The Story Makers.

The Story Makers.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Eagle Has Landed....

That's it.
Yeah!!
He/We are done.
Ethan was awarded the highest rank in scouting last night.
He earned his Eagle at the age of 14.
It was a nice evening.
Loads of our friends and ward members were out of 
town partying for the summer,
(we will be hot on your tails....head out Monday!)
we really missed having them with us.
However, it was wonderful being with those that 
were able to join us.
 I love the 12 points of the Scout Law.
(see cake)
What more could any parent want for their children?
hmmm....now I am really thinking about it,
I don't see patient, maybe I would add that.
See anything else missing?
Love the "thrifty" part.
That was the focus of the presentation....
which was presented by our scout master
Dave Wilson, his son David, Ryker, and Seth.
They did a great job.
Kevin's parents ended up being able to fly out and join us.
We didn't know they were coming until two days before.
Delbert spoke, he did a great job.
My favorite highlights of the night were:
McCauley saying the opening prayer.
Ryker playing the Star Spangled Banner while the congregation sang.
Seth holding the American Flag in the Color Guard.
Pinning Ethan's Eagle on his uniform.
Lawson't closing prayer.
The Cake.
Leaving!
Chapter closed.
 Look at these two beauties!
This is M and her cousin Morgan, she flew out
from Utah with Kev's parents.
A few pictures from the project.
I should have done a post way back when it took place.
I held off because I thought
I would wait and do a huge spread about the whole thing after
the ceremony.
What was I thinking??
I have already moved on....mentally....you know what I mean?
It has been encompassing our/at least my mind for 
so many weeks.
Not constantly of course, just kinda nagging in 
the back of my head. 
Little loose ends here, there, oh yeah, and what about?
and, and....
The project just to quickly summarize - 
Ethan prepped and repainted the Desoto Grand stands
and both dug outs, inside and out.
Huge job, but we had loads of EXCELLENT help 
turnout to support Eth.
These pics do not do it justice.
It was a great experience.
Learned a lot that we can apply when it is R and L's turn.
Our sweet friend Corren V. took pictures last night and 
posted them on fb.
I will move my favorites to my wall if you want to take a peak 
at a few more.
(I would have put them on here but could not figure out how to transfer them...)

I'm on my way to teach my last sculpt class,
then I am switching gears into 
vacation mode!!
This afternoon the boys are going to Daytona for the Nascar races.
The girls, grandma, and I will find something fun to do.
Dillards is having their additional 30% off....
there is definitely some fun to be had on the horizon.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Be Courageous and Un-Lazy......


I am behind in my posting.
I have several posts that I have started and never finished.
Thought I would pull one up and finish my thought 
before I forget it forever.

The kids have been pestering Kev and I for months to buy 
the PS3 game Call of Duty - Black Ops
I have said no repeatedly.
Over and over again.
It is rated M - for mature.
NO.
But mom, that is just for violence.
EXACTLY.
The language you can switch to a lower setting so there are
no swear words.
We will play it with no sound.......
etc. etc. etc.
I was sticking to my guns.....
until
Cousin Seth arrived.
He brought along with him a letter to Ethan
from my parents containing 
a congratulatory note for earning his Eagle,
and a $100.
I thought that was great...Ethan will  
be able to put half into paying off the remaining Eagle cost,
and he can use the rest for himself.
He of course had different ideas.
Now comes the onslaught of begging and pleading 
again for the game.
Ethan was going to pay for all of it, and then give me the 
extra like I had wanted for his Eagle Court of Honor.
Finally I was just like 
OK!!
....I guess its fine, but if you all start acting like freaks I 
am going to get rid of it so fast.........yeah, yeah.

