Fun stuff in our house these last 2 weeks. Christmas has come and gone...so this is after Christmas stuff. Shane was called as the Scout Master (again...i think he should have never been released from this calling, he is just that good at it)
For those who dont know the Latter-day Saint church is parting ways with the Boy Scouts starting in 2020. So we have a ward full of boys who need to do some merit badges to work their way to Eagle. So to get everything started there were 2 weeks off of school and we had them come over...merit badges have been underway....so a few things I have heard/learned
1) apparently whomever has the worst fart is the best...the worst fart goes to Eli who weighs all of 80lbs soaking wet...apparently he does a fine job.
2) They are playing a game and one of the boys walks through the house and says "I am scared to death and I love this, this is the best time ever!!!"
3) Nerf gun wars are amazingly fun apparently....and I am the queen of the house as the nerf wars stop when i walk through.
4) my daughters have gotten up every morning and fed 5-8 boys...One boy looks at Laura and says thank you....Laura says food is the way to a mans heart (or a woman), Chalk(yes that is his name) says with batting eyes "Laura you are in my heart always" (this kid is hilarious and one of the best kids i know)
5) Scripture time with boys is interesting especially when they are from all different backgrounds. We have done scriptures every night, they are smart and know what they are reading, its impressive.
These boys come from all backgrounds one has a mother who is very ill, another has parents who struggle, another is learning there is a different life outside of his home and learning new skills, another is quite and sweet and amazing to talk too. Has there been some trial in all of this time? Sure one boy had to learn that yelling is not how you are going to be heard, you can talk in our home and know you will be heard. You can say what is bothering you and we will talk it through. One boy has learned that his family is very different from ours, not in a bad way just different we have discussed the importance of talking with parents, of staying true to the rules of his home even when away. Another boy does not like to talk much but had to learn i was not going to respond if he doesnt talk.
Merit badges help them learn about what they may want to be, one boy said i hope i can be a firefighter when i grow up, the next day he wanted to be a construction worker, we talked about the pros and cons of those jobs and what education would be needed. One boy told me about his desire to grow mushrooms and learn more about the outdoors. He is a boy who never talks and comes from a big family, what a pleasure to listen to his thoughts.
Now they will go home and they will possibly remember these 2 weeks of time. I made a comment on facebook about having the boys over and a man (awe he is a man now) responded to me about the time when Shane was his Scout Master wayyyy back when we first were married. I think we had 3 kiddos at that point so at least 18 years ago...his comment was about a story Shane told on their camp out. That man is a hero to me as he is a Marine and has served tours of duty. I would like to think he remembers those times to make it through the hard parts of his life. Something to make him smile and know he is loved.
so our house smells disgusting, although the fire is going daily. there are 2 boys who do the fire in the house every morning, just to get it going. The bathroom has been utilized more than it ever has...and my house STINKS....
When it comes down to it, these boys will have some memories that will last a lifetime, that can pick them up in the dark times. Most of all to know if they are ever in need, they know where Shane is, where I am and they are always welcome, we will help them out, we will find a way to support them through their trials.
Sometimes i wonder what Shane and I are doing, our kids are almost gone. Maybe Shane being a Scout Master is bringing joy to boys who need some guidance. Even when the Church goes away from Scouting there will be a program for the boys. That program will need a man like Shane, possibly a woman like me?? I suppose taking the time to serve the Lord and serving others with Charity and love will come back to us in astounding ways.....
What did you do over vacation?
