Motor Power

I've got one extremely motivated cub scout living in my home. He wants to work on different Wolf requirements everyday. However, I am a bad mom and limited him to working on one belt loop a week. This has worked out great and goes hand in hand with homeschooling. This week Daveo completed the requirements for Motor Away. He built two boats out of household objects and a Lego car that moves under its own power.

Completion

David has spent the past two weekends receiving training so that he can take the scouts on trips. I know for a fact that his favorite part was singing LOTS of scout songs:)

Advancements and Merit Badges

This evening, we attended the boys' scout troop Court of Honor. James advanced to Life and Steven to First Class. Both of them, including Justin also received lots of merit badges.

 

In the beginning of the meeting, Dave-o sat quietly in my lap. My attention was so focused on what was being said at the pulpit that I didn't notice what was happening right under my nose. I didn't even bat an eye when I felt a little finger shove inside my mouth. However, my other senses took over, sending a message from my taste buds to my brain: SALTY! I quickly put two and two together and fished out a booger from my mouth. I hear a laugh and look down to a smiling, proud three year old who just pulled a fast one on his mom.

 

Seconds later...Dave-o was digging in his nose again.

Steven did a great job conducting the Court of Honor.

Recently, I have been told by a few people that Steven looks like Elder David Bednar. Thomas, a boy that Steven babysits, even pointed to a picture of Elder Bednar during General Conference and told his mom that it looked like Steven. I don't really see that resemblance, but what do I know.

(Kirsten and her daddy...Dave-o and Josh)

 

It was a fun evening. Great job boys!

My Afternoon

(A picture taken of Dave-o wearing Steven's duck-tape top hat back in June)

 

The kids (Steven in particular) started our school day trying to convince me to take them on a field trip. As tempting as the idea sounded to go on an adventure, I told them no. Dave-o had been acting super cranky (which isn't like him). He had been up late last night playing with three little boys who I watch every Wednesday so their mom can go to YWs. My instincts were spot on. Right now, Dave-o is sleeping in his bed; and this is coming from a three year old who rarely takes naps these days.

Kirsten did a fun science experiment involving a soda can imploding. She emptied a "no-calorie root beer" soda (that none of us will drink because it is nasty) and poured 2 cm of water into it. Then she put it onto a hot burner on our stove. While it was heating up, Kirsten poured cold water and lots of ice into a roasting pan. After seeing steam come out of the opening of the can for one minute, Kirsten grabbed hold of it using tongs, and inverted it into the cold water. Boom! The can immediately crushed. This was a fun and powerful lesson demonstrating just how strong air pressure is (14.7 lbs psi). Kirsten learned that the steam replaces the air inside the can. Once it is put into the cold water, the steam turns into a couple of drops of water making a vacuum effect. With the opening of the can in the water, air can't go inside. The outside air pressure causes the soda can to implode.

James spent much of his school time writing an essay about his latest Father-Son campout adventure. He wrote in great detail of his traumatic experience involving a tick that had burrowed into his shoulder blade. (I was tramautized more than James by the experience.)

After having lunch with Merek at Five Guys Burger and Frys, Justin came home with the notion that I would let him skip out on school tomorrow just because it was a short day. Attending fifteen minute classes until 10:30 does seem like a waste of time, but I can't in good conscience say yes. He was disappointed, but not surprised.

Steven, Kirsten, and I went on a short hike to gather samples of plants that are native to California. Then Steven typed up a description of the specimens for a scout requirement. This proved to be a great English lesson for him as it involved lots of discriptive words.

Maybe we'll go on a field trip tomorrow...

Scout Camp Talks

(James, Dave-o and Steven taken in July at the ranch)

James and Steven, along with several other YM, were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting about their experience at Zion's Camp. Here is a copy of their talks:

Steven's:
 

 As a second year, a lot of the week was spent working on Merit badges. Small boat sailing was my favorite activity because we got to capsize and tack the boat. Next is swimming. Once my body got over the shock of the freezing pool, I had fun. My cabin and I went swimming every day the whole time we were at Zions camp. We played catch with a football in the pool when it was our free time, but when we did the swimming merit badge we practiced our strokes, saved each other from drowning with giant poles and floaties, and did races. Next was pioneering. In pioneering we got to make a 10 foot tower using only logs and rope. When we were finished, our cabin counselor, Brother Whitmarsh, climbed on top. The amazing thing is that it held up. Then we had to take it all down, which was not as exciting.

Thank goodness the food was yummy at camp because I needed the extra fuel to make it through the merit badges. (Don’t worry Mom. It wasn’t as good as your cooking.) By the end of the week, I had to loosen my belt one notch.

