Batmobile Update

I thought I'd give an update on the Batmobile. I drove to school with the bat still attached. When I returned to my car 8 hours later, the bat was gone!! I figured that someone noticed it (I park by a pathway that lots of people take to get onto camput) and was jealous of my fabulous Halloween decoration. So they decided to take the bat. Actually, I'm glad that I didn't have to figure out a way to get it off myself.

Batmobile

We found this guy yesterday morning attached to the grill of our car. We thought that he was just sleeping until I started the car and he didn't fly away. He is currently still stuck as I haven't wanted to try and attempt to get him off. The kids thought we should call our car the Batmobile. I guess it's a good Halloween decoration, right?

Backpacking Trip Follow Up

So, I thought I'd report back on how Cory's backpacking trip went. He left early Friday morning all packed up and ready as we could make him. He was very excited about the adventure that awaited him. I was still a bit worried about it all. There was the new knowledge that the weather was going to be cool (highs in the 80s), but there could be rain on Saturday. So off he went. I worried aloud to my friends at school and they assured me that he was most likely just fine.

Cory returned Satuday at about 2pm. He was dirty and tired, but said that he had a good time. He told me that he would've been home an hour & a half earlier but there was a wreck on the freeway that kept them stuck in traffic. They found the trail just fine and got to their camp. After setting up camp, they took a light pack with water & snacks and headed further up the trail to Rincon Peak. Cory said that the trail was tough and that only one of the deacons actually reached the top of the peak. The rest got within a mile of it. They headed back to camp, had a nice dinner & fire, then headed to bed. They got up early, ate breakfast, & headed down the trail. Cory told me that he ended up having too much water and that he dumped about 2 liters of it before headin down.

Cory's leaders said that he did great. No complaints. They said that they noticed that his pack was sitting mostly on his shoulders and helped him to adjust it properly. Cory said that it had been hurting for a while and now realizes that if he needs help to ask for it. All in all, I'll admit to some needless worry, but that's my job as a mom, right? ;)

Cory's First Backpacking Outing

First off, this needs to be short because I should really be review for an exam I have this afternoon. Ah procrastination.
Cory came home from mutual last week and let me know that the deacon's quorum was going to be going for a backpacking trip this weekend. Actually Thurs-Sat. I was excited because as many of you know, Norm & I enjoy backpacking. I then asked him were they were going to go. He responded with Rincon Peak. For those of you who don't know, Rincon Peak is considered a very difficult hike and there is no place to obtain water along the trial. I feared right away that my 80 lb boy was going to wind up dehydrated. For a three day trip Cory would need at least 3 gallons of water which is about 21 lbs of weight right there! The boys were told that they would need to carry all of the gear & water on their own. I just saw a disaster with the leaders having 8 dehydraited & miserable boys. I mainly feared that Cory may decide that he never wanted to backpack again. I spoke with Norm about it and he had the same fears, but figured that it would be a learning experience for the YM leaders. Yes, but do they need to learn at the expense of my son? My outlook has brighted a bit because Norm & Cory came home from Priesthood session on Saturday letting me know that one of the leaders had spoken with the national park ranger and had been convinced to make it an overnighter only just to cut back on the amount of water that needs to be brought. I have decided that I need to be supportive and not complain too much, but I really wish that the leaders were a bit more organized (I'm still not sure what time they're leaving tomorrow). So, I will stop griping, prepare Cory as best as we can, and say a few extra prayers for them as they are out on the trail.

Remembering Blanche Marie Harward

I got the call from Mom last night letting me know that Grandma Blanche wasn't expected to make it through the night. Then this morning, I opened up facebook and saw Janette's status verifying the fact that Grandma had died during the night. I ran downstairs to check my phone. Sure enough, there was the message from Mom waiting for me. Why did I leave my ringer off & not bring the phone to bed with me?? I turned on the ringer, listened to the message, saved it and then pondered if it was too early to call Mom. Well, she must have heard me thinking because she called me not 2 minutes later.

I'm feeling sad & happy at the same time. I've already cried off & on this morning. I am happy that Grandma was allowed to go. She has been separated from her only son and husband for many years. Dad died almost 16 years ago and Grandpa Neal has been gone for almost 9. I know there was much rejoicing on the other side when those two great men were there to welcome her home. I almost envy her because I'd love to be able to give my daddy a hug. I'm sad to know that I will never see her again during this life. I have some regret that I wasn't better at calling, writing, & visiting her regularly. But, I will remember all the fun times that I had with my Grandma.

The sleepovers - she never told me no if I asked to come over.

The "parties" - a tupperware cup full of peanuts & m&ms while I watched tv.

The many crafts - she always had some cool craft for us to make she was so talented with her hands.

Christmas - oh how Grandma loved Christmas! I can picture her little tree set up on her table with all the fabulously wrapped presents. And how she creatively wrapped us each our bag of m&m's - you really could never guess which gift held them.

The 16th Birthday Dollars - Her creativity was shown once again. I need to find my picture.

The list could go on and on.

Grandma, I will miss you, but I am greatful for the ways you influenced me in my life.