Philmont-Tuesday

There was so much to do at Philmont that I want to write about each day.

Andrea went to the bulletin board for us and signed our family up for the Sunrise hike to Lover's Leap. Tuesday we arose at 4:00am and met the other hikers at 4:30 where we got a 'trail breakfast' to carry with us, and people carpooled to the site. We drove up the mountain with our friends, the Maughan's. The hike was considered moderately easy--1 1/4 miles--but it was all uphill, and at high altitude, and I considered it to be a fast pace. We had our flashlights. It had just rained and the trail was kind of muddy, and at times I took my time because the rocks were a bit slippery.

But the view was gorgeous. The essence of the legend is that a cavalryman fell in love with an Indian maiden there. They were both banned from seeing "the enemy". In their sorrow over their warring people they jumped off the ledge together. The Great Spirit turned them into hawks mid flight, who have a nest nearby.

That afternoon everyone had a free schedule, so the Maughan's came with us to the Kit Carson Museum. Kit Carson built the house (In 1856?) and it's on Philmont land. We had a very interesting tour of the hacienda.

Andrea listens to our tour guide who played the character of the man who bought the home from Kit Carson in the 1850s.

Then we went to the Boy Scout trading post to buy souvenirs, and into the town of Cimarron. There we looked at jewelry and trinkets and an art gallery.

At the side of the gallery we became part of the art.

That evening we all went to the handicrafts building. Dave stenciled himself a leather belt, I made some jewelry, and had also glazed a Pueblo Indian vase for Kara. (It has 2 openings and the bride and groom each drank from it representing unity.) Julia made jewelry and Andrea glazed a gecko and helped Dave with his belt.

That night we had homemade cobbler (like we had made in Dutch oven cooking class) and ice cream. We missed the dance and live band and the showing of "Follow me, Boys". There were lots of activities going on all the time--and yet it was very relaxing out there in the quiet desert.

Our week at Philmont-Monday

At Philmont, Dave attended training sessions during the mornings and afternoons. However, we got to eat all our meals together at the mess hall with Julia, Andrea and some of our old and new friends we met there.

Andrea was a Roper and in a group with girls her age for morning and afternoon activities. She went on a day hike, made an embossed leather bracelet, went on a pony ride, shot a beebee gun at a target, did archery and lots of games.


Julia was a Bronco along with a friend from Maryland. They did COPE activities (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) which are team building. One was to climb a 55-foot telephone pole and launch off the zip line. They also had a day hike where they saw a dinosaur footprint and some Anasazi Indian ruins.



MONDAY
I was a Silverado. We signed up for various activities that interested us. On Monday I attended a Dutch oven cooking class.




That evening was Family Home Evening. We had a meeting at the ampitheater and every family was part of the parade where we introduced our family and displayed our family banner that we had made.
We made our banner before we came, and we all helped color and make it. The banner has our family flag that we developed several years ago. The 8 stars in the heart represent unity in our family of Dave and I, and our 6 children. The 3 stripes represent Faith, Purity/Integrity, and Respect.

Arriving at Philmont-July 5-6, 2008

Earlier this month we attended an LDS week of Boy Scout training at Philmont in Cimarron, New Mexico. Several of the general Young Men leaders of the church from Salt Lake conducted the various sessions.
Philmont has 129,000 acres and is the largest youth camp in the world. They send out about 32,000 scouts each summer to 750 camping areas located in the vast area. There is a base camp for the boys with a mess hall and trading post. Across the road is the Training area for leaders and their families--which is where we stayed along with about 500 other people, including two families who are friends from Maryland.

We were met as we pulled up in our van (after 30+ hours of driving) by Brother Burgess, the 1st Counselor in the General Young Men's Presidency. We were assigned our tents--which are on concrete and have cots. Dave and I had a tent, and Julia and Andrea had one next to us.


