Friday, May 4, 2012
Monday, August 1, 2011
No Chores for a Week!
I was so pleased with myself—I had chores on the board before the boys were even out of bed! After returning home from my early morning work-out, I headed straight to the office; I diligently reviewed the household tasks and assigned about 12 to each boy. I printed the lists and happily stuck them on our white board located in our home’s command central. I was prepared—there would be no computer, no movies, no treats, no Facebook, no friends, no fun, and no food until chores were all completed.
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!!
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
Last Tuesday, we received a call from John, a family friend. He told us that the Ocean City mile swim was on Saturday and wanted to know if any in our household would be interested in participating. We exchanged pleasantries and updates on children happenings, and left it at "we'll see."
After a few brief instructions, the race flag dropped signifying the start. The swimmers, several in wetsuits, made a mad dash into the water. It was complete bedlam as swimmers fought and crawled out into the ocean. The water was freezing! Hence, several swimmers immediately turned around and fought their way back to shore. One swimmer waved his hands for help and was rescued by the swim patrol—the race had just begun.
Neal and I looked at each other and I said, “Do you think Max will be okay?” We watched for few minutes to see if he was one of the swimmers that was returning to shore. I told Neal that we never discussed what to do if he couldn’t finish. Max has no choice but to finish because he wouldn’t know how to find us if he didn’t.
We hurried to the end and noticed that several swimmers had already finished. They were shaking and talking about the icy water. Elapse time was around 20 minutes, so our swimmers should be running up the beach any time. John was first out followed shortly by David. They both said the water was freezing, and John said he thought about quitting during the first couple minutes. My anxiety began to increase as I worried about Max and his ability to complete the race. Just as we thought Max may have been pulled out and sitting in one of the boats, he came running up the beach. I shouted with excitement and reached for my camera. Max, being embarrassed to hear his mom cheer him on, ran behind another swimmer, allowing me to capture a picture of just his back. Max said that when he first jumped in the water, he went completely numb and just started to swim. I asked Max if he thought about quitting to which he replied, “No, because you taught us to persevere and quitting was not an option.”
As the race excitement played out, a reporter sauntered over to our little group and began asking us questions about the race. She continued to interview the boys while taking copious notes. She finished up by making certain that she had David, Max and John’s names correctly spelled and told us to look for her report in the Ocean City Sentinel next week.
David 22:11 13 out of 20 swimmers in his age group
After saying goodbye, I recalled five years earlier when we made the trek to Ocean City, NJ for Taylor to participate in the Ocean Mile Swim. Taylor, David and Max had just begun swimming for the Northampton swim team, and as one of the swim team activities, the older swimmers were encouraged to sign-up for the Mile Ocean Swim. Taylor was eager to sign-up, but I promptly said, “No. I’m worried about sharks.” Earlier that year, there was a shark attack just off the Ocean City beach, and of course, the newspaper account reported that the shore is “teaming with sharks.” A few days later, I picked Taylor up from swim practice, and she informed me that everyone laughed at her when she reported that her mother was worried about sharks.
I overcame my shark phobia, and Taylor joined with her team for the mile swim. It turned out to be a delightful activity for our family. John, his son Jeff and friend Alec signed up to swim as well. They were in the first heat, so all were at the end to cheer Taylor onto a strong finish.
As these fond memories surfaced, I decided to make it work for Max and David to participate. David immediately agreed to sign-up. He is a super strong swimmer and always up for a challenge. Max adamantly said, “Mom, don’t sign me up!”
Max is my boy that always needs a strong push to try something new or challenging. Once he breaks through his fear and starts the challenge, he always finishes strong singing along the way “that was the best thing ever.” I placated his reluctance and told him he didn’t have to swim. Then, I promptly asked his swim team coach to work on changing his mind. The next day after swim practice, Max jumped in the car and said “Coach Stacy says that we swim more than 2 miles every day at practice.” After a great deal of cajoling, coaxing, and cheering, Max reluctantly agreed to sign-up on our drive to Ocean City.
Upon registration, we learned that the water temperature was 63 degrees, and the mile swim was shortened to ¾ mile due to the cold water temperatures. The air temperature was 100—how could the water be so frigid?
We caught up with John and learned that David left his jammer home. So we made a quick stop at Hoyt’s 5 and 10, and amazingly found a jammer for David. We then maneuvered through traffic and dropped the swimmers off at 40th street—the starting point.
As we made our way back to the truck, I thought to myself “What have I done? What if Max gets into trouble and the patrol doesn’t get to him in time?"