I did not feel good about my decision.
At the store I felt uneasy.
Purchasing it I had second thoughts.
On the way out I had buyers remorse.
At home I was constantly making McCauley leave the room.
Finding something for her to do other than watch their game.
I was not happy with the game but just decided it was not that
big of a deal.
A day or two later Lawson had a friend over.
They immediately wanted to play that game.
The big boys were gone and finally it would be L's 
turn to give it a whirl.
I told them no.
They whined and moaned saying that his friend could 
play Halo, another war type game.
I said there was no way unless I got permission from his mom.
I called and spoke with her.
She said, well, in fact her boys were no longer
playing Halo, she had recently read an article
from conference that had changed her perspective on the games.
But she finished by saying,
Melissa, You know I trust your Judgement.
I have heard her words many times in my mind since then.
My answer was no.
It was not ok for her son to play that game.
Not on my watch.
So why was it ok for my own boys?
Could I seriously not stand up to the relentless peer pressure from
my own children?
Did I feel pressure because "all of the other kids get to play"?
Because other kids at church have it?
I wanted to get my hands on that article ASAP!

I cut and pasted my favorite parts,
you can click on it and get the whole talk.

by : Larry R. Lawrence


The Young Men and Young Women Mutual theme for 2010 was taken from the book of Joshua. It begins, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid” (Joshua 1:9). This phrase from the scriptures would be a good theme for parents as well. In these last days, what the world really needs is courageous parenting from mothers and fathers who are not afraid to speak up and take a stand.
Imagine for a moment that your daughter was sitting on the railroad tracks and you heard the train whistle blowing. Would you warn her to get off the tracks? Or would you hesitate, worried that she might think you were being overprotective? If she ignored your warning, would you quickly move her to a safe place? Of course you would! Your love for your daughter would override all other considerations. You would value her life more than her temporary goodwill.
Challenges and temptations are coming at our teenagers with the speed and power of a freight train. As we are reminded in the family proclamation, parents are responsible for the protection of their children.1 That means spiritually as well as physically.
Several years ago at general conference, Elder Joe J. Christensen reminded us that “parenting is not a popularity contest.” 2 In the same spirit, Elder Robert D. Hales has observed, “Sometimes we are afraid of our children—afraid to counsel with them for fear of offending them.” 3
Young people understand more than we realize because they too have the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are trying to recognize the Spirit when He speaks, and they are watching our example. From us they learn to pay attention to their promptings—that if they “don’t feel good about something,” it’s best not to pursue it.
Courageous parenting does not always involve saying no. Parents also need courage to say yes to the counsel of modern-day prophets. Our Church leaders have counseled us to establish righteous patterns in our homes. Consider five fundamental practices that have the power to fortify our youth: family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, family dinner together, and regular one-on-one interviews with each child.
It takes courage to gather children from whatever they’re doing and kneel together as a family. It takes courage to turn off the television and the computer and to guide your family through the pages of the scriptures every day. It takes courage to turn down other invitations on Monday night so that you can reserve that evening for your family. It takes courage and willpower to avoid overscheduling so that your family can be home for dinner.
Try to imagine what the rising generation could become if these five righteous patterns were practiced consistently in every home. Our young people could be like Helaman’s army: invincible (see Alma 57:25--26).
Parenting teenagers in the latter days is a very humbling assignment. Satan and his followers are striving to bring this generation down; the Lord is counting on valiant parents to bring them up. Parents, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid” (Joshua 1:9). I know that God hears and will answer your prayers. I testify that the Lord supports and blesses courageous parents. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I have modified that quote for my own needs:
"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid and un-lazy"
Sometimes it is so tempting to just say alright already!
I give.
But no, that is not how I am going to roll for my family.
The game is already gone.
I had a talk with the boys the very next day.
I admitted to my mistake.
I made clear that we will not be having an M rated game in our home.
There will be no compromising.
If it is not alright for the entire family to play,
then we will choose another game to enjoy.
There was some brief weeping and whaling.
Some gnashing of teeth, a shout or two of  
"You are ruining my life"!!
and then it was over.
The waters calmed and the kids picked another game.
All is well.
My conscience as a parent is redeemed.
I took the loss on the game, it was a small price to pay for 
the valuable lesson I learned from the experience.
I appreciated the good council from my friend.
.............................
Just today during sharing time I taught the 
primary children about listening to and following
the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
I look back over that experience and can recognize time and
again the promptings that were given to me.
The foreboding feeling. 
The uneasiness I mentioned. 
I won't always get a second chance to fix a bad decision.
I am grateful I was able to make this one right.
I hope I will do better in the future.
............................
Here is our June group for the temple.
I am loving these monthly visits with my sistas!
We will resume in August when I am home from Utah.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sweaty Workout Girl....

