School Music Program

May 9, 2014: This little scout rocked today at the school music program. The excitement floated all through the auditorium as the large crowd of 3rd graders got ready to start their music program. There are no words to describe the amazing job the very talented music teacher did with the kids. From the musical instruments, to the choir, to the solo singers, to the kids with speaking parts (some of which were very difficult lines), it was outstanding. The applause at time were so loud that it was difficult to hear the children sing. It was definitely a night to remember by teachers. parents, and students. Great job 3rd graders!

 

The Girls Scouts Make New Friends

May 1, 2014: The Girl Scouts were invited to take part in a meeting with other Girls Scouts. As Brownies, they taught Daisies what to expect. They also had the opportunity to talk to Juniors to get a glimpse of what they will do once they become Juniors. The large group of girls exchanged thoughts and experiences followed by some games outdoor including Tug-a-War. Their meeting culminated with the girls sharing their favorite part of the day and  doing the friendship circle. There is no better time as a girl than that shared with friends. And there is no better time as a parent than that of seeing how her little girl interacts, laughs, and shares a fun moment with old and new friends.

Scouts Lead the American Anthem for the TCU vs. OU Basketball Game

March 1, 2014 - Our Cub Scout Pack was invited to lead the American Anthem at the TCU vs. OU Women's Basketball game. From our large pack only a few scouts attended; but those that did were some proud scouts. As Pack 1993 was being announced over the loud speakers, the scouts marched to the court, saluted the American flag, and sang with pride. Later they joined the adults and siblings at their seats to enjoy the game. Of course, the game would have not been the same without popcorn and a large souvenir cup from the TCU Team. Kaylee met one of the cheerleaders and after a short one-on-one lesson, she determined she would not be a cheerleader, ever ... flexibility may be an issue. After half time our bellies were very clear in announcing some serious food was in order; so we left and indulged way more than we should have. Final score: 76 TCU and 66 OU. Way to go Horned Frogs!

An Author Visits the Scouts

May 5, 2014: On this day we had the privilege to have the very talented author Edward Moldenhauer of the series Spin the Globe: The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom visit our scouts.  His series consist of fact-based books where children have the opportunity to learn about different parts of the world through the amazing adventures of Frederick. To learn more about Mr. Ed and his books visit his site here.

Mr. Ed captured the children's attention with his age appropriate presentation and props. He read a portion of his first book Dreamtime in Alice Springs and welcomed questions and comments from the children throughout. The kids were engaged and enjoyed every moment!

Water Fun After Community Service

April 27, 2014 - What happens the day after the school carnival? The school playgrounds get very, very dirty ... and a very, very dirty playground is not the best playground for kids. So, what better service project for scouts than to clean up on a Sunday afternoon. After the scouts (boys and girls alike) spent nearly one hour picking up popped balloons, lollipop sticks, and candy wrappers, they all loaded their water guns and blasted everyone who got in their way, even adults (okay, specially adults) were soaked by the time it was time to go home. Another day of fun! 

Carnival and The Navy / USS Constitution

April 26, 2014 - This Saturday started at 8:00 a.m. at the little scouts' school to help prepare for the school carnival. After this mom scout spend over 4 hours separating and bagging carnival tickets in company of another scout mom with coffee and pleasant conversations, I headed home to get the kids ready for; of course, the school carnival. Once there, the kids had a blast, going from bounce house, to hamster ball, to games, to petting zoo, to hair painting (some of which may just have to grow out) ... a good time was had by all. Best part for me was bidding on this awesome basket with camping supplies (one of the many different themed baskets); worse part ... I was outbid. There is always next year!

Two and half hours later and a few dollars spent, I dropped off Kaylee at her friends house for a birthday party. Dylan was instructed to stay home with dad and get ready for yet another event. Shortly after I got home; which was no more than 20 minutes after I went to drop off Kaylee, we headed out to the Pack meeting. This was one amazing experience for both the scouts and the parents. We had the privilege to be part of an amazing presentation performed by some outstanding U.S. Navy Soldiers part of the USS Constitution. After a reenactment created by a sailor soldier (also an Eagle Scout) involving all scouts and parents,  a group of Explosive Ordinance Disposal Navy Soldiers demonstrated the use of a robot and the equipment they use to perform their job safely. The scouts had the opportunity to control the robot and try on some of the equipment. An amazing experience for sure!
After the Scout Pack Meeting, we picked up Kaylee and headed to eat something. This day ended with some very exhausted scouts.

The Scouts Camp for the Weekend

April 4-6, 2014 - The scouts camp out for the weekend, and what a weekend it was! 

First to the GIRLS Camp out: Kaylee and her friend Rylee with her mom and myself were truly roughing it this weekend. At Stevens Ranch, we enjoyed a weekend full of fun activities together with over 200 other ladies. From playing games, to singing, to hiking, to eating, to enjoying a fire circle, to making new friends, we had a blast. Our sleeping tent was just awesome! (Really, I want to have one just like it on my backyard.) No electricity, no plugs to charge my phone, no heater, no five star hotel; just nature. A weekend away from city lights and without technology, It was marvelous! What we did not enjoy was the very cold weather. We should have known that Texas weather is crazy, and even though it was 80+ degrees the week prior, the temperatures manage to drop to the 40+ that weekend. Top that with plenty of rain and thunder. It was nature at its best. The latrines were also another of our not so favorite thing, but they did the trick. Despite the cold weather we were not prepared for, the girls had a great time and we are all looking forward to the next camping event.

Now the BOYS: Angel and Dylan set up the tent on our backyard and camped out there the entire weekend. They built a fire, cooked their hot dogs and kept their beverages out in a cooler, made s'mores, told stories, and they too enjoyed two cold nights under the rain. They both had so much fun that they too were planning their next camping event when we (the girls) got home from our camp site. Sadly, there are not very many pictures of Dylan because I took the camera and dad used his cell phone for very few pictures.

During our camp outs we learned that:

• We must be better prepared for the weather. (Perhaps if I would have looked ahead at what the weather was going to be like, we would have had a better chance of being warm. Live and learn!)
• Don't always expect to be in a cabin, be prepared to be in a tent without electricity (honestly this was the most fun, and if I had a choice I would do it just like that again)
• Hiking socks and shoes are always best for camp outs
• Not being able to shower the entire weekend is really not a big deal (it makes you appreciate that hot shower at home so much more)
• Camp food is great when you are starving (this too helps you appreciate home cooked meals; but better yet, we all learned to eat what is available and even try a new food)
• Camping is just a must, it is fun for the entire family

Camping must go on!