Backpack Camping Trip

It is Friday morning, spring break for the boys, and the alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. The big question—"Why is the entire family dragging themselves out of bed at such an early hour?" It is spring break for crying out loud! Bram and I are up only to provide moral support and encouragement. Neal, David, and Max have a 6:30 AM departure for their 20-mile backpack camping trip planned for this weekend.
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!"

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.

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.  

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.

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?

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.

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!"

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