What Was Ryan's Eagle Project

I realize I was on my soapbox, and did not clearly outline what he did. If you don't care, click away.

There is a run/bike trail that ran right behind our old house. It is used by the Champions Fit Running Group, as well as tons of others. Eric, Kelsey, Sophie and I also run on it. There were no markers indicating mileage.

For his project he placed markers at each 1/4 mile interval down the trail.

This is what one looks like.

While we were doing it, we had quite a few people stop and make comments about how nice it was. I think it is something that will be used by many people - the Pearson Clan included.

So, now you know! If we can just get all the paperwork done...

Yes, I Am A Nerd

Sunday was a down day - I laid around all day. Did nothing. Tried to recharge my very drained batteries. While flipping through the channels, I come across West Side Story on TCM.

I LOVE West Side Story. I even have the soundtrack - on vinyl. Sophie came down and watched with me. She is not so happy with the ending, but not everything ends happily.

As I think of the music, I think of each song and think that is my favorite. One Hand One Heart. Tonight. The Jets. Gee, Officer Krupke. A Boy Like That... I could go on and on. If you have not seen it - GO AND RENT IT!

I must have stolen the record from my mother - she also loves musical theater. I think of WSS and think it is really the first musical I fell in love with and paved the way for my love of musicals. When I become obsessed with one, I listen over and over. Ask the girls in our soccer carpool who now know all the songs from Wicked.

So, yes I am a nerd. But maybe Sophie can follow in my footsteps and fondly remember watching West Side Story on lazy Sunday with her mom. She already loves Wicked. I can create another generation of nerds - my ultimate goal as a mother!

The Eagle Project

Anyone who knows me knows I have been nagging/pushing/demanding that the boy in this house earn his Eagle Scout Award. It has been an ongoing battle. Some may ask why - why push yourself, your child, and your sanity for such a thing? (I have asked myself the same thing on occasion)

Well, I have two stories for you. I have four brothers who earned this award. Most, at the time, did not see the reason for it - they did it to please their parents (wasn't that nice of them?). Crazy Uncle Patrick was one of these. When he was interviewing trying to get an appointment to West Point, he wore his Eagle Scout tie tack. He was meeting with Rep. Joe Barton who, upon shaking his hand, immediately noticed his pin and commented that Patrick was an Eagle Scout. This helped pave the way for Patrick to get the appointment, and now is a proud graduate of West Point.

Story number two. My friend and running partner Kim told me a story about her dad. He is close to retirement age. He is a VP of a very large corporation. Very successful man. He has many occasions to speak to large groups, and the company has put together an introduction they send out ahead of time. In this introduction, after all his accomplishments are listed, is the mention that he is an Eagle Scout.

So, does this matter - yes. This is why Eric and I have been working hard with Ryan for him to accomplish this. In five, ten, fifty years he will always have that accomplishment to his name. As parents that is our job - to see the things which will have lasting impact on his life and help him to achieve those goals.

The actual project took place on Saturday morning. We had great turnout, 19 in all, and we are very thankful for the support from family and friends (especially those who drove all the way from Dallas to help). Ryan is finishing his writeup, getting his application done, and waiting for an appointment with the "Board of Review". We are down to 15 days until his 18th birthday, and we will use each and every one!

I have included some pics of the project - just in case you are interested. And BTW - I am SO glad I only have ONE boy to do this with!

This is the one showing Ryan being the boss!

How many Linfords does it take to put in a mile marker?

It's The Little Things

I went for my run this morning. I came home to find that Eric had made the bed before he left for work this morning. It made me smile.

Here is the deal - he could care less if the bed is made - he really doesn't care. So, for him to take the minute and make the bed meant he thought of me and wanted to do something nice for me. And, it made me happy. Thank you! It is nice, 20 years later, to know he still wants to do the little things to make me happy. Because, it is all about the little things.

So, What Have You Been Doing?

I know - it has been a month. Here are the pictorial highlights. Lots of travel, most for work, and kid stuff making me nuts!

We sold our house!!!!!!!!!!! Close on the 17th!

Went to Dallas for the 4th. Patrick spoke at the 4th of July breakfast - complete with bootlegged line from National Treasure 2.

We played with cousins and uncles.

It's a shame Allie is not competitive. We had to stop the match between she and Josh - Caroline just jumped off when she had enough. Allie and Josh were pulling hair, choking each other, really going for it. It was funny.

Kelsey has a new best friend - Jenna.

Lots of swimming.

Playing way too much Wii. Oh well, what can I say?

And, wait for it, Ryan got his license. His Eagle Project is scheduled for the 19th of July, he has raised funds, gotten approval and we compromised by him getting his license a few weeks early. The real one will come in a few weeks.

I was gone for eight days straight. I was tired when I got home - nice to see this sign when I straggled in.

Now you are all caught up. Not that exciting, but it is us!