Sam's 1st Klondike

Sam has been so excited to participate in his first ever Klondike. He was packed a few days early and he was able to make fire starters as well.  The boys planned a great menu.  The 11 year old scouts were the only ones to attend.  Thomas was able to come up Friday and spend the evening  before heading home late at night.  After work Saturday morning, Thomas headed back to Camp Manatoc to spend the rest of the day at the Klondike.  Sam loved everything about the Klondike.  There wasn't much snow, but it was cold.  He loved the hatchet throwing station the most.  He also loved lashings and was able to build a ladder all by himself.  Sam is a natural leader with a silly side that helps encourage others to participate. He tried his best to encourage the other scouts in his patrol to be involved and try new challenges.  When they refused to try, Sam didn't let that hamper his attitude. He just went on with his natural zeal and excitement.  Joel said it was really neat to watch him problem solve and think through solutions to the activities and challenges presented to him.

I love seeing the legacy of scouting that our sons get to be a part of...from grandpas, uncles, a dad, and an older brother  that love the scouting program...Sam is following suit!  

Arrow of Light

Sam continues to love scouting.  He completed all the requirements for the Arrow of Light in June and was awarded his plaque at pack meeting this week.  He is super excited to be with Josh in cub scouts for a few weeks before moving up to boy scouts.  He has great plans for scouting and already knows what he wants to do for his Eagle project!  He is going to LOVE all the campouts and outings that come with Boy Scouts!

Summer of Scout Camp

 Thomas planned to work as a CIT (counselor in training) at Camp Manatoc for 2 weeks this summer and then to serve on staff at Zion's Camp (Camp Ditmer) for a week.  After his first week as a CIT he was asked if he would be willing to stay all summer.  The Camp Director was so impressed with Thomas and said he needed him.  He is not 16 yet so he cannot be paid; however, he is guaranteed a job next summer.

Thomas jumped at the opportunity.  He spent 7 weeks at scout camp.  He would come home Saturday afternoon, go to church Sunday morning, and then head back to scout camp.  I sure missed him as did the rest of the family, but it was exactly what he needed this summer.

He worked in Scoutcraft, the pool, the climbing tower, and the kitchen.  His favorite area is scout craft.  He loved teaching wilderness survival, pioneering, and camping merit badges. He even earned the Lifesaving Merit Badge.  This is amazing to me because as an 11 year old we thought he would never make it to 1st Class because he was so scared to swim that he couldn't pass the BSA Swimmer test. Scouting teaches amazing things and helps them become more than they ever thought they could be.  He had so many amazing spiritual experiences over the summer.  There were a couple times during Wilderness Survival where they couldn't find a couple boys.  The miraculous way in which they were found strengthened his testimony of a loving Father in Heaven that speaks to us through the Holy Ghost.

Thomas would call me each evening.  Sometimes it was close to midnight by the time he had a chance to call and I could hear exhaustion in his voice, but he said he just wanted to call and chat.  I will forever be grateful for these calls each night.  I looked forward to them, probably more than he will ever know.  Some nights he was so high with great experiences or funny stories.  Other nights he would share some frustrations or difficulties.  Often he would follow that with the solution he found to the difficulty, yet sometimes he would ask me for counsel. Other nights it was simply an "I love you Mom, and wanted to touch base before I pass out for the night!"

Thomas never hesitated to call regardless of how late it was.  He wasn't calling because I told him he had to.  He wasn't calling out of obligation.  He wanted to check in and wanted to share with me about his day...good, bad, mundane, anything.  Sometimes he was seeking counsel or comfort and other times he was sharing his testimony with me.  All 7 weeks, he didn't miss a night.  I looked forward to these calls and waited each evening for his call.

As I reflected on this I realized I need to follow his example with my Heavenly Father.  He is waiting for me to call and check in each day with him.  He wants to hear the good, the bad, the seemingly mundane.  He will offer comfort, counsel, or a listening ear as I share testimony building experiences.  And, he wants me to pray to him because I love Him and I want to share my life with him.  I have tried to improve my prayers and follow the example of Thomas in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Thomas called one evening so excited.  He was helping to teach the Lifesaving Merit Badge.  There was one young man that was really struggling with the requirement to bring up a 15 pound weight from the bottom of the pool.  Thomas said he worked with this young scout for a good 3 hours, one on one.  He would encourage him, give him suggestions, demonstrate, and encourage him some more.  Thomas said as they were nearing the end of the day this young scout made another attempt to get the weight and bring it up.  As Thomas stood on the pool edge watching he saw him coming to the surface of the water with the weight in his hands.  As the scout's head emerged from the water, Thomas leaned over and pulled the scout out of the water and celebrated with him.  This scout, wrapped his arms around Thomas and they stood poolside embracing with tears running down both of their smiling faces.  As Thomas related this story to me he was in tears and said, "Mom, I feel like I have finally given back to someone else what Duncan gave to me." Duncan was an amazing merit badge counselor that stayed poolside by Thomas at scout camp a few years ago encouraging and helping him earn his swimming merit badge.

