Max was the first one up, and the first thing out of his mouth was “Can I get on the computer?” I smugly smiled and said “Not until chores are done. Good morning.” Max let out an exasperating sigh, grabbed his book, plopped on the couch and started to read. After reading for about 15 minutes, Max sauntered into my office to borrow my calculator. He wanted to see where we were at on our “Summer Reading Challenge.” He diligently started to add the pages. Dad’s list was the first column; it didn’t take long to accumulate his pages because he has only added one book to the chart. Taylor and I both have just three books and David has none so Max quickly reached his column. This took a minute, because Max is our heavyweight reader this summer with eight books listed in his column. As Max started to elicit sounds of joy, my inner auditor emerged, and I decided to check the numbers myself. To my dismay, I learned that our family has collectively read 6,874 pages this summer! How did this happen? I thought we were still at least 500 pages away from the 6000 page benchmark. This means “no chores for a week” and another tank of gas for Taylor! It appears that mom will being doing all the chores this week. What can I say, a deal is a deal, and I was the “well-meaning” mother that put the “no chores” benchmark on the chart. Happy Summer Reading!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
No Chores for a Week!
Max was the first one up, and the first thing out of his mouth was “Can I get on the computer?” I smugly smiled and said “Not until chores are done. Good morning.” Max let out an exasperating sigh, grabbed his book, plopped on the couch and started to read. After reading for about 15 minutes, Max sauntered into my office to borrow my calculator. He wanted to see where we were at on our “Summer Reading Challenge.” He diligently started to add the pages. Dad’s list was the first column; it didn’t take long to accumulate his pages because he has only added one book to the chart. Taylor and I both have just three books and David has none so Max quickly reached his column. This took a minute, because Max is our heavyweight reader this summer with eight books listed in his column. As Max started to elicit sounds of joy, my inner auditor emerged, and I decided to check the numbers myself. To my dismay, I learned that our family has collectively read 6,874 pages this summer! How did this happen? I thought we were still at least 500 pages away from the 6000 page benchmark. This means “no chores for a week” and another tank of gas for Taylor! It appears that mom will being doing all the chores this week. What can I say, a deal is a deal, and I was the “well-meaning” mother that put the “no chores” benchmark on the chart. Happy Summer Reading!!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ocean City, Master Swim – 7/23/11
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Follow-up to the Backpack Trip
2011 Water Gap Hike
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Backpack Camping Trip
It has been quite the production preparing for this two-day event. Several weeks ago boxes started being delivered to our front door—a tent, camp stove, hiking boots, sleeping bags. All of which were necessary for the camping trip. In addition, there were several trips to REI and more trips to REI for other camping items. I was quickly learning that the backpacking industry is a major sub-economy, and the backpacking extremists do not know the meaning of RECESSION. Nonetheless, the boys will eventually be spending a week backpacking through the Appalachians, and I do want them to be prepared! So I have been massaging and trimming the budget in an effort for them to purchase all the "right" gear. Last Wednesday night was what Neal called "controlled chaos;" aka pack inspection Max was a minimalist and only packed what he thought was truly essential. However, his definition of essential was quite a bit different than his Scoutmaster's. There were several "essential" items missing from his pack. David, having a little more experience, faired quite a bit better with his pack inspection. After one more trip to Dick's and some late-night list checking, the boys' backpacks were filled to capacity and left by the door for an early morning quick departure. It's not every day you get to participate in a 20-mile backpacking trip.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Simple Acts
It was a typical Saturday for our family—Dad and the older boys were returning from a scout campout and the rest us were busy with Saturday chores. Coincidentally, Bram and I were on our way to lunch, when Neal called to let me know they were on their way to Wendy's. Why not go together was the mutual thought. I decided to skip on over to the deli—Wendy's food is too tempting and too many calories! At least at the deli I could find a "healthy" sandwich. When I returned, I found all the boys sitting at a table for four. It was no big deal that there wasn't room for me, I just pulled out a chair at the table across from the boys. No sooner had I sat down did David jump up move his food to sit with me. Bram, seeing David's example quickly followed suit. I was truly touched by this simple kind act. It has me to believe that yes, I am raising gentlemen.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Moment of Joy
Since I was already up and dressed, I headed straight for the gym. I had to squeeze a workout in between dropping David off and getting Max out the door. My workout was grueling, but it was sure nice to have it done for the day.
I still needed to make sure Bram was up. He had a basketball game at 10 AM and needed to have his chores done before leaving. To my surprise, Bram was up and cleaning his room. He scheduled a play date right after his basketball game and knew that chores had to be done. Bram was a highly motivated little boy-- never does he get up before 8 AM to clean his room!
My day was just beginning, and I experienced some of the sweetest joy a mother could experience.