A Blessing in the Wilderness

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting a lady in my neck of the woods. My mother had told me about this lady, as she figured I might be interested in meeting her, since she had 10 children. I was too insanely busy with my then small family of six children. *smile* So time went by, and I didn't call her. Finally one day, I came across her email address in my mailbox and felt I should email her. So I did.

That was the beginning of a new friendship. Due to her having a baby (#11) and us adopting our girls, we only had a couple visits over the course of the last year. Then about 2 weeks ago, our friendship was revisited, when I ran into a friend of hers here in my town. We got to talking and I decided to email Alice.

But first I should tell you why I connected with this wonderful lady in the first place. I had six children and it is not often you find people that welcome a large family for visiting purposes. When I met Alice, I found her to be easy-going and so encouraging!! She had raised four children to adulthood (responsible adulthood!) and had six more at home, plus she had 2 teenage boys, plus a crowd of little ones. How perfect for me with two big boys and all my little boys! Plus, she homeschooled and most importantly, she shared our faith.

The first time I was to visit her was in the middle of snow season. And out here where I live snow season can mean unplowed roads and very hazardous conditions. But believe me, nothing was going to stop me from visiting a like-minded lady!

I knew I was heading '20 minutes' out on a dirt road, but once I hit the snowy road I had no idea how far 20 minutes was. Twenty minutes is relative to how fast you are driving!! LOL! So I unknowingly shot past her road and headed way too far. On my return trip, I found her road, made the turn and headed up the very deep snowy hill in my minivan. I quickly realized I would not make it, so backed down the hill with the intent of going at a quick lick back up the hill. I successfully backed myself into the side of the road - into a 3' high snowdrift. My bumper got wedged and my rear right wheel was off the ground! Oh yeah!

So, I spent the next hour or more digging with sticks and putting branches under my car trying to get out. Once out, there was no way, no matter how determined I was to meet this lady, to go up that hill again.

Sad to say, that was a year ago, and it was a further 12+ months before I had the opportunity to attempt that road again.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. I contacted Alice and she immediately invited me over on the Thursday. I piled the kids in my husbands 4x4 and headed out on the snowy roads. Yes, here we are again at the most inopportune time to drive the roads, but I was excited! So off we went.

As I headed out on the directions she had given me, I suddenly realized she had given me the '20 minutes on the dirt road' information again. Oh no! What was 20 minutes!! LOL!! Thankfully, I was a little more familiar and we did fine. It was actually 14 km to her turn, and I made sure to let her know, as she was not aware of this. I figured it might save further pioneers who were coming her way. *grin*

For the first time I headed up the little road off the main road. It didn't take me long to realize I was going to have to boot it up the hill and not stop! The road was only as wide as my truck; where was I going to go if a car/truck came from the opposite direction? If I had gone inches to the left or right I would end up in the snowdrift!

This is the more widened out part of the road. This is one car wide. Some of it through the woods is even tighter!

I got to Alice's and we had a wonderful visit. It turns out that every Thursday three other ladies descend upon Alice with their children. Between all of us there are a possible 21 children! Most times I will only be bringing one of my oldest children, and often Alice's boys are tied up also. Minus a wee baby the rest of the children are equally shared out boys and girls from 4 - 12! It is wonderful!

The children played for two hours, while we mums sat and chatted homeschooling, adoption, and parenting. It was so refreshing. And the wonderful thing is this is a home where the conversation is uplifting, because as you know too often when you get a bunch of women together the gossip can begin to fly. Not so here! It was an absolute blessing!

To top it off there were three children with birthdays that week! My son did not come, so he was not part of the party, but two children turned 4 and 8, so we had cake and icecream. You would not believe how calm and well-behaved this crowd of fifteen children were. So pleasant!

Part of the Drive to the Wilderness Encouragement Meeting

You should see the wonderful splashes when we drove through these 'puddles'. We had to drive fast, cause I was not planning on getting stuck! When we got home, Ray saw his truck and said, "I see your mum has been mud-bogging!" And guess what? Tonight he arrived home with his truck nice and clean and I said, "What were you thinking? I am going to Alice's tomorrow!" LOL!!

Anyhow, the following week, Alice decided to do Purim. None of us are Jewish, but as Christians we can certainly appreciate the meaning of this special celebration. Alice did a fabulous job of telling the Bible story (complete with props) of Queen Esther, with evil Haman, and good Uncle Mordecai. The children had the fun of booing and shaking shakers everytime Haman's name was mentioned.