The scouting program blesses lives of young men.  It helps them become men that love their fellowmen, serve willingly, love God, and that know they can accomplish hard things!

While serving at Camp Dittmer in NY for Zion's Camp, Thomas was asked to conduct a campwide fireside at which Brother Brough, General YM 2nd Counselor, was presiding.  After the fireside he was asked to take Brother Brough across the lake to the wilderness survival area for another devotional with those scouts.  As they were in the canoe on a dark, quiet lake Thomas had some very special experiences with Brother Brough.  Brother Brough told him that as a Mission President he always told his missionaries he wanted them to struggle.  When we really struggle we learn to turn to our Father in Heaven and to gain a deeper love and relationship with the Savior.  He told Thomas he could tell that he had struggled and he has a love and relationship of the Savior that most return missionaries are still trying to develop.  He told Thomas he is being prepared for great things and he will work wonders for the Kingdom of God.  He told Thomas that when things get hard to remember that it was not a mistake that the 2 of them were at this camp together and in the canoe alone together.

My heart was at peace when Thomas shared this and a few other sacred experiences he had during scout camp this week. They were able to have a morning side devotional on Hill Cumorah as the sun was rising and then time in the Sacred Grove to pray and reflect.  Our Father in Heaven knows each of us INDIVIDUALLY!  This is where Thomas was supposed to be this week this summer.  Prayers are answered.  Blessings come to those that wait patiently on the Lord!

The kids loved going to pick Thomas up each Saturday from camp and we relished in the few hours we had with him on the weekends.  I am so grateful for the summer he had.  And, I am grateful he came home.  About halfway through the summer all the kids were talking at dinner one night during the week and Spring said, "You know, this is kinda what it will be like when Thomas is on his mission.  I'm not ready for that!"  Tears filled my eyes as I said, "Neither am I!"

Summer Camps

June brought on scout camp for Joel and Thomas as well as Spring's first year at Girl's Camp.  And, it was all in the same week so our home felt really empty.  I was somewhat lost without them at home, yet it was fun to watch Sammy step up as the oldest one home.

Joel and Thomas attended MVSR again this year and loved every minute of it, even though there was LOTS of rain and they never really got dry all week.  Thomas completed the Shotgun and Climbing Merit Badges as well as participating in the High Adventure Program in the afternoons.  He had a great time, as usual, at camp.  I always miss them when they are at camp but it helps to know they are both enjoying their time together so much.

Spring was BEYOND excited for her first year at Girl's camp.  It is held behind the John Johnson Farm.  They were able to go hiking, canoeing, make crafts, play games, be silly, and learn lots of new skills.  I love that she was able to make friends with some other girls from the stake.  It was really hard for me to drop her off at camp and say goodbye.  I was brave; however, and didn't shed a tear...until I was in the car on my way home.  Partway through the week I was really missing her and wishing I could see her and know how she was doing.  That evening I received a picture text from a sister in our ward that was attending Bishop's night with her husband.  She told me Spring was having the time of her life.  She glowed in the picture and it was an answer to my prayers.  I'm so grateful for these wonderful opportunities our children have to learn, experience new things, and strengthen their testimonies and commitment to following our Savior's example.

All home once again!

More Memorial Day Activities

The Saturday prior to Memorial Day our Scout Unit was able to help place flags at the gravesite of war veterans.  The cemetery is a pre-civil war cemetery and full of history.  Our entire family was able to participate and we all had a great time together.  As we were going along I remember thinking to myself that we were not placing very many flags.  When I reached the end of the row and looked back I was overcome with the amount of flags that were placed.  A flood of emotions overcame me as I realized how many people have given everything for the freedom that I too often take for granted.  This is just a tiny fraction of those that have given their all.  How grateful I am to them and to their families for their courage, sacrifice, and love of our country.  

More Rock Climbin

Joel and Thomas have had their share of rock climbing this month.  They attended an OA Fellowship at Kendall Cliffs where they were able to rock climb for a few hours.  Then this past weekend Joel took the troop to the YMCA for a rock climbing activity.  Only 3 YM showed up for the activity so they got a lot of rock climbing time.  They were also taught how to boulder and given the opportunity to do that for a while as well.

The videos are really fun to watch but it is better to turn the volume down.  It's kinda loud.

Klondike

A few weeks ago Joel took Thomas and the other scouts on the Klondike at Camp Manatoc.  They had perfect Klondike weather...lots of snow on the ground but little snowing on Saturday.  Blue skies and COLD temperatures on Saturday.  Without the windchill it was about 2 degrees outside.  With the windchill it was around 30 below.  Thomas loves the Klondike.  He loves the activities and challenges that are set up for them at these events.  They came home tired but happy...the way they should.  

