Space Derby & School Spirit!

Master S had his 2nd annual Space Derby last week.  Last year we painted it the night before.  This year, mom got involved and vowed it would be done before the night of!  We named it the 'gold nugget' and had a great time racing it.  I think J.D. and I were as excited for the evening as Master S was.  We have a great group of leaders and cubs Master S' age - it makes evenings like this so fun! 

The 'GOLD NUGGET'

Master S was especially surprised (as was I) that he won 1st place this year! 

 Elementary Fun Run Celebration Day!  Master S and Miss Lilly all decked out in school spirit -

Over Labor Day weekend we had the day at home - everyone, together for a whole day!  I didn't have to work, there wasn't any soccer games to rush off to or school to go to/homework to work on.  It was amazing ... needless to say, the kids got bored.  So we raided the garden and found some very neglected cucumbers - perfect for cucumber boats (or zucchini boats ... they work well too when overgrown).

 We carved out the inside and made some sails and got them ready to float in the tub.   Master S even found some sailors (lego men and littlest petshops).  It was too windy and cold to do it outside.  In the midst, Miss Lilly asked where I learned to do this.  I told her, my mom.  She then asked where my mom learned to make them, and I said, her mom, my grandma.  Then she said, "this is like a family tradition!"  Funny, I thought it was just a way to keep them busy for a few hours, and use up some cucumbers that I feel guilty about neglecting, but hey, family tradition works too :)

 Big D and I got to go to the apple orchard a few weeks ago with a friend and got some delicious apples and peaches while the other two were at school.  He was more than happy to help with the peeling.  Amazing what a gadget does to peak a boy's interest!

 He was a very hard worker!

 He loved every minute of it. 

 And we got some great apple butter and apple pie filling done to put in our basement food storage.

Just can't get enough of him lately ... I think it has something to do with the fact that he'll be in pre-school next year and then kindergarten and my buddy will be away from me most of the day.  While I look forward to that, I'm trying to enjoy the moment.  I mean, who can resist this darling face?

the Flora Household Business

I've decided we are in the business of raising children.  Some people are in the business of making money, making themselves an incredible wardrobe, making the world more environmentally aware or safe, making furniture, making a career, making their house 'fashionable' or 'clean & beautiful', or making themselves politically famous, or maybe even Hollywood famous, but we, the Flora's must be in the business of raising children.  I say this because EVERYTHING we do revolves around our kids.  Even lazy Saturdays are now days full of cub scout projects, soccer games, homework catch up, chores, family fun times, working together to improve or 'fix' the house (who has time to make it fashionable?!), trying to teach our kids through service and work how to be good citizens (we need to do more of that).  Even going to work, really, is to help pay the bills so we can provide and teach our kids.  Did we set out to do this?  I don't remember specifically deciding that ... but it is interesting that as we continue to grow in the gospel, in understanding who we are, why we are here, and what we should be doing, isn't that what it is all about?  Our families.  Helping others see they are children of God.  So, I've decided ... we are in the business of raising children, and all those other things can wait or be forgotten, because I really don't want to miss this!

Angry Outrage!

My children get angry.  Especially one of them ... what am I saying ?!  All of them!  Can't imagine who they get it from?!  What ticks them off is various and sundry ... for one, if they think they are being laughed at there is growling and screaming ... for another it is control, or feeling the lack thereof, like when there are things to do like homework, practicing and it isn't quite what they are capable of or they want to be right and aren't and mom reminds them of that ... oh, that can create a temper.  For another it is anytime they are wronged or someone is doing something wrong, specifically brothers and a certain mom or dad. 
The problem with anger is that it results in some unpleasant consequences.  Some are inflicted by mom and dad, but the great thing about anger is that the consequence is usually a direct result of demonstrating the anger ... really helps when you are trying to teach a principle to your children if the very consequence is something you as a parent have no control over.  For instance, yesterday there was a disagreement about when a certain swim party would occur for a certain cub scout.  He was determined it was 6pm and I was certain it was 7pm.  I could not confirm with the leader - no answer to a phone call, so I relied on the flyer that was given at church and he was angry!  So angry that he was sent to his room, and stomped up the stairs, through the hall, to his bedroom, slammed the door and then slammed his body on his bed ... after several minutes and a return to the unanswered phone call and the determination that 'Mom was right!' (SURPRISE!) I wondered why he wasn't coming down the stairs for dinner when I heard a small, tiny, mournful voice, almost weeping from the top of the stairs say, 'my bed is broken'.  And it truly was - a rail was split completely in half.

