Never a Dull Moment

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Serving Others

I love the focus on service in the scouting program. I want my boys to grow into adults that are willing to do work for the benefit of others and I want them to find a sense of joy and contentment in that work. We were excited that scouting for food was back this year. The boys all worked hard to deliver bags one week and pick them up the next. Because of their efforts food pantries are well stocked.

They also had an opportunity to serve at The Little Bit Foundation. This organization provides for basic needs of students that are not met at home. They distribute clothing, shoes, toiletries, and school supplies in disadvantaged schools. It's a pretty amazing organization and I'm proud my boys were able to take part in helping.

During our visit the boys bagged toiletries and school supplies. They were so efficient that the employees kept having to find more supplies! It was a great hands on way for them to help others.

Confirmation

Wow. How is my baby old enough to receive the sacrament of Confirmation?

I know we should work on him tying his own tie, but this is just too sweet.

Max worked hard to prepare for the sacrament. He worked several fish frys and scouting events for his service hours. He also chose a Saint name - Gregory, the patron saint of music. He loves his piano and saxophone. Nonna was his sponsor and the two of them spent several evenings at church talking about what faith means to them. It was pretty sweet and I know that time was special for both of them.

After Mass we headed over to the parish center for a reception and of course some pictures. Max didn't want to smile with his teeth, but he was excited to show off just how tall he has gotten.

I'm so grateful Aunt Anna, Max's godmother, was able to join us. Nonna and Nonno were also there to see Max receive the sacrament. I think Max's favorite part of the whole thing was that he can now be finished with PSR :)

My love for these four crazy, wild, handsome, hilarious boys just keeps on growing. I am one lucky lady!

Jack the Builder

I've continued as the leader for Jack's cub scout den. I have to admit as these sweet boys get older the requirements are getting more and more difficult for me to pull off. In this activity the boys had to learn how to safely use hand tools to create a project.

Brian and I spent hours cutting and predrilling the wood for these cuties to complete a bird house in our hour time frame. They did great!

Pumpkin Patch

I know our pumpkin patch days are numbered. It's getting harder and harder to find outings that appeal to everyone. I promise Max was with us - even though he conveniently avoided having his picture taken.

It was an absolutely beautiful day! This guy must have worked his way through the obstacle course 82 times - all while is brothers and dad were lost in the corn maze.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

September 11th - 20 Years Later

On September 11th we headed to see the Flags of Valor. I'm going to be completely honest here. It was a horrible drive down. The kids woudln't stop fighting. We met Nonna at a parkign lot and she was late, the traffic was awful, Jack didn't want to get out of the car - you get the idea. We arrived and my nerves were very frayed and my patience was nonexisent.

Then we walked up to the flags. There were over 7,000 to represent each person that died on September 11th as well as the service members that have died since. Each flag had a picture and a dog tag.

As the wind blew the flags would wave and the dog tags would tap the poles. It was the most beautiful and heartbreaking sound I have ever heard. Each of those flags represent a person. A son, daughter, mother, father, friend. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion.

Seeing the flags and hearing that sound brought me to tears. I'm so grateful for their sacrifices and we will never forget.

Happy Birthday Nonna!

We threw together an impromptu dinner for Nonna's 67th birthday. Brian was all excited to use his smoker to make a brisket and burnt ends. It was a fabulous, relaxing dinner and I wish we could do it every day.