Daniel left almost immediately for his backpacking trip with his crew of guys.
Daniel near our tent in South Tent City before leaving on his trip.

He was pretty loaded down with his gear as well as group items like pots and food.



I had been asked (by a phone call from the Young Men's Presidency), to be the Relief Society President for the week. I met my two counselors that day; Marsha from Utah and Annette from Arizona and we coordinated for our Sunday meeting.

Sunday morning we greeted about 100 women, and we each taught part of a scriptural lesson. The husbands in training are 'stake' leaders in our church and responsible for a large group of young men and scouts. Each of these women also seemed accomplished. Also in our group were some of the women general leaders or wives of general leaders in our church. It was an interesting experience for me to conduct that meeting.

Dave and I also got up at 6:30am most mornings for Choir practice and we performed at church later that day. The rest of Sunday was leisurely and we enjoyed the time as a family.

The church leaders, including Brother Dahlquist, General Young Men's President, then went up on the mountain to conduct church services with those away from base camp, including Daniel. Bro. Dahlquist asked for volunteers to speak and sing at their meeting. Daniel sang in a small group and --jumping ahead--when they came back Bro. Dahlquist told us that Daniel had a great tenor voice. (And he's right.)

Daniel, just off the mountain after 5 days of backpacking, gets a compliment from Bro. Dahlquist.

Road Trip West

For vacation this year, Dave was invited to attend Boy Scout Training at the famous-to- scouters Philmont in New Mexico. They allow families to come, and we decided that despite gas prices our best option was to drive out the 2000+ miles.

We headed out in the evening of July 3 about 7pm and drove through the night--well, Dave did, mostly. Dan and I drove a little. About noon we arrived in St. Louis where we stopped in to see his sister Patty and her daughter Emily.

Patty with David, Daniel, Julia and Andrea

We continued driving that day (with a 3-hour traffic delay in St. Louis) and stayed in Kansas City that night.

Then we drove through Kansas all the next day until we hit Colorado. We stayed our 4th of July in a small desert town of Trinidad, which had no fireworks, but we were all happy for a bed.



The next morning we went for a swim, loaded up on hats and sunglasses and droved the last couple hours to Cimarron, New Mexico for our exciting adventure.

Oriole's game

We went to Mormon Night at the Oriole's baseball game in Baltimore. In our church Monday nights are reserved for family time, so it was a great family activity as well as a chance to enjoy a ball game and see friends.
Dan shows his hat and glove signed by the Oriole's Mormon pitcher, Jeremy Guthrie.

Here we are after the game with a friend of Julia's (right) who is now living in Hong Kong.

Father's Day

Andrea made her Dad breakfast in bed. Then at church the young women presented him (and the the other men) with this tie and a treat.

Andrea had him wear this matching hat for the family party where he opened fun gifts and cards from Dan, Julia and Andrea in his workroom that Andrea had decorated. He also got a letter from James the day before, and was able to talk to Erika (in China) and Kara (in Colorado.)
It was nice weather for eating dinner on the deck.

Our six children are lucky to have such a great dad.

And so am I.

Happy Father's Day to all.

5th Grade Celebration

Wednesday was Andrea's celebration ceremony for finishing elementary school.

She had a speaking part on the program.

They sang.

Andrea was awarded various awards including 'Overall Achievement'.

With Dad

With her friend

With Mom. After having children in this school continuously for 15 years, we now say goodbye. (Although the middle school is in the same building.)

Cooling off on a Hot Day

After working in the yard on a very hot Saturday, Dave cooled off with Andrea--and Julia's help.

Mock Congressional Hearing

Andrea's fifth grade class held a mock congressional hearing last week. They had distinguished guests and letters from state delegates.


Andrea and her classmates had studied constitutional issues and became 'experts'. For part of the day adult 'judges' came and asked the 'expert panel' questions. They did a great job.