 Not everything was great about Zions camp. For example, clean bathrooms were hard to find. One night myself and two other people from my cabin, went out in search for a bathroom that had no surprises lurking in the toilet bowl. And yes, boys do care about these sort of things. We checked every toilet at the camp (that we knew about anyway). We finally found one that was clean.  On a different night, Ben, Alex, and I, who share the same tent, found a humongous spider. My leaders would probably tell you it was this big. But, I’m telling, you it had to be THIS BIG! We all screamed like little girls and unanimously agreed to crash someone else’s tent. In the end there were 6 of us sleeping in a 3 man tent.

 One of the activities we did up at Zions camp was gospel adventures. In gospel adventures my cabin and I got journals to right in about our experience at Zions camp. My most spiritual experience was when I walked out into the woods to write in my journal and pray. Our instructors had challenged us to ask Heavenly Father if the Church was true and if we were in the right place, doing the right things. At the end of my prayer the Holy Ghost testified to me that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the true Church.

*********************************************************************

James':

This year at Zion's camp I was a fourth level. This meant that I could do many new and fun activities. My favorite was the land luge. In groups of two, we were given the supplies necessary to build a go-cart that we later rode down a steep hill. During the races a certain individual would crash into my car so I wouldn't win. The rest of my week included swimming, rock climbing, eating, archery, eating, firesides, gospel adventure, oh and more eating. At Gospel Adventure, we heard stories about the most recent prophets. One that stood out most to me is the one by President Gorden B. Hinckley called "Lessons I learned as a Boy."

It is about an older and a younger boy who found an old pair of work shoes and sees that it belongs to a farmer working in the field. The younger boy suggests that they should hide them. Bit the older boy points out that the owner is very poor and that putting a dollar in each shoe would be a better idea. They watched in a concealed location at how grateful the owner of the shoes was. He was so grateful for this gift that he got on his knees and prayed a prayer of thanks.

I like this story because it shows the unselfishness of two young boys and how small acts of kindness can really make the difference to somebody. After hearing this lesson, we were each given a gold dollar to secretly give to one another throughout the week. Some people got creative like hiding them in people's food during mealtime. Others slipped them in pockets or in tents. One of the tactics I used was to give it to them while giving them a high five. While this method wasn't as discrete, it was just as effective.

Another story that we heard was from President Monson called "Dare to Stand Alone". He says, "Navy boot camp was not an easy experience for me, nor for anyone who endured it. For the first three weeks I was convinced my life was in jeopardy. The navy wasn’t trying to train me; it was trying to kill me.

          I shall ever remember when Sunday rolled around after the first week. We received welcome news from the chief petty officer. Standing at attention on the drill ground in a brisk California breeze, we heard his command: “Today everybody goes to church—everybody, that is, except for me. I am going to relax!” Then he shouted, “All of you Catholics, you meet in Camp Decatur—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!” A rather sizeable contingent moved out. Then he barked out his next command: “Those of you who are Jewish, you meet in Camp Henry—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!” A somewhat smaller contingent marched out. Then he said, “The rest of you Protestants, you meet in the theaters at Camp Farragut—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!”

 

         Instantly there flashed through my mind the thought, “Monson, you are not a Catholic; you are not a Jew; you are not a Protestant. You are a Mormon, so you just stand here!” I can assure you that I felt completely alone. Courageous and determined, yes—but alone.

 

         And then I heard the sweetest words I ever heard that chief petty officer utter. He looked in my direction and asked, “And just what do you guys call yourselves?” Until that very moment I had not realized that anyone was standing beside me or behind me on the drill ground. Almost in unison, each of us replied, “Mormons!” It is difficult to describe the joy that filled my heart as I turned around and saw a handful of other sailors.

 

        The chief petty officer scratched his head in an expression of puzzlement but finally said, “Well, you guys go find somewhere to meet. And don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!”

As we marched away, I thought of the words of a rhyme I had learned in Primary years before:

 

Dare to be a Mormon;

Dare to stand alone.

Dare to have a purpose firm;

Dare to make it known."

 

James ended by bearing his testimony

 

The Boys are Back!

My boys are back from Zions Camp!

David, Justin, Kirsten, Dave-o and I spent much of the afternoon at Mom and Dad Zinn's house to help with some projects and errands. Throughout the day, David and I kept calling home, anxious for James and Steven's return. It wasn't until 4:45pm that someone picked up the other line. We returned home shortly after. Following our happy reunion, I have had fun listening to all of their tales.