This morning at 5:20 I met Tina at
the Eau Gallie Library parking lot to drive to our destination
and start our run.
We left my car and drove back over the
bridge, then made our way to the 192 Causeway,
and over it, then parked her car off to the side at the bottom.
I am still amazed that that trek is only 7 miles.
In the car it seems like forever.
We are working the mileage back up in preparation for January's
marathon - today the goal was 7 miles.
We started out.
 As we were nearing the assent of the bridge we could hear
loud singing and chanting,
sounded like a big group of people.
We were curious.
It was dark.
We thought we'd go take a look.
It was quite clear that it was some kind of religious revival
down by the water.
I was pretty excited.....
I felt like I was living my current book out in real life..
thank goodness not really at all,
(It is extremely freaky).
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,
I won't recommend it to anyone due to some language,
and gruesomeness, etc.
but I am in the thick of it at the moment.
It is a murder mystery.....I don't usually read those.
Sneaking around with the intention to spy was
very invigorating.
We were slinking up closer to the spot, still listening to the singing
when two men came out of the bushes ahead of
us a little way carrying two large bags of something.
Maybe clothes, maybe limbs....from trees, or otherwise.
It was enough to get us hightailing it out of there
and cutting up the grass to the bridge.
We are not cut out to be spys.
............................
Tina and I have different strides.
We do not run at the same speed, so we usually have
some light chit chat, a little catching up,
then we pop in our headphones and jam out and run at our own pace.
  I will switch back through out our run and check in,
especially if I think of other stuff I want to talk about.
Anyway, for some reason today right at the beginning of our
run the topic of deodorant came up....
for the life of me I cannot remember how or why.
(looking back now, maybe it was a set up by T herself)
none the less,
I said, you know what, I really don't use deodorant very often,
a stick will last me forever.
She was like,
WELL MAYBE YOU SHOULD!
What?
Why?
huh?
What are you saying?
Are you saying that I need it?
Have you "smelled" me before?
YES!
oh my gosh.
are you serious?
YES!
You have smelled my B.O.?
That is what I am saying.
When?
Twice.
Once about a year ago and then again a week or two ago.
Whoa.
ok, sorry but this caught me off guard.
She knew what I was wearing when the offenses occurred,
and described the most recent outfit to me.
I will not disclose the outfit because I love it,
and I do not want anyone to pass judgement on it.
I was blindsided and kind of shocked.
T on the other hand was dancing on air,
shouting hallelujah, and air punching while saying,
YES!! Finally I got that off my chest.
Can you believe that?
Tina I am aware that you will be reading this.....
Hello.
I feel I need to get it off my chest as well.
It is burdensome isn't it?
Well, as we went on I disclosed that I was fine
with it, because guess who loves the smell of my sweat?
yup, K.
I said thanks for telling me....
but I don't think I am going to do anything about it.
I do love my little honest Abe friend.
.....................
Finished at 8miles.
It was an excellent run.
Very motivating to look across the causeway and see the other
bridge waaaaaaaaaaaaaay over there.
It was hard to believe I was just over there less than thirty
minutes before that.
I want to take a picture next time so you can see
what I mean.
.........................
I thought I would leave you with a fairly accurate
account of being a runner.
Running no doubt will be a more frequent topic on my blog
as the months draw closer to January.
I think it will be fun to include some fun little snippets like this one.
T posted this on FB recently so most of you have seen it.
HB....thought you might enjoy it.



Have a great night.....
from the "Sweaty Workout Girl"
Do you have any smelly stories to share?
Maybe deodorant preferences??
 I might be in the market soon....
but I doubt it.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Old School FHE......