We hurried to the end and noticed that several swimmers had already finished. They were shaking and talking about the icy water. Elapse time was around 20 minutes, so our swimmers should be running up the beach any time. John was first out followed shortly by David. They both said the water was freezing, and John said he thought about quitting during the first couple minutes. My anxiety began to increase as I worried about Max and his ability to complete the race. Just as we thought Max may have been pulled out and sitting in one of the boats, he came running up the beach. I shouted with excitement and reached for my camera. Max, being embarrassed to hear his mom cheer him on, ran behind another swimmer, allowing me to capture a picture of just his back. Max said that when he first jumped in the water, he went completely numb and just started to swim. I asked Max if he thought about quitting to which he replied, “No, because you taught us to persevere and quitting was not an option.”
I couldn’t have been more proud of Max and David. I saw several swimmers quit as the race began and a few other swimmers requiring medical attention for what appeared to be hyperthermia. However, my boys finished—it was hard, it was cold and but they finished strong!
Final Times
John 20:38 13 out of 29 swimmers in his age group
Max 26:31 13 out of 18 swimmers in his age group
What a coincidence—they all ranked 13th in their age groups!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Follow-up to the Backpack Trip
Check out this short video-- It really captures the fun!
2011 Water Gap Hike
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.Late Friday afternoon, I received a photo 
and an abbreviated text—"12 miles. Everyone is great." Today, however, will be the real test—it is pouring rain and temperatures around 47. I'll try to have a pot of warm broccoli soup waiting for them upon their return. I'm sure they'll be drenched, cold and hungry. I can't wait for some more "controlled chaos!"
and an abbreviated text—"12 miles. Everyone is great." Today, however, will be the real test—it is pouring rain and temperatures around 47. I'll try to have a pot of warm broccoli soup waiting for them upon their return. I'm sure they'll be drenched, cold and hungry. I can't wait for some more "controlled chaos!"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
My moment of joy arrived early this morning. Today started around 5:30 AM-- much too early for a Saturday. However, since I try to be a good mother, I conceded to taxi David to the school so he could catch the 6 AM bus for his wrestling tournament. Just before he shut the car door, I said, "David, I love you." David smiled and acted a little embarrassed, but I could tell he was touched. Even a big tough wrestler like David appreciates his mother's expression of love.
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.
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.
Today was a big day for Max-- he was headed to DC to participate in sacred temple ordinances. As I raced home from the gym, I thought, "I hope Max is up and showered." Just as I walked into the kitchen, Max strolled around the corner, showered, dressed and looking like a million bucks. I almost cried. He looked so old and handsome. What happened to my little boy that was always running around the house planning his next battle strategy. Oh my-- he is growing up!
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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Early Mornings
Just about every week day morning, I drag myself out of bed around 5:20 AM-- much too early for my health. However, on a good day, I'm showered, dressed and ready to start my day around 10 AM. It takes me five and half hours before I am ready to work. What is up with that???????
Maybe it is because I spend about 2 hours driving David to seminary, waiting for seminary to end, driving David to school, and then navigating the some 2,500 students, teachers, and adminstrators funneling through the two high school entrances just to make it home by 7:30 AM. Or maybe it is because I spend 45 minutes exercising each morning or maybe it is because I need to play mom in order to get Max and Bram out the door to catch the school bus by 8:45 AM. Maybe it's because I start a load of laundry, clean up the kitchen and prepare the evening meal .
I could certainly use some time managment techniques-- Does it take you over 5 hours just to get showered and dressed. Any advice?
Maybe it is because I spend about 2 hours driving David to seminary, waiting for seminary to end, driving David to school, and then navigating the some 2,500 students, teachers, and adminstrators funneling through the two high school entrances just to make it home by 7:30 AM. Or maybe it is because I spend 45 minutes exercising each morning or maybe it is because I need to play mom in order to get Max and Bram out the door to catch the school bus by 8:45 AM. Maybe it's because I start a load of laundry, clean up the kitchen and prepare the evening meal .
I could certainly use some time managment techniques-- Does it take you over 5 hours just to get showered and dressed. Any advice?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Moment of Joy
For the past three Saturdays, David and I have left the house at 6:45 AM. I think we're totally insane for getting up this early on a Saturday morning especially since we leave the house every week day at 5:35 AM. Why do we leave the house this early -- we have a standing 7 AM appointment with our personal trainer.
We start with our warm-up-- David runs a 7 minute mile on the treadmill while I'm right next to him blazing on the elliptical. We than do our dynamic stretches; we plow through these at about the same pace. Then David starts to kick my butt. He lifts heavier weights, he can do more reps and blows me away with the ab routine. My flexibility is the only exercise I can do better than him.