Tales from James of building a go-cart and winning all of the races with his friend Josh; spending three hours doing archery (and wishing it had only been one hour); rock climbing; not gettting much sleep because James' roommate (Matthew) snores; earining his Varsity patch.

Steven chimed in (with his hoarse, scratchy voice) with his own stories. Like, spending time searching for a clean toilet because most of them had "elephant poo" in them; having a strict leader who made the entire group do dishes if one person was late to a class (even 35 seconds late); earning his Swimming, Small Boat Sailing, Pioneering, and Orienteering; eating so much food that he had to loosen his belt; and on one particular night Steven and 5 other boys slept in a 3-man tent because of a spider infestation.

Welcome back boys! We missed you.

Good-bye to my Scouts

I'm not the only one that's going to miss these two boys while they're away at scout camp (Zion's Camp) for the week. Dave-o was beside himself when he learned he couldn't go with them. He even ordered Steven to NOT go.

Have fun James and Steven. I can't wait to hear about your many adventures.

The Story of James's LIFE

Wednesday night James had his board of review for his Life, which his dad got to sit in on. He walked away from that meeting victorious. But, apparently there was a moment in the interview when James wasn't sure he would pass. Bro. Judd (who is a dentist) asked James if he brushed his teeth twice a day, everyday. James honestly answered, no. This was almost a deal breaker. The entire board (including his dad) spent a few minutes hemming and hawing about this dilemma before James realized they were pulling his leg.

I am so proud of James's hard work. He is anxious to begin his Eagle project (once he figures out what it's going to be). His goal is to complete it by the time he's fifteen and a half.

Dear Steven,

Dear Steven,

     You didn't miss out on much while you were away on your scout campout: We raked the leaves, cleaned the house, and counted the number of visits sick Daddy made to the bathroom. While we were thus occupied, you were fighting off raccoons, eating campfire food, playing capture the flag, and building driftwood rafts at Pescadaro Beach. Seems like you got the better end of the deal.

    

     I was a little sad when you refused my "welcome home hug". You explained to me that you were wet and dirty and needed to take a shower right away. But, I would have hugged you regardless of your circumstance. If you had come home covered in poison oak, I still would have hugged you. You're my Steven and I love you! I missed having you around for the 24 hours you were gone. One little boy in particular was VERY happy when you returned home.

*****

This next recipe is new. I tried it for the first time this holiday season and let me tell you, it's a keeper. It is a peppermint hot fudge sauce. I made a few batches of it and bottled the sauce to be given away as gifts to friends and neighbors (and of course we kept some for ourselves).

Rhonda's Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce

Yields 4 cups

Ingredients:

2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. Kosher salt
2 c. heavy cream
1 c. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 t. peppermint extract (substitute vanilla, if you don’t want the mint flavor)

Directions:
In a double boiler (I didn't cook mine in a double boiler) over medium heat stir in cocoa, sugars and salt. Add the cream and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce comes together and is smooth and glossy. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Then, remove the bowl from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the peppermint extract. Store in the fridge and re-heat when ready to use.


Storage notes: This sauce is great to packages in glass jars for gifts. When pouring the sauce from the bowl into the jar it is helpful to use a kitchen funnel if you have one available. This sauce will stay in the fridge for up to two weeks or more.

Serving ideas: In addition to ice-cream, this sauce is excellent drizzled over slices of pound cake, cheesecake or a meringue. The version made with vanilla extract is also delicious served with poached fruit.

Competitiveness

My feelings on competitions are not a mystery to those who know me. Society seems to be toning down on competitive behavior in children. Heaven forbid there be a winner any more. But instead, everyone is presented with a trophy; everyone gets a ribbon. This kind of thinking infuriates me.

Here is a recent example of what I'm talking about. Over the weekend, James went on a stake campout. He met with his scout patrol beforehand where the boys planned meals and made assignments. At this camp out, the stake would be judging each patrol's breakfast. The Zebra Patrol was really creative with their meal. Their fruit dipped in chocolate and caramel fondue and cinnamon twists topped with whipped cream won them first prize. The stake awarded the patrol with a huge bag of candy.

BUT

Their scoutmaster told them that they HAD to share their prize with all the scouts. Are we in America? Why are my children being asked to behave in a communist fashion? They're not going to want to work hard at anything if they know the fruits of their labor will be taken away to be divided amongst others who didn't work hard. That's like David getting a bonus at work but having to divide it equally with his department. Right? Please tell me I'm not alone in my thinking.

Arrow of Light

Yesterday night, our family attended the Blue and Gold Banquet where Steven received his Arrow of Light. Earning the Arrow of Light is a huge achievement! Cub Scouts spend years working on achievements and activities.