Blue Knob, PA

Our family went to Blue Knob over the Memorial Day weekend. It's an annual event, though typically we go with other families over Labor Day. The first night was VERY cold--(perhaps because I forgot to pack one of the sleeping bags), but it very beautiful and quiet there, and was very relaxing. We missed having Erika and James who came last year, and Kara who hasn't been in a few years. Julia gets to return in about one month for her week of church Girl's Camp.


Andrea with friends on top of the dinner bell


Julia plays a game with friends in the mess hall

Daniel finished a 1000 piece puzzle with the help of a few other people.

We slept in simple cabins, but Daniel wanted to sleep one night under the stars.

Top Schools

The high school that Daniel and Julia attend (and James attended) has just been rated in the top 1300 schools by Newsweek. Scores are based on the number of AP and advanced level classes taken divided by the total number of graduating Seniors. [Click the title to link to Newsweek's article.]

Daniel Inducted into National Honor Society

We are very proud of Daniel as the first member of our family to be invited to join the National Honors Society, which looks for well-rounded students who display scholarship, leadership and service.

Daniel has taken accelerated classes, is involved in 6 choral and band groups, has been a team captain on the Cross-country team, participated in Track and Field, leads the Madrigals, played in the pit for the school play, is an Eagle Scout and has almost finished his Duty to God award (a 6-year award). He often quietly helps out when the Red Cross needs donors, or volunteers are needed at school or church. Oh, and I'm not sure the Honors Society realizes he is one Nintendo wizard. Way to go, Daniel.

Meals that Heal--New Food Blog

Fish Tacos with Tilapia and Cabbage

I have decided to start a new blog called Meals that Heal. It will feature actual meals I make for lunch and dinner--when I have time to post them. Most recipes are very basic. I am striving for healthy family meals with natural ingredients that are easy to prepare. The blog is intended as a reference for myself of how I have adapted recipes. And hopefully it will give others some insipration. Feel free to make comments of how you have or would make them differently.
click HERE

Great Wall

A couple weeks ago Erika took a train from Wuxi to Beijing (about 675 miles). Friends of ours from Maryland were kind enough to let her stay with them--and even to take her on the 2-hour excursion to see the Great Wall of China. Although she considered going to Beijing in August to see the Olympics, it worked out to do it now. She flew back to Wuxi on a plane. BTW, she got her perm and haircut in China. :)

Awards Night

Tonight--from 6:00-10:00pm! was Awards Night for the High School's music program.
Daniel was honored to receive the Choral director's award for Dedication. As the student director of the Madrigal's, he needs to know the music extra well to direct beginnings and cutoffs, and to give the first pitch for each song. (Wow, how does he do that?) Dan got his third year participation award for Concert Choir, Madrigals, Mens Chorus, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Symphonic Band.


Julia received a Letter this year for her 2nd year of participation in Concert Choir, Womens Chorus, Marching Band and Symphonic Band. Julia also went to the podium to give an award that she made for another student.

Let me also mention here that at their recent competition at Virginia Beach, VA, their school won FIRST PLACE for every group! Every chorus, band and orchestra.
And, an award was also surprisingly given to a dedicated parent who co-chaired the sub sales this year (1600 subs were sold, and assembled by the students as a fund-raiser.)


And Andrea and I were a good audience. Well, Andrea got tired and went home early...

Mother's Day

I have a great mom and others who have nurtured me, and I enjoy being the mom of 6 great children. As it happened this year, both Kara in Colorado and Erika in China were asked to speak in church about motherhood. It was interesting to talk to them as they prepared, and also to hear later what they said.

Some of the highlights of my day were: (in no particular order)

1. talking to my mom on the phone and reminiscing

2. a visit that week with my mother-in-law--who raised the best son ever

3. a package (of spring bulbs) and a card sent from Kara--how thoughtful!

4. a home 'spa' coupon from Julia for massage, manicure and light snacks!