We have my nephew Seth visiting for the entire 
month of June.
We are loving having him here.
The older boys and Seth spent the last week at 
camp LaNoche with Kevin.
We have stepped up going to the beach, and swimming, 
in addition to other 
numerous challenges and adventures I have tossed in as well.
Adventures of my own making.
Activities that build character and creativity -
(post soon to follow)
I have been happily surprised with Seth's willing attitude.
He has not complained to much about anything I have
thrown their way.

This morning I assigned Ethan and Seth 
Family Home Evening for the night.
They complained just a little, and then accepted the idea.
They kind of procrastinated until late afternoon but then
I saw them looking up their lesson on the LDS
web site, assigning parts to the other kids, etc.
Seth welcomed everyone and was the spokes person
for getting the ball rolling.
Their lesson was on Satan and Jesus,
a comparison of the two.
They had us read in Moses as well as in 3 Nephi 17 
They had an object lesson w/ a bowl of salt and sugar.
They had a game during, and then we 
played the rousing push game with each other afterwords.
(HB I am certain you recall this game)

I was really proud of the kids.
It was fun having them take charge and put some 
effort into doing a good job.
All of the kids were involved and had a part to play.
It was another reminder of why we are counseled to hold 
regular FHE.
So many times during the busy baseball season,
and soccer practices, it is easy to resort to 
"going to Lowes for Family Night".
It is a cop out,
and will certainly happen countless more times,
but it always feels so good when we make the 
effort, and take the time to learn about the 
gospel together, being taught by 
one another.
They don't think I can tell....
but I know they enjoyed doing it just as much 
as the rest of us enjoyed participating and watching.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Monsters, Myths, and Legends alike.....

.....We're Den 7 now go take a hike!!
(cheer credit goes to Braden)
That is the cheer my
Cub Scout Day Camp career will end on.
It has been a good ride.
I have been sitting here trying to figure out how many years
I have been den leader for the boys each summer in June.
6 or more times I think....I can't be sure 
(with my memory and math skills),
but basically each boy can go for four years, 
or more if they want to go participate as den chiefs,
which Ethan and Ryker have both done.
The camp runs from 8:30am - 4:00pm each day 
for five days.
Every year there is a different theme -
We have done Indians, forest animals, Adventure,
Books (the best year IMHO), Theatre (the worst in 
EVERYONES OPINION, the boys are not into working
on making plays during the day, and then
putting them on in 100 degree weather....lesson 
learned), this year was....you may have
guessed, Monsters, Myths, and Legends.

We start each day, and end it with the flag ceremony,
including the pledge of allegiance.
"HATS OFF"!
I don't think there was one time in all the 
years of going to day camp that I was able
to complete the pledge without getting teared up.
I feel so proud when I hear all those boys (and girls) 
standing with the scout salute, 
or at least trying to in the blistering heat,
sweat and dirt covering their bodies,
burnt cheeks, exhausted from another day of fun,
giving their pledge to our flag and country.

Every year there are several things that we do each 
day at camp in addition to the pledge.
B-B shooting
Archery
Swimming
Crafts
Lunch 
Canoe and Snorkel on alternate days
Then there is always one or two unique (theme focused)
activities added to the mix each day.
It is amazing to see the quick progress and improvement
the boys make with their shooting.
They love the weapon activities.  
I save all of their targets and put their names on them and 
bundle them up to take home with their camp packs.
They are always anxious about showing their families their 
Bulls Eyes...you can see Shad's famous 
reverse end bullseye above.