Over the past 2 years we have seen a few Arrow of Light ceremonies in this area and have been disappointed. Especially when we have Justin and James' ceremonies to compare it to. Both of theirs were held outdoors around a campfire with the Boy Scout council performing an unforgettable program. James had a really memorable experience. His Webelos Den Leader brought his fire truck and had the boys "cross over" in the cherry picker.

Steven's special moment lasted only seconds. He walked across the bridge where his 11 year old scout leader gave him a Boy Scout book and that was it. Done. Over.

Oh well. I am so proud of Steven for finishing Cub Scouts. He's been attending Boy Scouts for the past 2 months and is loving it.

David holding a tired Dave-o...Me working on a word search.

Kirsten escaping through the hole in the back of the chair. Dave-o loves taking the boys' caps off their heads.

Justin chilling.

My Day

A look into my Wednesday.

The kids did their school.

Dave-o gnawed on wood. James calls him his "toothless beaver".

I took Kirsten to her piano lesson only to find her piano teacher not home.
Don't know what happened there.

Ate lunch (a protein shake).

Raked the leaves off the grass.

Justin came home and found that his Rockets' jersey had FINALLY been delivered.

Kirsten and I embellished her blue shirt using Jessica's tutorial at Craftiness is not an Option. Then, Kirsten rode bikes with her friend Fiona. Fiona made me promise not to take any pictures that showed her missing teeth. It embarrasses her, especially when the kindergarteners stare at her (kindergarteners always stare at the first graders when they walk by).

Then I took Steven to hockey practice and brought home a pizza from the sport's complex
(my favorite pizza ever!)
Steven took a 2 minute shower while we scarfed down the pizza.
I then drove Steven, James, and Justin to scouts/YW.
I came home, put Dave-o to bed, helped Kirsten study her spelling words,
and headed back to the church to pick up my boys.
Now, the kids are in bed and I just finished watching "Throwdown With Bobby Flay"
(I love watching him cook).
At some point I'll go to bed.

Backyard Camping

The YM (scouts) planned a camping trip at Memorial Park in the Redwoods for this weekend. James loves camping and was excited to go, while Justin groaned at the mention of another campout with no intention on going. David planned on going as well so that he could bring Steven along (Steven needed to go on a campout to earn his Webelos Badge.) But, at 2pm I received a call from David telling me that he was sick with a cold and fever. Of course, this meant he wouldn't be able to go, which also meant Steven wouldn't be able to go. He was so disappointed! Steven had been looking forward to this day all week.

I spent a couple of hours getting James ready and then a last minute Justin ready (I'm glad he decided to go). After getting those two off, I was able to focus on making this evening a fun one for Steven.

We made foil dinners and Steven set up the tent with little help from me.

Next, he built a fire in a tin pie pan and we roasted marshmallows while listening to the high school football game that was going on down the street (it is homecoming week at Branham). We could hear the announcer on the loud speaker, the crowd cheering, and the band performing.

Then, Kirsten and Steven excitedly loaded up the tent with their night time necessities and called it a night (and it was only 8pm). We'll see how long they last outside. I have a feeling they'll wander inside sometime before daybreak.

Summertime Cub Scouts

This evening was our pack's end of the summer BBQ/swim party. Justin opted to stay at home. But the rest of us enjoyed the evening, well except for David. He's not thrilled about anything that has to do with scouts these days. I think he's burned out with scouting. I've gotta figure out how to get some pep back into him. Maybe he needs to be called as Scout Master.

We were assigned to bring a dessert. So, I made Whoopie Pies. I didn't get to try one (they disappeared too fast), but I was told they were YUMMY! A similar taste to HoHo's.

Kirsten didn't stay in the water very long. She complained of it being too cold. She was happier once she discovered a big bowl of watermelon.

James had a hard time getting onto this "blob". He kept slipping off. Steven had better success at "sticking" the landing. Must be from his gymnastics skills.

James is finally on. (He and Steven are on the left end.) But as soon as the boys are on, an adult swims underneath and tips them over board. They loved this game!

Steven and James have the Blob to themselves. David chilled out on the grass enjoying his many admirers.

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Best of Show

Steven is my little chef. He loves helping me cook. And he's good at it. His french toast is to die for!

So, you can imagine Steven's delight when it was announced that there would be a cake contest for the Blue and Gold Banquet.

The theme was "American ABC". Steven decided on making a California cake. He cooked it, cut it, frosted and decorated it by himself. As you can see from the picture, it turned out awesome!