As we're pumping the iron, twisting like a pretzel and trading weights between sets, I marvel that a 15-year old teenage boy will get up early on a Saturday to work out with his middle aged mom. The pain and fatigue from performing those exercises I just hate, melts away as I pretend to use my sweat towel to hide my bewildered, joyful tears. I find it difficult to articulate the joys of spending this time with David. I'm on borrowed time; I expect any day for David to realize it is just not "cool" to spend such time with his mother.
We start with our warm-up-- David runs a 7 minute mile on the treadmill while I'm right next to him blazing on the elliptical. We than do our dynamic stretches; we plow through these at about the same pace. Then David starts to kick my butt. He lifts heavier weights, he can do more reps and blows me away with the ab routine. My flexibility is the only exercise I can do better than him.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Today's Happy Thought
I love fresh cut flowers, and whenever I see a good deal or cannot resist the urge, I bring home a bunch to display on the dining room table. The boys (including the big boy, Neal) all know they can always make me cry upon presenting a flower bouquet.
Today, I was arranging a bunch of flowers, picked up at Aldi's for $3.99, when Max and Bram arrived home from school. Max asked, "Why did you buy some flowers?" I replied, "I love fresh cut flowers, and they were cheap." To which Max replied, "I love fresh vegetables!"
Monday, July 5, 2010
Moment of Joy - March 7, 2010
Today, Taylor found me in our mud room putting stuff away. She spontaneously gave me a hug and said, "I love you!" What can be more joyful than your teenage daughter extending her tender mercies.
--March 7, 2010
--March 7, 2010
Breakfast @ IHOP
Summer has began, and so we have commenced with our "Summer Reading Challenge." Our first benchmark reward was breakfast at IHOP. We always reach the first benchmark quickly because books that are in process when the chart is posted are quickly added. It is like reading a book that starts on page 20 even though you don't read the first 20 pages because it is just miscellaneous information. Fortunately, Taylor participates in our reading challenge. She is our heavy weight reader and added 1,260 pages towards our first 2000 page benchmark.
Max and Bram both discussed frequently their anticipated breakfast orders for two days prior to our schedule IHOP date. They both had their menu planned down to the chocolate sprinkles in their hot chocolate. Breakfast is always a hit at IHOP, and we love to see our favorite personal waitress.
Our conversation on the return trip drifted toward the topic of flatulence. Taylor proclaimed that if she ever has boys they will never fart. In fact, they will be put on time-out for farting. Bram informed us that he has the following names for his farts--
Max and Bram both discussed frequently their anticipated breakfast orders for two days prior to our schedule IHOP date. They both had their menu planned down to the chocolate sprinkles in their hot chocolate. Breakfast is always a hit at IHOP, and we love to see our favorite personal waitress.
Our conversation on the return trip drifted toward the topic of flatulence. Taylor proclaimed that if she ever has boys they will never fart. In fact, they will be put on time-out for farting. Bram informed us that he has the following names for his farts--
- Bubble farts
- Push-out farts
- Machine gun farts
- Walking farts
- Gracie farts
- Wet farts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Past Happy Thoughts
Max & Bram- Having the missionaries over for dinner!
David - Showing the missionaries his beat-boxing skill.
Taylor - Sharing her dessert with the missionaries.
David - Showing the missionaries his beat-boxing skill.
Taylor - Sharing her dessert with the missionaries.
Moment of Joy - 2/28/10
Today during church, I looked to my left and saw Taylor and Bram both reading their scriptures. I looked to my right, Max was not only reading his scriptures, but was marking them. My heart was overcome with joy as I witnessed my children internalize gospel principles.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Moment of Joy - 2-26-10
Today was another snow day! It was another typical snow day for the Top Family-- we all had breakfast in the kitchen, the kids suited up and played in the snow. Later that day they returned home all wet in cold. Hot chocolate was on the stove ready to warm up cold bodies. What more joy can there be in a snow day.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Moment of Joy
Max, Bram & David have built two large mountains of snow in the back yard. The goal is to dig out the center in an attempt to make a snow cave. They plan to sleep in the cave tomorrow night. It was joyful watching the boys work and play in the snow
Monday, February 22, 2010
Palm Springs – Feb. 2010
In January, on a whim, we booked flights to Palm Springs. Thinking that we were very clever, we booked four of us on AirTran and used Rapid Reward tickets for the remaining two. We all counted the days until we would be leaving for Palm Springs-- Palm Springs is one of our most favorite places. Max and Bram would lay in bed at night developing commercials for In and Out Burger. Max was very emphatic that the first place we would stop would be In and Out Burger. Check out our vacation pictures--
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)