We Survived May

I am beginning to believe that the month of May rivals December in terms of busyness and hectic schedules.  There are so many end of the year school activities pulling at us.  Add to that the beautiful weather that beckons us to be outside sprucing up the yard after a long, cold winter and enjoying the warmth of sunshine and blue skies.  The opportunity to be at the pool again, BBQ, and eat meals outside is much more enticing than all the end of the year school projects, homework, spelling lists, etc.  I am trying to survive the next week and a half before I get to reclaim our family and enjoy a couple months of being together without school, packing lunches, evening activities and commitments.  I hope we survive...and I hope I can muster the desire to pack a lunch for them for 7 more days...it will be a challenge...and I'm not sure I am up for it! :)

Thomas, Sammy, and Joel joined other scouts the Friday before Memorial Day to put flags on the graves of veterans in the Tallmadge Cemetery.  They loved it and are excited to be able to do it again next year.

Gideon's typical breakfast includes mixing at least 3 kinds of cereal together each morning.  Love the bedhead this kid wakes up with each morning.  I will deal with the bedhead; however, because I love the way his red hair shines in the sun when he is outside playing.

I have reflected a lot this month on how we were led to live where we live at this point in our lives.  Stow has once again been named Ohio's best Community for Music Education and it is definitely a well deserved title.  Thomas and Spring continue to love and excel in the band and orchestra.  May has a brought about so many concerts for these two that I have lost count.  After their last band concert we were able to snap a quick picture with one of their 3 band directors, Mr. Newman.  He is Spring's small group instructor on the trumpet and he is the director of the Junior High Band and Jazz Band for Thomas.  He, as well as Mr. Monroe and Mrs. Sandman are amazing band directors that have blessed our family for the last 4 years and will continue to throughout their high school careers. Mrs. Hamilton, as their Orchestra teacher has been the same; unfortunately, she retires this year so we anxiously await to see who will step up in her place.

Yesterday the Deacons helped Thomas with a service project for Sue Ann.  She needed some big boulders moved out of her backyard and then an area of her yard leveled out into a smoother grade.  Following that they moved lumber for the deck Thomas is going to build for her this summer to her backyard.  The rest of our kids were so excited to be able to help as well.  They all accomplished a great deal in such a short period of  time.  I love that our children love to serve and help whenever they see an opportunity.  They continue to be great examples to me.

Yesterday also marked Thomas' final piano recital with Ms. Bakkum.  It was a bittersweet moment as he and Ms. Bakkum performed a duet together for the final time.  I loved watching them smile at each other and just work in perfect unison together; however, I teared up a bit with the thought that this chapter of his music career is coming to an end.  The relationship they have developed is so very special and I know he will forever treasure the memories, skills, and life lessons he has learned from her.

We ended our day yesterday with a trip to the pool in the evening.  It was a last minute decision and I don't think I have ever seen the kids get ready so quickly.  Neither Joel or I went swimming last night so Sara just hung out with us.  She found a swim diaper in her bag and kept trying to put it on her head.  Finally I helped and then she wasn't so sure she liked it.

What These Kids do on a Day off From School

Thomas began working on the hiking merit badge last spring.  He tried and tried to get others from the troop interested in going with him on the hikes, but to no avail. So, once again, Joel gladly accompanied him for the first four 10 mile hikes.  Then summer hit which brought on his Eagle Project and life for the rest of us as well.  There were not spare weekends for his last 10 mile hike and his 20 mile hike so plans were put on hold.  The hold lasted longer than expected due to  our frigid and LONG winter.  Thomas was determined to earn this merit badge before the next Court of Honor in May. 

Last Friday he did not have school and he convinced Aunt Alanna to go with him on his last 10 mile hike.  She told him she didn't know if she would survive to which he matter-of-factly replied, "It's OK.  I've earned my 1st Aid Merit Badge."  Then he reassured her he would pack plenty of snacks for them as well.  Problem solved, in his mind!  Alanna agreed and Spring decided to accompany them as well.  They had a great time together and they all survived without any 1st aid assistance!

That evening Thomas and Spring decided they were going to use their day off school on Monday to do the 20 mile hike.  They mapped it out and were so excited.  I dropped them off at the trail head with their food, water, map, and smiling faces.  I sent a phone with them so they could check in with me throughout the day and so I could call when I began to get nervous too.  Throughout the day I would get phone call updates and each time they sounded chipper and happy.  About 7 hours later, I picked up 2 very tired and very happy kiddos!  I am so impressed with them.  To have the desire and the motivation to do something challenging is commendable.  For Spring to hike 20 miles in a day at 10 years old is amazing.  They said they have lots more admiration and respect for the pioneers now after hiking 20 miles in a day.  Highlights of their hike included almost stepping on a snake and seeing lots of deer.

Thomas has now earned the Swimming, Hiking, and Cycling Merit Badges.  I asked him which was the hardest of all and he still holds that swimming was the hardest for him.  

They were sunburned, sore, and starving, but full of smiles.  Grandma Powell asked me to take them out to dinner "on her" because she was so proud of their accomplishment.  They chose their favorite...Taco Bell!  I am so grateful Spring was willing and excited to go with Thomas...I don't know if I would have faired quite as well as they did!  So grateful for these two and the examples they are to their younger siblings, to their friends, and to me.