The judges agreed and awarded him Best of Show.

A Flop

Pinewood Derby...Just the hearing the name stirs excitement in a young boy's heart (and dads).

It's a chance to dream.
A chance to sketch your dream on paper.
A chance to see your sketch come to life on a little block of wood.
A chance to be funny (last year Steven made a "Monkey in a Barrel" car).
A chance to do a project with your dad while reminding him that it's not HIS car.
A chance to use spray paint all by yourself.
A chance to race your friends.
A chance to win.
A chance to lose.

Yes, it's competitive. But, boys love competition. No matter the out come, they know how to move on. They don't harbor any resentment towards the winners. Boys put it behind them and start dreaming of next year's race.
Well, last night was our pack's pinewood derby.
Boy! Was it a disappointment!
The cubmaster opened the race up to families. Siblings were able to build and compete in the race. David and I were upset! It took the specialness (is that a word?) out of the race.

It gets worse...The "racers" stood in a line and were told that they could race whomever they wanted. The winner of each heat received a star to stick on the bottom of their car. By the way, the judges were two eleven year old boys! After your race, you got right back in line again. Does this make sense?

This wasn't a real pinewood derby race. This was a joke! Little kids were sneaking the star stickers and were seen putting them on their cars. The judges changed towards the end of the race and the new ones didn't know what they were doing. This time they were nine year old girls and they were putting stars on ALL the cars.

What a mess!

It is so hard to watch this happen when I have seen it done the right way.

Steven left the race disappointed. This was he last pinewood derby. And it ended in a FLOP!


By the way...
Our next pinewood derby will be in 8 years! David will have a long break.

Building Wise Men

This is the banner that our Cub Master made for the Los Gatos Christmas parade. The cub scouts from our ward and another ward combined to participate in this parade. Half of the boys rode their scooters while the others raced space rockets on a trailer. Every ten minutes the boys would switch. We got there at 9:15am and left at 1:30pm. It was a long and tiring afternoon, but worth it. While giving me a hug goodnight, Steven said with a tear running down his cheek that he didn't want this day to end. I asked him what had it so special and he said, "The parade."

I need to refer back to the banner. "Building Wise Men who seek Him". Isn't that what this life is all about? I am so thankful that my children have the gospel in their lives and a scout program led by righteous men and women.

Space Derby

Yesterday, Steven participated in his Pack's space derby. In a space derby, scouts fly balsa wood rockets driven by rubber band powered propellers along fishing line. Steven chose to paint his rocket green (no surprise there) with the words "San Jose" written on the side.


Unlike pinewood derbys, many things can go wrong in a space derby. Many of the boy's rockets broke or weren't working properly. Including Steven's. His would stop midway through the race. David finally figured out what was wrong, but by then the race was over and the boys were just racing for fun. Steven received a certificate that said, "Persistant repairs-it paid off!" Steven said he had a great time, so that's all the matters.

Light the Fire Within

James had the opportunity to go to New Scout Day Camp at Boulder Creek, from July 10-12. The Stake Primary organized this activity giving it the theme, "Light the Fire Within". The drive to Boulder Creek is only 50 minutes away, but it is 50 minutes of MISERY. The road was so windy and curvy that James almost threw-up each time he rode on it, which was four times too many. The first day wasn't as fun, but James accomplished a lot. He earned his Fingerprinting Merit Badge and he marked off a few requirements for the First Aid Merit Badge and rank advancement for the Hiking/Orienteering Merit Badge. Some of the fun things James did on the first day were, archery and the "Spirit Station". At the Spirit Station, James earned a bead for every Article of Faith that he was able to recite, which was all 13.

Day 2 was "way funner" as James puts it. He completed his Leatherwork, Basketry, and First Aid Merit Badges. He also did BB guns and archery. This time at the Spirit Station James guessed how many smarties (the candy) was in the jar. His guess was 219 and the actual amount was 215. James won the jar of candy for his troop. At 4:30pm, the fathers came for the overnighter. James' troop, along with the dads, discovered that the Smarties candy had a cool effect when thrown in the fire. They would bubble up and grow, then turn into a black blob. This kept them entertained for quite a while.

The next morning, James and his dad ate pancakes with huckleberry syrup, sausage, fruit, and hot chocolate. This gave them the energy to do the following activities: Archery, BB guns, horseshoes, metal works where they made a bowl, and leatherworks (James made a canoe neckerchief slide and his dad made a bookmark).

It was a great experience for James. He was able earn a lot of merit badges and he had a blast being with his dad. It's not often when he can have one-on-one time with his father.