My Sweet Little Niece Standing in the Middle
(she was visiting that week)

Me with my "twins" in the Far Corner, and my sister, in the chair with her older daughter.


After the story, we had the Purim feast! And at Purim you are supposed to eat, eat, eat, and drink, drink, drink. So we did! And the children loved having their seconds and perhaps thirds? Icecream sundaes, brownies and icecream, white cake, Purim cakes, and my good old *not* Purim food, Rice Krispie squares. Next year, I'll be a little more traditional. *smile*

The children also were encouraged to dress up as any of the characters if they wanted to. They have a Little House on the Praire cabin (as do we!) and a tee pee, (which we also used to have!), and the children all enjoy dressing up. So I have asked for a sewing machine for my birthday. I own one from my highschool graduation, but it is rather decrepit and on it's last legs, so it is time for a new one. I already own a serger, which I took in this week to get an overhaul on (due to small boys fiddling with it when it was in the attic).

We shall be beginning to sew, so that we can make costumes! Little House dresses, Indian costumes, Daniel Boone costumes, Pilgrims and Settlers. What fun! And I know that all my children will want to sew, so we are going to have fun!
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My Little Worker Bees

When the big boys are away the work falls more to the little ones. Training them up early is something I have long believed in. Way back to when Colt was tiny. And it is certainly paying off! I no longer cook seven days a week. I now cook twice a week! Love it!

Making a Blueberry Crumble

Cooper (6) and Austin (9) made the complete dinner on Saturday. Austin made the stroganoff and then proceeded to teach Cooper how to peel potatoes. So now, Cooper is the potato peeler on Saturday to go along with Austin's stroganoff. He is very proud to be able to be Austin's helper!

It is very important to teach children skills because they so want to help! If you harness this desire when they are young and willing, they will learn so many skills! And before you know it, by the time they are thirteen and wanting to do other things, they have learned all the basics to run a home: run a washing machine and dryer; cook a number of decent meals; bake cookies, muffins, breads; mop, vacuum, and thoroughly clean bathrooms and so much more.

My children enter their kitchen 'real' cooking training by the time they are nine and by the time they are fifteen they could feed a family and run their own home. And by this time, they have begun working for their dad learning all about construction. They begin in this trade slowly with a few hours here or there from the age of 11 on.

By eighteen, our son will be able to build a house on his own. My husband recently said that he works better than most men he knows. And this word of appreciation is not just spoken by my husband, but by every man who has worked with Colt. So, by the time the boys are leaving home they have a trade to fall back on from all the years on the construction sites.

On our Saturday clean, the children work hard and most of the house is cleaned by them. They all have their areas and know how to do them well. Because they have worked on their designated rooms for so many months, I no longer have to guide them through the work. I simply tell them what needs to be done and then check on them.

Cleaning the Painting Easel

Raine is my main laundry lady. She is the Laundry Boss. She already knows how to load the machine with her clothes, add the correct amount of soap and run the washer and dryer. She takes her job seriously and her little sister is a great assistant. When it comes to laundry folding, Cooper, Savannah, and sometimes Briton, work with her.


She wears the title Laundry Boss with great pride. She even has her baseball cap with the words "The Boss" on it. There is such a difference between boys and girls!! I go and answer the phone and come back to find two little girls folding laundry, so nicely. And then I see the boys. Oh, but I heard them, while I was on the phone! They were romping and wrestling and carrying on!

And of course, a pair of ripped underwear makes a great object to dress up in, doesn't it!

Makes a Great Mask!

Notice the Two Diligent Workers Behind the Cadet?

Cooper is such a little gentleman! He saw his sister beginning to carry the vacuum up to her bedroom and he immediately jumped in and offered to carry it for her.
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Readers

I Love to See My Boys Reading.

Where Did They Go?

Of course, they hate to see my camera. They know it means: BLOG!
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Seat Anyone?

Ever since the girls came the boys have had to learn to eat in limited space. They all keep their left hand on their lap and eat with their right hand. There simply isn't space for two arms on the table! And noone complains (except the two older ones) about having someone's elbow in their space! *smile*

The little ones are so great at adapting to all the new rules that have had to take place in our home. I used to be an unstructured, no routine type person. I have had to adapt. And amazingly, it didn't kill me! I am actually surviving and even thriving on it!
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Winter!

The other day, Savannah said to me, "Snow go up, rain come down. I want grass." I agree! As much as I love the winter when I have my woodstove going, I will be glad of grass because it means school is out, road trips can happen, and the days are warm!