I got in on a little more of the action this year.
Usually at day camp there is one - three adult volunteers 
there with me.  For the past several years
our den has joined with the Viera Ward's den at camp
and we have been able to travel together and combine forces.
This year we had to go on different weeks.
I was unable to get any other parents to come volunteer with
me for the week, due to legit work obstacles, 
family obligations, 
girls camp, etc.
At first this was a big downer, and I was pretty bummed.
Sometimes having the other moms there to talk, 
laugh, and commiserate with was just the thing to make it through 
another long day.
But it worked out just fine.
I enjoyed working with our exceptional den chief Peter.
Plus we ended up having extra youth help on the first 
three days of camp, two older sisters of one of our 
boys, and so on.
They were all wonderful.
Carolyn came and spent a few hours one day and
offered to stay on, but we had such a good den of
18 boys, the help was really taken care of.
Tina filled in with
one of the dads when I needed to come late so I could
teach my class, etc.
So this year, 
since I wasn't involved in my own "adult" conversations
I had the opportunity to 
L-I-S-T-E-N
I loved hearing the boys be boys.
Talking about the times of giant alligators, and dinosaurs.
Wondering and pondering the things of the world.
Coming up with cheers.
Hiding in their fort....until it was made off limits.
Strategizing for water day on Friday and so forth.
PLUS
I went through all my cooking magazines
and tore out all the recipes I am interested in trying.
Sweet!
 It was hard to narrow down the pictures to my favs,
but I think you will get a pretty good idea of our time at camp.
Lunch was the best, it was a trading bonanza.
Fruit roll ups, Doritos, and cheese Whales held the highest value.
Squeeze applesauce, nuts, and raisins were pretty much 
worthless.  The owner was stuck with those items.  
This guy was from GatorLand and he was AWESOME!
 One extra sweet bonus this year was that McCauley got to be 
in Girl Patrol.
This is exactly like the cub scouts, except they are girls.
They do all the same fun stuff.
She had a blast.
I was very happy because their den was right by ours, 
just behind a big clump of trees.
We saw each other many times throughout the days.
There are some special little guys out there.
Who knows what they will become?
Their future is very bright!
This picture of Lawson is the perfect summation 
of Day Camp!
This kid looks pretty joyful.
Caroline invited us all over for dinner and a swim party 
on Friday (so YUMMY!),
they have three little boys, two went to day camp.
It was Noahs first time,
I asked how he liked camp,
He said, "It was only like the best week of my Life!!"

Friday, June 10, 2011

Very Good Will Hunting.....

What fun we had today!!
....well at least McCauley and I, cousin Seth and 
the boys didn't enjoy our 
GoodWill Clearance Center outing much.
(They are kill joys if you ask me).
I could dig for hours, 
it is a total treasure hunt.
I am absolutely positive there are hidden gems
among those bins and piles of clothing....
it is my challenge to find them!
I have no problem touching used clothing or items 
of any kind.  
The boys beat it out of there pretty quickly....
apparently they are too good for gently used articles of clothing,
books, or movies.
They would much prefer sweating their brains out in the 
van waiting for M and I to have our fun.
They do not realize the thrill behind the hunt.
Unfortunately neither does Tina. 
Her boys sure got it though, they found some fun items as well.
Just picture Tina walking around with her arms 
folded across her chest.
(she actually did get a few books)
 Here are a few of McCauley and I's 
FAVORITE finds!!
Look at this sleeve sweater!
That is all it is is sleeves!  
I love it so much and want dozens more.
YES!! I found this for about .50 cents.
Believe it!
I dug these killer Limited Too jeans out for 
McCauley, THEY ARE A PERFECT FIT!!
Say what??
The one bummer is that there is not a place to try on 
anything in the clearance center.
So it is a huge gamble....
but one I am dang sure going to take.
(It did stop me from purchasing an amazing wedding
gown though.  
It was all frilly, and lace, 3/4 pouf sleeves, with a pretty sweet train.  
It was in excellent condition.
I pictured using it for a zombie halloween
costume or something this year!  
Wouldn't that have been awesome?
Frankenstein's Bride!
I was a little nervous about it possibly being too small.
I put it back.
 Thinking of finding a place to store it was
also a deterrent).
Anyway, these pants are perfect for school next year.  
McCauley is always wanting to purchase
- something - 
from that "fashionable" Limited Too 
young girl store in the mall.
she is just dying to make a purchase....
if you know me you would know that it would
be a huge stretch for me to spend $25 or more on a little
pair of girl jeans.....
but now look....a perfect pair for a meer .50
I was so stoked to show her the labels, 
tell her where they came from.
This little dress, the shirts....