I was surprised at myself.  I was completely calm.  I did not respond with drama (What?  How in the world?! Now look what you've done!)  There was none of that - what came out of my mouth was completely inspired, and very controlled, "Well, I guess that is what happens when we get angry.  Come on (hug here) let's go have some diner.  (as we went downstairs) I guess you'll get to know what it's like to not have a bed for awhile ... "  I didn't have to inflict anymore than that.  He was obviously distraught and upset and he will be sleeping with mattress on the floor for a very long time.  I love it when my kids learn something without me inflicting or strongly impressing it on them. 

1900's

On the way home from a soccer practice the other day, Miss Lilly and Big D were discussing how Daddy was at home, working, when this conversation occurred:
Miss Lilly:  "When Daddy works he has a picture of mommy on his desk to remind him of her."
Big D:  "A picture of mommy and daddy getting married."
Miss Lilly:  "Yeah, but you weren't there (Big D)."
Big D:  "Were you there (Miss Lilly)?"
Miss Lilly:  laughing! "No, silly - that was like, in the 1900's!"
Ha, ha - scary when the major events in your life are referred to as being in a different century by your 6-year old! 

Soccer season has begun.  Miss Lilly is playing again this year on the 'Green Snakes'. 

 She says she loves it ... and gets pretty excited for it.  She gets distracted easily and gets really tired after running for more than 10 minutes.  I love her craziness for the game though --- she will be a great player once she learns to channel her energy & focus a little bit better.  She is old enough that they are playing in postitions this year, which adds a little bit more excitement in the game.

 Master S decided to play this year after taking the year off last year.  And he got to play goalie for the first time in the first game and ended up being in that position for over half of it.  He did an awesome job! Not a single goal got past him and he even faked out a few players when kicking it out.

 He has made a several new friends on his team and then today in the middle of the game, the ball was kicked out of bounds and Master S went to throw it back in and a girl on the other team said, "(Master S!)  I didn't know you played soccer!"  And then waited for him to respond like it was a conversation in the middle of the game.  The adults on the side-lines were chuckling :)  She then turned to her Dad and said, "He was in my class last year!"  So fun to watch these kids play and have fun being active!

 The kids took a couple days of tennis lessons at the high school this summer.  They all loved it.  I think we may have to sign up for a few more days next summer.  Even Big D got a raquet and has really enjoyed hitting it back and forth.

 Last sunday we went out to enjoy the evening and Miss Lilly, still in her Sunday dress decided it was the perfect time to practice soccer - cleats and her easter dress.  It was classic Miss Lilly!

 A few Saturdays ago we got to spend some time with J.D.'s aunt and his cousin and her kids at a local splash/water park.  Her kids are about the same ages as Master S and Miss Lilly and they really had a great time together. 

 I love the cheese crackers on the eyes!

 Big D giving me attitude ... he is getting pretty good at this lately.  He has way too many teachers around here!  He has enjoyed lots of one on one time with me when the kids are at school.  Not sure how much of that he really enjoys ... at about 1pm everyday he is constantly asking when Miss Lilly will get home.  He really misses playing and pretending with her everyday.

First Day of School!  First Day of School!  First Day of School! 
There was a mom at the bus stop that did a rock star jump as soon as the bus was aroud the corner ... feeling a little giddy myself :)  The kids were super excited too.  Looking forward to a lunch date with some friends to celebrate.

 Miss Lilly and her friend waiting for the bus.  It is a gorgeous morning here ... low humidity, 70's, just about a perfect day!  I hope the kids have a good one :)