Here are the kids on a recent day outside. There is no keeping them in. They will go out in -15 and be happy! They are so active with sledding and running around playing 'snow gorillas', building snowmen and just rolling in the snow. If it were just my three boys they could never keep themselves occupied for so many hours, but with the girls to play with it adds new dynamics.
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Goofy Twins

Yes, I know they don't look like twins, but they are my twins! When we were first referred Savannah, she was about 4" taller than Briton. She has been shooting up and he has been creeping up and now they are about 6" apart in height.

They are only two months apart in age 'legally', and honestly, developmentally, Savannah is behind Briton in many ways and ahead of him in others. So, twins they are!

One day, they came in the kitchen and this is what I found.

Briton Sporting His Self-Hair Cut

This is an example of the silly antic Briton gets up to. He had taken his stickers and stuck them to Savannah's eyes. He then proceeded to stick his eyes shut, too.


They then walked around the kitchen pretending they couldn't see walking into everything. A couple of clowns!

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About Thank Yous

I have noticed something interesting in the last few weeks. Actually, it has probably been longer than that. When we brought our girls home from Ethiopia their manners were *impeccable*. I was astounded how polite they were. Everything and anything you gave them, helped them with, or complimented them on, got a 'Thank you'. Not so now. For a long while there, I thought it was due to the fact that they were being inundated with learning. Everyday there were new things going into their heads and they had enough to do keeping all that straight. So I let it go, but did correct them.

But then a couple weeks ago, I realized that things were not improving. I was reminding them, but they were still extremely sloppy in their manners. To the point of rude. They would be at church and Raine, who is very comfortable around people, would be told how pretty her hair looked, and she would simply not acknowledge the person had even spoken to her. In the early days, she would have been quick to thank the person.

Then in the last week, Ray and I were watching and thinking about this. And we noticed that Raine learns extremely fast. One day I was showing her that we don't say, "Savannah and me," we say, "Savannah and I," and she absorbed it. From that *one* lesson I have never seen her make a grammar error again with regards to the use of 'I' or 'me'. I can't say the same for any of my boys! That is the way she learns: like a sponge.

So then, what was the problem with the manners? We talked about it with them and nothing improved. Then yesterday, a light went on. I think I figured out why they had moved from the camp of 'so grateful' for anything we gave them to 'not even acknowledging: help, compliments, or items'. They have too much! Think about it.

Ever since they have arrived in Canada, they have received what they need or possibly don't need, but would like. They know no hunger, no broken toys, no torn clothes. They know donuts, and cupcakes, and toys galore - birthdays happen nearly monthly in our house. In the months of October - January - we had Raine, Savannah, Cooper, Cassidy, and Briton's birthdays, plus St. Nicholas Day, Christmas Eve with immediate family gifts, Christmas Day with extended family gifts, and Boxing Day with other family!!

That is so much receiving!! I was SO THANKFUL that there would be no more gifts aimed directly at the girl's for another nine months. In the 4 months they had been home they had received so much stuff it wasn't funny.

Now, in the scheme of things - if they had lived here for years, it wouldn't have seemed like a lot. But given, they had never received before, it was an overload!

And now let's look at the other side of the page. The other night, I came home from my Ladies Bible Study and Cooper came downstairs. It was 9:45 so he should have been asleep. He needed a drink of water. I noticed he was wearing the bottom half of an Ethiopian boys outfit. I wondered why. So I asked him. He told me he didn't have any pajamas. (OKAY - BIG DISCLAIMER HERE: He does have pajamas, but he doesn't have six complete sets like the girls each have! And his were probably in the laundry. He has your typical assortment of odd tops and bottoms that happen when you are the sixth child in a line of boys!! LOL! But he does get new jammies at Christmas and they are always a treat.)

Well, I showed him how God knew his needs (even before I did!) and that night a friend had sent home a small bag full of pajama bottoms for a little boy. Two of the pairs were just his size. He was thrilled and grinned so big. Little kids faith is SO BIG if you just show them how God loves them!! He scooted off to bed in his new pajama bottoms.

Then early the next morning, while I was still in my room putting on my makeup, I heard a little tap at my door. "Mummy, can you let me call Jacob's mum to thank her for the pajamas?"

It took me a while to finally get the call in, as I was so busy. But he would not let me forget. He constantly reminded me. That is a grateful heart! And that is the same little boy who wears flowers on his snowsuit *grin*.

