out of town, so Christian and I made the QUIET, short trip to church for drop-off.   Our ride to church was quiet - normally this is a welcome respite for both Christian and I; however, it was eerily quiet for this ride.  With a few questions and some mumbled responses I gathered that Christian was tired and a little apprehensive, nervous, or anxious.  It was difficult to define the emotion at the moment, but I had the feeling he wasn't certain what he should feel either.  Being away from home isn't foreign to him as he spent several weeks in Louisiana last summer, but being away from home with people who aren't completely familiar is different. 

We arrived at church well in advance of the departure time.  Thank goodness for mom as Christian is like dad - we have to be there on time!  Side note:  Mom likes to be on time too and two minutes before is still on time.  We'll we were on time alright; however, many scouts were not.  The Troop departed 30 minutes after the scheduled time.  However, the extra time allowed Christian to mingle and to remember who he is - the constant helper.  It wasn't long before he was helping other scouts unload cars, load supplies on the trailer, etc.  At that point Mom became an observer and I had an opportunity to chat with the other parents who were shipping their scouts off for their first camping trip.  We all chuckled as one scout said, "I forgot my book and my notebook."  Ultimately, this is the first of many experiences to come and a learning lesson for all of us - parents and scouts.  An opportunity to forge independence and self sufficiency for boys who are changing into young men. 

"Time to load up," the Scoutmaster rattled through the patrols dividing scouts amongst the vehicles.  Christian moved toward his designated vehicle and remembered oh, Mom is still here.  As always, he retreated to give me a hug and kiss before disappearing into the vechicle that would transport him to his exciting adventure.

I sat in my van and called Mike to let him know he had departed.  I was filled with an array of emotions - sadness, happiness, fear, uncertainty and more. But the feelings quickly passed as I prayed for a succeful, safe outing.  Fortunately, it is a brief outing - he'll be back in two nights and I can't wait to hear his stories and experiences.

Bridging Over to Girl Scouts

Amanda and I attended an all day Brownie Event this past weekend - Saturday, 5/1/2010. It was a good excuse to skip a make-up school day (yes, that is school on a Saturday)  -another glorious challenge of living with a year round school system, but that is another blogging "soap box."  Nonetheless, it was a good opportunity to have some one-on-one time with Amanda.  The weather was warm and sunny and it was a welcome retreat to mingle amongst nature.  We had grand adventures interacting with Cadettes and Seniors all the while learning about:  reading maps, compasses, and trail signs; presenting the American flag and Girl Scout flag ceremonies; information regarding Junior Scouts like placing patches on your vest and the Girl Scout Law and Promise.  At the end of the day Amanda earned 2 Junior patches as well as her Wings and Things - the rainbow patch for bridging.  She was excited and she looks forward to graduating to a green Junior vest.  When I asked Amanda what her favorite part of the day was she replied, "Lunch and . . . . everything."  I would have to agree. While most people would think that "lunch" was an unusual response it is helpful to know that we had a deer cross the field a mere 200 feet from us.  The girls, 5 total, squealed with delight to have such an experience all the while "eating their lunch!"  Not something that happens everyday and definitely something to remember. 

The day was a nice retreat from the chores of home, but most importantly I am glad I was able to share the special event with Amanda.  We look forward to working on Junior badges now and she can't wait to get her new vest and Badge book.

I Did It! Raven Rock that is!

Emmy Lou hiked 3.6 miles today and she was pleased as punch that she "didn't complain" for most of the trip. At one point after descending over 100 feet toward the Cape Fear River and rescending back up again, she sat down in the middle of the trail and proclaimed, "I'm tired and my legs hurt." Time for Operation Parent Switcheroo at that point. Mike took over as the follower of the Pack and took over Operation Distraction. That means he pulled out all the big guns to "distract" Emma from the task of walking the last .4 on the trail. Behind me they were having big discussions about trail markers, trail names and the likes. Once we reached the end of the line Emma got a big-hoorah for "crossing the finish line."

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and awe inspiring to be out amongst God's presence. The path was covered with shade and the birds were singing his glory. We saw critters - a salamander, a lizard, a snake (dead one, but small), and plenty of four legged friends - dogs. While there were plenty of people hiking the trails (some wearing flip-flops : 0) there wasn't any time where we were right on top of anyone. The wind blowing through the tree tops was peaceful and the shuffle of our feet on the ground was rhythmic and comforting. The weather was tolerable in the shade, but the presence of hot summer days was in the air, there was plenty of humidity. We each were drenched in sweat and several had faces brushed with crimson, but the exercise was a welcome retreat from home and life's commitments.

Our lives have been consumed with other activities lately - baseball, softball, scouts, travels for Mike, MOPS, church activities, and many others. It was nice to reclaim some family time and to partake of one of our favorite activities - stomping through the woods.

We talked about having a family goal for 2010 - to hike 50 miles!! The every handy engineer has already set up an Excel Spread sheet for us to track our miles. Thus far we have already hiked 8.9 miles between our trip to James River State Park and our tour today.

Off to a good start and a great opportunity to reclaim some family time. Want to join our endeavor?