5. a nice card from Daniel

6. an e-card from China from Erika (and a long phone call with her the next day making sure she wasn't affected by the earthquake in China)

7. a 45-minute call with our missionary son, James (whose next call will be at Christmas)

8. Andrea made it a party by making everyone invitations for a party in our basement. She set out chairs, got the video camera ready and tied a rope to the middle of her blanket and threw the rope over a beam. After a countdown she pulled on the rope and revealed her present. It was some of my favorite licorice candy--Good and Plenty and SNAPS--which I hadn't had since I was little. She also made a gift in school- a pot with a couple coupons stuck in-- 1 hug, 1 massage, and my favorite, 'I will put my plate in the dishwasher. Good 1 time!' (Got to love her!)

She also wrote me a song and had everyone sing it:
If you want to be like Mom
Well, you gotta

Like to swim in the pool
and look so cool

Like to eat
while being neat

Like writing and reading
and overachieving!

That's why we love you!

9. some pretty potted plants from my wonderful hubby, David, with a very sweet letter/card. He also brought me breakfast in bed by himself this year, and made dinner with the kids. They ended up grilling inside due to the weather.

10. remembering that Dave and I met on Mother's Day 25 years ago. It was definitely a red-letter day for me that year, and he has made it a special day for me every since by being such a good dad that he has made me look like a decent Mom.


Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Julie

Dave's parents live in Cincinnati. They came for a visit with his sister Julie, who helped them drive out here. They had just visited Dave's sister, Kathy, in PA, and saw a couple shows in NYC. They arrived Tuesday night and we had a nice visit--breaking in our new deck furniture with them. It was the first night of Daniel and Julia's High School music concert. They are both in the Concert Choir--but with getting Andrea to gymnastics and having company, we decided to just see Daniel and Julia on Thursday night.

Wednesday I took our guests for a day trip to Annapolis. It was fortunate that Dave unexpectedly decided to meet us down there because right after he came his father started feeling unwell. A kind shop owner got him a chair and some water, but it then became apparent that he needed more help and we called 911. Dad was doing better even before the ambulance arrived, but we went to the hospital to have him checked. Dave helped convince the doctors not to keep him overnight and he was home by dinner--which was a big relief.

Thursday night we all attended Dan and Julia's concert. One or both of them was in every group--Jazz Band, Mens Ensemble [which sang 'Sherry baby' :)], Womens Ensemble, Madrigals (Dan is also the student director), and Symphonic Band. Everything was very professional looking and sounding, and entertaining.

Friday Dave took the day off and we went to the Inner Harbor with Dad, Mom and Julie. We toured a Mexican ship that was in port and walked around a little--having crab cakes at Phillips and then gelato at Vacarro's in Little Italy. [My nocciola (hazelnut) gelato with whip cream and almonds was huge and delicious!]
We watched the rented movie, Les Miserables, that night.

Saturday we relaxed and then the whole family went to Toby's dinner theater to see the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.




We had good seats and enjoyed the singing and dancing. The buffet was yummy, too. I happened to be sitting near one of the instructor's I see often at the gym. Dan's trombone section leader was doing the lights and their choral teacher, DK, was playing the piano for the orchestra. Dan also recognized our waitor who helped with his school play (That night he played the Pharoah/portrayed as Elvis--you know, 'the King'.)

They left on Sunday morning, Mother's Day. It was great having them visit. It was like a little vacation. And it was nice to enjoy the fun things in this area that we don't usually take time for.

Our Missionary

Our son James (Elder Meiners) is really enjoying the experiences he is having in Riverside, California on his Spanish-speaking mission. He has been in California about two months now. He and his companion, Elder Harding, have been teaching many people. Last Sunday James had his first opportunity to baptize, and baptized children of a family. Their grandma was also baptized. I am proud of his enthusiasm, humility and hard work.



Elder Harding (left) and Elder Meiners

Elder Harding and Meiners with Grandma Julia, Kimberly, Wilson and Angel who were baptised last Sunday