So when I realized why the girls were probably not grateful anymore, it made sense. They just (possibly subconsciously) figured that if something breaks - we replace it. If we need something - we buy it. If we want something - we go and get it. Or for instance, cupcakes and muffins and cookies are a regular treat to them. What is regular? For them, they didn't have it before, so having it twice a week is regular. More is even better. For our boys, they are used to healthy snacks - buns and cheese and fruit. So when big brother bakes for them and makes them angel food cake with pink icing, just because it is Valentine's Day, they are so thrilled and show it. Because it is not every day!

It is not a 'problem'. It is simply that the girls have become accustomed to always getting. And that truly is not what life is like in our house. Our kids get presents at Christmas and birthdays - twice a year. They get clothes new for church and hand-me-downs for play. When Gramma brings croissants or baked goodies - it is a squealing even from the little ones.

It was time to show them what real life was like. So I sat down and talked to them about this. Raine clearly understands when I explain things to her. I pointed out that Daddy has one job and eight children and things aren't always new and we are thankful for what we have and we need to express our thanks. She was quick to tell me that Cooper had 'broken' knees in his jeans. Yes, I told her, and some of the sleeves of his playclothes have a little tatter to the edges. (But for all you concerned people - *smile* - they always go to Church and town looking tidy and respectable and with no holes or tatters. But playclothes do NOT get thrown if they get tattered.)

The next day, the kids were outside sledding and there was a discussion about the fact that they only had two sleds left. The other discs had been broken. They have been on that hill for the last 3 months solid! Hours each day. And so the sleds are slowly biting the dust. I thought they had another one, so I told them to go look for. The boys told me it was in the garbage. Well, I had seen them using a 3/4 sled before, so I knew that broken or otherwise, it would still work. I then took this opportunity to tell the girls that we can't just buy more because it is broken. There is not always money when things break, so they have to take care of their things. That was the end of it. I went back in the house and thought nothing more. There were four kids and they were sharing two sleds.

The next thing I see is Cooper snowboarding down the hill on a FOURTH of a sled!!! Talk about creative!! I was so impressed with his snowboarding abilities!! LOL! Dane said we would have to put him in snowboarding next! Soon enough I saw Raine out there crouching down low as she was taking the hill on the 1/4 sled! Good for her! And a little later, I saw them with some old skiis that were on the way to the dump - they were bottom skiing on one ski down the hill. But they were having fun!

I really think that the manners will return now that we have talked, and now that I am pointing out to them that real life in Canada is not about getting, getting, getting. It is about looking after what you have and not necessarily replacing it when it wears out, or down. And it is being grateful when God meets your needs! And Raine has also now had her eyes opened to the fact that they boys don't have all new things. And she shows understanding and appreciation for that fact.

Update: Within 24 hours of talking to the girls I saw an *amazing* turn around!! Every single time they are assisted or given something they are so quick to show appreciation. Simply a smile and thanks.

An interesting side lesson that came from all this was for Dane. He had made a comment a few times about only wanting a couple kids so he could give them what they want and they wouldn't have to go without because of having too many siblings. Me explaining to him that the pleasure that I got buying an old bike and reburishing it for Colt's 5th birthday far surpassed any pleasure I got from buying a new bike at the store, didn't sink in. He didn't 'see it'. It wasn't his lesson.

So this week Dane and I were able to observe the difference in receptive attitudes in children. Don't get me wrong: Raine is a wonderful little girl. It was simply circumstance that took away her grateful heart. It was not her fault *at all*.

But at the same time, he was able to observe Cooper's absolute joy and gratefulness over a new pair of second-hand pajama bottoms versus the girls' lack of response to acts of service directed at them, things given to them, or compliments. Dane tells me he now can see what I was saying before. That there really is more joy in not having everything - because it gives your child beautiful character qualities that they might otherwise not have if they take everything for granted.

And just so there is no misunderstanding here: I am talking about simple manners, not about a child being grateful that we give her food when she might otherwise not have any in Ethiopia. Simple manners that you would expect from any of your children.

Update: (This post was written about 2 weeks ago and scheduled to post today. Since that simple talk I have seen a *huge* improvement. The girls are back to their wonderful manners. And the funny thing is that at first when they began using their manners again, they were *so* enunciated it was weird! LOL!! Like: THANK YOU, Mummy! Done in a very artificial loud way. Soon, they reevolved into simple: Thanks, Mummy. Thank you. Very naturally spoken. It is amazing how every day is a learning experience for all of us!
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District Science Fair

We headed out to the District Science Fair bright and early Thursday morning. The roads were so slick and we saw ambulances, fire trucks and even an overturned truck. There was no way I was driving home again, especially after our near car accident the night before. So I hung around the science fair for the day. Turns out I wasn't the only parent - most of them did, since the children came from a 1-2 hour radius around the town we were in.

