The busy life of a Cub Scout!

So last week was "the week of the Cub Scout"! Sam had us running non-stop with duties, electives, contests, etc. But what is so great, is that Cub Scout activities are always about something good! Even better, Lily Clare thinks she is a Cub Scout too, so she jumps right in and listens to the lessons and helps Sam with his projects. Giving us a double whammy in the child rearing sector of parenting!

Saturday went a little like this...

At breakfast, we reviewed some electives -- Faith, Cooperation, and Decision-making. We started with reviewing our Faith and how it plays a role in everything else, ie: cooperating with others and making the "right" choices in our actions. We used the ever-popular WWJD (What would Jesus do?) analogy for Sam to use in helping him in making decisions. He (and Lily) thought that was a great trick to help them in the future. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Next, Sam and I headed out for a productive jaunt through the neighborhood. We had advertised to our 'hood that Sam would be collecting food to donate to the local food pantry. We asked that they place food items on their front porch and we would come around to pick it up! (Lily was really bummed that she didn't get to join us.) Using my awesome trait of multi-tasking (yes, I brag), so we decided to pick up food, deliver our popcorn orders and pick-up litter, all at the same time! Off we went!
Ms. Alison is a wonderful neighbor and helps us whenever needed!

"Mom, hurry, this box is heavy!"

First of all, our neighborhood is THE BOMB! They loaded the car down with so much food, it was crazy! And it wasn't the 2 year old can of creamed spinach or the dusty box of tapioca instant pudding, it was peanut butter, canned chicken, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc! Just awesome! And even better, some of the neighbors left little notes of encouragement for Sam, thanking him for his hard work and telling him how proud they were of him! So sweet! The end result...he collected the most food items in his Den and over 10% of what was collected in the Pack, as a whole!

He also delivered his popcorn -- (let me brag, again) ... he was the #1 popcorn salesman in his Den, for the 2nd year in a row! And he picked up a grocery bag full of trash! (This was not his favorite part of our trek.) But he did it all while I drove the car and only assisted! I was so proud of him!



He had a Den meeting on Sunday and a Pack meeting on Tuesday, and that surely earned us -- I mean him- some badges!

CSM (Cub Scout Mom)~
Laurie

Halloween, Part Deux

Two things I forgot to post....

We had our annual neighborhood ladies night Halloween gathering and had a great time! This year, I dug out an old disco outfit from my "Chattanooga Food Bank Disco Cruise" days and attended the party as a Studio 54 VIP! HA!


Can't you just here the Bee Gee's playing in the background?


When we host the Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat Kick-Off party, we have some creative fun for the kids. You know how at Easter kids love to hunt for eggs? Well, we put a little twist on that and have the kids hunt for Body Parts, gummy body parts, that is.

I've done this the past two years and the kids love it! We hide the candies in the front yard and send the kids out to find them. We also hide some larger prizes, too.

Who knew a severed finger or ear could be so much fun!?!?


A little twisted, I know~
Laurie

A little of this and a little of that!

I've really been such a slacker on my blog. We've just gotten into such a schedule, that sitting and typing hasn't really fit in. But I'll try to be better! So here goes...

Halloween was a blast! I just love this holiday, because kids love it and adults can jump right in and get silly, too! I helped with Lily's party at school and the little ones were so precious!
I read a book to her class and look how cute my audience was!!!


We host the neighborhood get together before we head out to trick or treat and it was as fun as always! This year we had the adults dress-up which added some new fun! Here are just a few...

John and I were - can you guess? - Swine Flu!

We had a banker and a T.A.R.P fund!

And some cheerleaders!

And of course the cutest of all....(Yes, that would be Lily Clare with 10 boys. One day she'll love this, right?!!?) Anyone with a 4 year old girl want to move to Alpharetta??? Please?!?!?

And let me brag about our neighborhood kids. Look at how polite and well trained they are. These great kids take their shoes off at the door without being asked! Even on Halloween! Impressive!


We've been enjoying this beautiful Fall weather! But as I type, we were just hit by the heaviest part of "Ida" and lost power for about an hour. However, last week we had some great hiking weather!







Last, but by far not least, on this Veterans Day, a big THANK YOU to all of the service men and women who have given their blood, sweat and tears for our freedom! It is such a privilege to live in this great country and we owe it to these brave men and women! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Playing catch up~
Laurie

P.S. A little gift from God...

Sam's doodles:

At least I know that he's been listening to something in church! (This was his drawing from church this morning.)


(Click on picture for a larger view.)

Proud of my Rembrandt~
Laurie