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?

The Wind Whispers

I heard the wind whisper through the trees.

S H H H H H H . . . . . . .


be quiet and listen to me.





Close your eyes and feel my breath on your face.

Let me gently rustle your hair all out of place.

Look up high to see me dance through the trees.

Sway back and forth and move along with me.

Let me tickle your nose as I pass.

Smell the earthy scent of pine and grass.

I hear the wind whisper through the trees.

S H H H H H H . . . . it beckons.

Be quiet and listen to me.

Tall, majestic pines suround my Grandmother's house. A peaceful solitude envelopes the air as it is uninterrupted by the sounds of civilized life. Only the sounds of nature prevail and there's nothing like the sound of the wind in the trees. It is difficult to say if you could hear the wind without the trees. As the dance of the wind through the trees is so calming and peaceful. I love to sit and listen, to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and to feel the breeze rustle my hair. I have never heard the wind in all its glory anywhere else. It will always be special to hear it at my Grandmother's home. I am certain part of the magic comes from the many visits I have made there and the many memories I have collected. The wind will always whisper to me there!