My Loving, Chaotic Life

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.

A couple of weeks ago, our church had its first ever "Princesses and Pirates Party". The boys and I had a lot of fun coming up with our costumes. We went online to pick out the right skull and crossbones picture for their shirts. We cut up sweatpants to take on a more authentic pirate look. We even picked out a girly skull and crossbones for my hot pink shirt and added jewels.

I know it was a lot of work for everyone involved in this party at church, but it was so worth it for the kids. I truly appreciate everything that Katrina, Shelley, Chris and Karen did to make the Princesses and Pirates Party a success!



The boys started the party by painting boats and other piraty things. Then, they received their tattoos from Princess Pirate Shelley who told them it was ok to scream, but it had to be a manly "argh!" and not something whimpy. At this point, Luke just looked at her like she was nuts.

Next, the boys received their pizza as they watched a VeggieTale flick and heard a Bible story. Dessert was "Worms in the Dirt". I'm thinking the princesses got a better deal in their room with the fancy cake. Last, the boys went outside to walk the plank and smash open a pinata. Needless to say, being a pirate is tough work. They were worn out and ready to go home.

It has finally happened. Both of my boys are going to the same school for the same length of time. Yikes! Where did the time go? I feel like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant with Luke, and Jack was starting to walk and talk. Now, I have a Pre-K and 1st grader.

Both of the boys had a great first day. I do believe highlights of their day (and mine) included seeing their mommy in the secondary office as they walked to and from the playground. Jack even came by the office this afternoon to let me check out the ingredients on a special snack to make sure it didn't contain any peanuts. Could I have a more awesome job? I think not.

Luke did pretty well for being so stinkin' independent. The one time I peaked in on him was when his teacher was reading a story. His head popped up in the door window because the aide was bringing him outside to explain to him that he cannot hide under the table while Mrs. Smalley read the story. Needless to say, he needed a hug from me, and I told him if he didn't listen to his teachers that he wouldn't get to play on the playground. Those words seemed to help his listening skills the rest of the day. :)

As always, I've added some pictures from the day:

My cool cats:


My boys in their adorable uniforms with me:


The boys with their daddy:


Jack putting up his backpack and lunch:


Jack with his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Marsh:


I sneaked this picture of Luke in the office:


Luke with his Pre-K teacher, Mrs. Smalley:


Aaron was being silly by taking a ton of pictures, and we were all laughing because of the camera flashes. I'm pretty sure that was the most pictures I've ever had taken of me in a short amount of time.