the making of men
On 4 October, 2010 by Allison Krug With 2 Comments
- events
We went out on a bike/run on base – looking for mud puddles. I have a cold still, but we needed some action. It’s Fall break – time for mischief! It turned out to be a day of pursuing all things “P” – puddles, plover (a bird friend who is back from Alaska), and perseverance. We are all a bit tired still, hard to do what is usually easy for us, but perseverance is one of those traits that is even more important than book knowledge. We know that as parents, but the research says so, too. So there are occasionally opportunities to really feel perseverance in a tangible way. Today offered one of those times. We studied this log, tried it, wiped out, got frustrated, studied some more, built up the dirt ramps together, and went at it again. We prevailed! Mommy even tried it on Sam’s bike and wiped out, too – much to the amusement of the boys 🙂
We had a great time together exploring, then lunch at Gourmet Delight (remember us joking about that place? such a funny name for a place that serves hot dogs and bagels!), and a quick shopping trip to resupply paper towels and napkins – items which had been depleted mopping up the slipperies of last week. We also talked about interpersonal relations a bit – studying how other kids interact with us, how it makes us feel, how we can be thoughtful leaders who care about others and inquire about them (vs the usual me-oriented diatribes which are so prevalent among the kindergarten crew).
And lastly we worked on our running stride a bit – for young men in the making, it’s all about comparing who’s fastest on the playground, who is strongest, etc. While Sam is not often the fastest, he’s usually the strongest. We discussed how one person is not usually everything – fastest, strongest, smartest. We can appreciate all kinds of people and all kinds of God-given gifts if we are observant and not me-oriented. (Sam typically just stands there and watches, waiting for the kids to stop talking and telling all their stories, then goes on about his business.) So it was a great day to spend together with no school. So often parents dread vacations – what to do with the kids!? on a rainy day especially! I am so thankful for the five years I’ve had with Sam – lots of time to enjoy the pursuit of adventure, not dread the expanse of time. You can’t get it back. Tonight we enjoyed looking at pictures together – the boys laughed at laughed at Sam’s faces below 😉
Looking good so far... We are out muddin' around base. Have colds, but need air.
Now click on this one to see the face - he already knows how this will end!
Oh boy! He's getting his "landers" out and ready! Click on this one for more face!
Hi Ali,
I’m finally taking the opportunity to say “Hello.” Our husbands were both stationed on the Stennis (I think we met once) and we have mutual friends in Jenni J., Rebecca S. & Angela T. A few months ago I stumbled upon your Outdoor Ohana site and subsequently found your blog.
I am a mother of 2 boys myself; 3 years and 1 year old. I lament over the exact issues you’ve outlined both here and in earlier posts yet have found myself quite alone in this discussion. Your thoughts have validated my own and I just wanted to take the time (finally) to say “Thank you.”
You’ve an excellent blog, wonderful family, and are an exceptional mother/wife/woman!
So glad you’re all on the upswing :).
What meaningful feedback from Lehua! And what a great post, AGAIN. Amazing pictures of Sam’s jump and face. Loved it all.