Cassidy set up his display and I knew from the displays I saw setting up that he was in for some serious competition. Cassidy's display ended up being on the same table as the other boy from the town school. As it turned out, they sent six groups of kids: two from each grade - the gold and silver winners. Cassidy was only one of two groups that didn't go as a two student team.

The itinerary of the day was that the students from that school would walk around the gym for an hour and see and then the kids would have a break. After this, the judging would begin. I had no idea how long the judging would take. I knew that they said they needed 2 hours. When I came back from my lunch break, I found one of the judges with Cassidy.

It turned out that there were nine judges and each display was judged by three judges. Each of these three judges spent 20-30 minutes with the student! Talk about nerve racking! The judge above came over to me when he had finished speaking to Cassidy, and as he walked towards me, I thought something must be wrong from the look on his face because he was staring at me so intently!

As he walked up to me, he began talking. If I seem like I am bragging. Sorry. I was just *so incredibly* overwhelmed at his comment when he walked away that my heart swelled. Cassidy worked *so* hard for 10 days on this display, and then took the last judges suggestions and did what they said for another two days, and so I felt the comment was well earned. So I want to share it with my friends.

"It's *fantastic*! He has *everything*. He hasn't forgotten anything! I haven't seen a display like this for a long, long time! Usually when you see a board that is this complete you know the parents have done the display, but after talking to Cassidy I can see that he has done the lion's share of the work."

When they handed out the awards, Cassidy earned Gold in his catagory of Physical Science, and Bronze for Overall. He was very surprised to get the Overall Bronze!


This means that he will now go on to the Regional competition in three weeks. This is a three day competition a few hours from where we live. The only unfortunate thing is that no matter how well Cassidy does, he cannot go on to the National competition because he is not old enough. They have to be in Grade 7, and Cassidy is in Grade 6. But what is meant to be, is meant to be.

Later on, after the award's ceremony, this same judge that spoke to me earlier, came up to me and told me that Cassidy would do 'very, very well at Regionals'. I have no idea how he will do, but it sure was a vote of confidence.

The judges told Cassidy that they felt he needed to do a third trial. Not something that Cassidy was hoping to hear! But we both knew that given his results, it really made sense to do the third test. So that was what he did for the next three days. Another near 5000 photos and then rewriting his conclusion, results, and graphs!

For those that have emailed or commented asking regarding his conclusion:

AA Energizer Lithium is the best buy. It is competitive in price, lasts a minimum of 4 times longer than AA Energizer Max Alkaline, has a longer shelf-life, is very lightweight, can be used in extreme temperatures, and is environmentally friendly. So we will continue to only buy Lithium. But be warned. When you get the low battery symbol your batteries will die very quickly. So have a second set on hand.
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The Demise of the Blue Bullet

Austin and Cassidy got a fish each about 3 months ago. They were so excited. It was a long time asking for a pet and finally, I said yes. I just didn't need anything else in my life that required me checking up on them!

About a week ago, Briton put playdough in Cassidy's fishbowl and we knew it had to be cleaned out right away or it might die. Cassidy was not at home, so I asked Austin if he would be so kind as to take care of the situation. He gladly did.

A little while later, he immerged from the bathroom carrying Cassidy's fishtank. He looked rather morose and I asked him what was wrong. He mumbled through near tears, "My fish is dead."

When I saw his sad little heartbroken face, I almost cried. It wasn't just a fish. It was Austin's Blue Bullet. So sad!

I was surprised. The Betta fish are supposed to last up to six years! I asked him what happened and he told me that for the first time ever, he did his fish tank wrong. He put both the fish into a bowl of water, and it was not the water from the tank. It was fresh water. And it was too hot.

When he went to get his fish out he saw that it was not moving and knew that it had died. He raced to rescue Cassidy's fish, and he was able to save it. The way he said it so earnestly broke my heart! I could just see him frantically trying to save the other fish, before it was too late.

I didn't know what to do, so I took the bowl into the bathroom with him and asked him what he wanted to do. He said he didn't know. I suggested (quite delicately, as I wasn't sure how he would receive this idea) that we could perhaps send the fish down the toilet out to the ocean? What did he think?

Thankfully, in his sweet little mind, he figured the pipes went right to the ocean and he told me, "And he will sink to the bottom of the ocean."