We purchased 10 items for $5......they charge you .99 cents a pound.
McCauley also purchased a pair of pink shoes from the 
regular Goodwill store for $3.99....which I felt was 
a little high....but she was using her own money,
so her choice.  They are pretty cute.
Here is one of my fresh clean sweaters (Kate & Ashley),
laid out to dry.
Tina practically lost her mind when she found out I only 
ironed M's new dress so she could wear it to 
the baptism we had tonight.
I was like, what is the big deal??  Any germs would 
have been sanitized by the hot scalding steam from the iron!!
Plus, it didn't smell at all.
Is that really such a big deal??
What is your favorite thrift store find?
You know you have one!
Oh yes....I wanted to give a shout out to Nikki who is the 
the thrift store treasure finding Guru!
Every time I see her, I am always loving the 
adorable outfits she pulls together...
9 times out of 10 she purchased it at 
one thrift store or another.
Great inspiration!
Thanks!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Cool Stuff I've seen this week....

Just a few of my favorite sightings of the week....
McCauley takes her reading seriously.
She is knee deep into the libraries summer reading program.
She knows every day counts because we will miss half of the
time to earn "Reading Bucks" due to our trip to Utah.
She has her sights set on a jewelry making kit.
She must read one half hour per day for four days to earn one buck.
M has one must have item when she reads,
the "pointer" that her teacher
gave all the kids in kindergarten.
She keeps it in her crayon box on her desk.
This is crucial to successful reading sessions.
I LOVE IT.
We took advantage of "National Doughnut Day" on Friday....
did you??
FREE DOUGHNUTS PEOPLE!
These guys really did a horrible job on making it look like
they were having the time of their lives.
What is their problem?
Ryker complained that he was hot today at Stake Conference....
I suggested he take his jacket off...
He went with this fix instead.
Whatever works bud. 
On our way home from Stake Conference we saw this poor fellow
on the side of the road.
We don't see these everyday, we U-ied back and got a photo.
Sadly it looks like he/she died of complications from a
broken leg.
Finally I have a picture of Cathy on my blog, yesterday she
saw McCauley with me.
She asked her if she would like to come scan our groceries?
M was kind of stumped......
I was like, Heck yeah you do!!!  
I asked Cathy why she had never invited me to do something so cool!!??
She always puts up the "Lane Closed" sign now when I
come through.
Another reason I Love HER!! 
This is Jimmy.
He has traveled all over the world, and been to almost all of the
states.  He speaks Chinese, because he lived in China
for three years starting at age 5.

Mmmm Mmmm Good sights.
Great week.
See anything interesting......??

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Half Way Point.......

Can you believe that the year is half over?
Wow!!
I was reading my sister's blog earlier today,
she said she was looking back over her Jan. 1st journal,
kind of taking inventory and seeing 
where she was with those new years 
resolutions she had put to paper.
I think June is the perfect month for goal setting.
A new beginning.
At least it is the perfect time for a 30 day program 
of any kind.
Today is June 1st.
There are exactly 30 days in June.
My sister Amy and I are taking on Jillian Michaels -


"Making the Cut"
Healthy eating program.
I am in dire need of this right now.
I have once again gotten off the path of utilizing my 
food as fuel for my body.
I notice the difference in my energy and how I feel.
Not to mention I am sick of feeling guilty for
all the crap I am taking on board.
So....
here we go.
Can't wait to take my list and get to the store and 
stock up on all the nutritious food I will use to 
follow her recipes and plan.
I will keep you posted.
Why not start a challenge of your own today???

Do it!
30 days.....EXACTLY!
What is one thing you want to nail this month?
Start a scripture reading program?
Read the Ensign cover to cover?
(is that too easy?....I have never done it)
Exercise a certain number of days per week?
Run a number of miles?
Spend quality time with your kids?
Try one new recipe per day for 30 days?
(that could include breakfast, lunch, and dinner items)
No eating out for 30 days???
I don't know.....what has been on your mind lately?? 
 Tell me what you are going to challenge yourself to do!!
We can support each other in our goals.
It is way more motivating to have a partner
and someone to be accountable to when you have set your 
sights on a new challenge.
Good Luck!
Can't wait to hear what you are taking on!