My Loving, Chaotic Life

I am several weeks behind on posting photos and other fun stuff that we did during October. I will catch up over the next few days.

Since I have a minute before I need to finish getting ready for church, I wanted to leave my family that didn't get to see the boys last night a little photo of their costumes. Let's just say...Mama mia! Dis is a good costume!

Often, I feel like this title (All Quiet on the Western Front) early in the morning. Everyone is still sleeping, and I'm sitting here enjoying my coffee. I soak up the silence because the rest of my day is filled with chaos, talking, laughter, etc. I do enjoy those times of the day, too. It is just at this time I can truly reflect on what is going on in my life and the lives of the ones I love.

There is a novel known by title of this post, too. I read it in my high school AP English class. It was pretty gruesome because it dealt with World War I and the loss of innocence of a young soldier. When I thought of this title, I instantly remembered that novel and found some similarities to my mornings.

I go through the day and am shocked at the cruelty in the world. I watch people hurt each other. I see loved ones pass away and watch families grieve. I find what little innocence I had left is simply slipping away as I sit and think during my quiet mornings.

Then, my boys wake up. Instantly, my innocence is renewed through them. I can view the world through their eyes. They see no bad. Well, the only bad they see is if they get their games taken away because they disobeyed. They believe that everyone is nice and good. It is refreshing.

I personally think that God gives us children so we can reclaim that innocence. He wants us to have that child-like faith. The world can harden us and force us to build walls around ourselves so no one can break through and hurt us again. A child has no walls because he wants to run free.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

And a campin' we went! We decided to take the boys to Lake Mineral Wells State Park for the weekend. The boys were so excited! Jack loves to camp. He enjoys fishing, hiking and building a campfire. I think I learned this weekend that Luke just like saying the word "camping". He pretty much would rather hangout in the tent and play Nintendo DS. It is nice to see that one of my children takes after my enthusiasm for camping. :)

On Friday, Aaron cooked out hamburgers and hotdogs, and the boys did a little fishing. I enjoyed reading a bit and building the fire. Yep, my fire skills have grown considerably from last winter.

On Saturday, we had a pretty busy day fishing. Now, when I say "we", then I mean Aaron and Jack. Luke spent two minutes holding a fishing pole before he decided that he "no like holding fish pole". So, Luke and I hiked back to the camp site. At that point, Luke decided that he wanted to get naked. I don't know if it is a guy thing to be completely "free" in nature, but I let him get naked (well, he did wear his undies) in our tent. We spent the rest of the morning playing Nintendo DS in our tent.

After lunch, Luke and I hung out at the camp while Jack and Aaron went fishing again. Luke was sweating bullets in the tent (he was clothed this time). When he came out, he said he was ready to go home. Hallaluah! Um...I mean...so soon, Lukey?

I called Aaron and said we're packing up and outta there. Aaron wasn't that surprised. I can't imagine why. We did have a fun time. It was fun spending time with the family outdoors, and I did enjoy sleeping in the tent. Granted, I enjoyed sleeping at home more, but I can't always have it my way, right? :)

Last night, I began a journey that I do not understand. It is a world that has been mainly for boys and their fathers. It is the world of Boy Scouts.

Now, I will say that this world is one that wants the whole family involved at this age. There are several family events including campouts. Yes, family campouts. I'm not sure if I'm excited about that or not. I do like camping out with my family, but I'm definitely not some super campout mom. Perhaps this is where I become that awesome mom that really enjoys camping out all the time. Yeah, I'm thinking not.

However, Jack is SO excited about being a Tiger Cub. He loves his uniform and had to buy the hat. He wanted the special pants and belt, but I had to draw a line...for now. I'm sure we'll be back at the Boy Scout Store to purchase more items.

Jack can't wait to go camping, too. He keeps asking if he can take his sleeping bag to the meetings. I have a feeling all the first graders are asking that question. Luckily, he will get to have his first "official" campout at the beginning of October. In fact, the WHOLE family is invited to come. I've already booked us to go camping the weekend before because I didn't know there was a campout so soon. Hmm...two weekends of camping? I'll have to think that over.