Okay, so he slowly tipped him into the toilet and pushed the handle. There went Blue Bullet. It was rather a weird moment. It was only a fish, but yet, it was a pet, and the only other pet we had buried was a dog, and I know that dog or fish - they are still special to children's hearts.

Yesterday, Austin came to me and told me that his dad was going to town. Could he go and get a new fish? He was home soon after, very excited with Blue Two - his new Betta fish. We survived our first fish fatality!


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Skiing 2009

I took the boys skiing for the first time this year. It was a blast!!

My Boys

I took Cooper, Austin, Cassidy, Dane and Colt. I didn't want to take the girls until next year when they were stronger and ready for a long, cold day on the mountains. I knew that the boys would tough it out and didn't think the girls would be ready for it. Briton might have been and if it weren't for the girls, I would have taken him this year. I might try him in March if I go again. But then I have to be willing to hang on the bunny hill and I'm not sure if I want to do that this year, given Ray won't be there to help with the other kids.

The girls looked at all the pictures and said they want to wait til next year. Raine is not sure about the little sticks you have to ski on; Savannah is pretty interested - tough girl that she is! *smile*

Big Brother Helping

I left the younger 3 at home with Ray. I was impressed how fast Cooper got up on the blue hills!


The green are the easiest hills and they still require the big 3 seat chair lift to get up there. It was a challenge moving myself forward and getting him in line for the chair before it swung around the corner to scoop us up!

Top of the Mountain

All morning, Austin was bugging me to take them on the blue hills. I thought Cooper and Austin weren't ready for those, so I waited til after lunch. One green run, and then I said Yes! Well, that was a blast!


Colt and Dane spent most of the day off on their own, and Cassidy hung with me a fair bit. At first, I allowed him to go with the big boys, but later realized he was not in their level, so he was not having much fun.

Later on, we were all skiing together. That is what I love about skiing. It is such a family event!! Cooper, being so small, had no fear and would just listen to my direction and follow me down the hill, zig-zagging as we went.

Zipping Down the Mountain

Before long, he was down at the base waiting at the chair lift before I even got there!!! That reminded me of the days of skiing with Colt when he was 4 years old. He always beat me down, too!

Waiting For Mum

Cassidy, was more cautious. But I should have realized this would be the case because he was always a cautious child in anything! But he had lots of fun anyways. We will be going skiing again, tomorrow. I am hoping to go weekly til the end of the season.


We had so much fun that we went again the following week. This time, Cassidy had improved hugely, which was wonderful. I didn't have the bigger boys, so it was a bit of a challenging day keeping everyone together.


At one point, I didn't collar Cooper as I slid off the chair lift, and as I turned around (once I was off the lift) I saw him dropping to the ground from the now rising and returning chair lift. His skiis dropped off and Mr. Cheerful took it like a pro: Up he got and off he skiied with a smile.
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Breaking for Lunch

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Sledding With Auntie

I am very blessed that my sister was so thrilled to be getting nieces. At Christmas time, she was a great sport and went sledding with the kids off of our picnic table. I tried it a few times and it wasn't the most comfortable ride!!

Granny Launching the Kids on the Sleds

They're Off

Zooming

And Crashing

The Girls Wanted to Sled With Auntie...

"Iiieeyy", She Screamed

Ummmph! She Landed

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Boys in the Kitchen

This is what happens when you put a 15 year old boy, who is interested in the military in the kitchen chopping onions. He was so excited to buy this gas mask and I asked him, "WHERE will you use it?"

He told me that he would use it on Cadet exercises. Fine. Whatever. Then one day, he is cooking dinner and he has to do onions, so he went and got it.

So, when your son wants to buy a gas mask, you will have no reason to say no. He can become your Onion Chopper.

Oh, and this is what they do between stages in the recipe: Pushups.

What is it about 15 year old boys? They hit 15 and suddenly they have this drive to be fit! I hear beepers going off in my house and the next thing I know I see a boy dropping here or there doing sit-ups or push-ups! Regularly!

But it pays off. Colt got accepted into Para - this is a military program that runs through Cadets. Only the top 20 most physically fit Cadets in each province get chosen for the Spring Training. From Spring Training, they choose 5 cadets and those five go on to the Para program in the summer where they go to Ontario for six weeks. They will be training with the Military and learning Paratrooping maneauvers! How cool is that!

So I guess dropping and doing push-ups in my kitchen, while cooking, has its pluses. *smile*
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