Blue & Gold Banquet 2013

On February 9th we attended Noah's first Blue & Gold Banquet.  Held at the Masonic Temple in Webster Groves, the circus themed room pulsed with testosterone and the smell of fried chicken.  The kids and I met Steve there as he was in charge of picking up 300 pieces of King Edward's finest for the event.  It was a fun evening punctuated with lots of laughs thanks to our entertainer, Juggling Jeff.  But, the best part was seeing the look on Noah's face when he heard his name called during the award ceremony.  As it turns out, you don't have to build the fastest car to win at Pinewood Derby.  Noah earned a 1st place trophy for his entry in the category of "Original Design".

Smorgasbord of side dishes.

Juggling Jeff  is always a good time.

Each den was charged with making a cake for the cake decorating contest.  This one was done by Noah's group.  I can only imagine what the poor Den mother's kitchen looked like after a dozen boys had been through it.

Noah looks a bit shellshocked.

The A Team

Noah with his buddy, Jacob

Derby Days 2013

Though Noah's car didn't earn any awards, I feel like the experience of participating was a win for our entire family. For weeks leading up to the race, Noah and Steve worked together -- planning, shaping and constructing his entry. During that time the conversations between the two of them seemed richer -- a tall order when you are dealing with a child with very narrow interests and whose conversations often involve reenacting a movie scene.  Not only am I thankful that this event gave my husband and son an opportunity to bond and spend quality time together - it also allowed Natalie and I the chance to root for our favorite team.

Prep work

Weigh In

Natalie wore her lucky Santa hat for good measure.

Ready, Set...

Go!

Noah with his Luke Skywalker Landspeeder that inspired his Pinewood Derby entry

World's Cutest Cub Scout

Overnight Success

Last Saturday I spent the afternoon helping Steve and Noah pack flashlights and long underwear for their overnight camping trip with the Cub Scouts -- a first for Noah.  I admit I was a bit anxious about how it would all play out.  I wanted so badly for it to be a good experience for both of them.  That night, as the temperatures dipped down into the 40's, I was sure I'd hear them come through our front door any minute.

However, it was 9 a.m. before their car pulled into our driveway.  When they entered, I braced myself for a barrage of complaints.  I was unprepared for them to arrive home happy and full -- from a hearty campfire breakfast and tales of their adventures together.

"So, everything went OK?" I hesitated, "He did good?"

"Andrea, he did great," Steve assured.

And, while both my guys aren't one for sharing details, Steve was happy to tell me all about his introduction to s'm-oreos and the joys of eating roasted hot dogs.

"How many did you eat?" I asked

"Oh! I wouldn't even want to try to count," Steve replied.

He and Noah laughed as they re-enacted the skits the boys performed the night before.  Then, it was back to talking about food -- especially the bacon and eggs they enjoyed before packing up to return home.

Eating and joking...joking and eating --that's what it's all about, right?

Noah and friends performing their skit.

Eggs and bacon enjoyed 'round an open fire.

I"m So Happy...Scouts Honor

A few weeks ago Noah came home waving a "Join the Cub Scouts" flyer in my face.

"Mom!  I want to join Cub Scouts!  Jacob is in it and he told me I should join so I can be in it with him," shared Noah.

"Ok," I replied.

While my face and body remained neutral, my insides were doing flip flops.  Suddenly, Jacob was my new favorite name.  Since Noah began 3rd grade, I've been bracing myself for his social life at school to become increasingly more difficult.  For years I've been warned that social challenges typically become even more pronounced in 3rd grade. However, knock on wood, this has not been the case for us.  Sure...his school work this year has been fraught with more tears and anxiety over spelling tests and science tests.  And, because of his dyslexia and other learning challenges he's reading below grade level, handwriting is difficult and math is a constant source of frustration, but none of that matters because the other day Noah told me, "Mom, I think Jacob is a little bit my friend."

My happiness meter reading was off the charts that day.  Though he's been invited to parties and I've arranged play dates, this is the first time he's spoken of having a friend at school...in his own classroom.  Most often I hear from him how much he wants a friend, but doesn't feel like he fits in or that kids don't understand him.  And the blessings have continued to pour in.  Without prompting from me, Steve suggested that he attend the Cub Scout informational meeting with Noah himself.  When he returned, I learned that not only had he enrolled Noah to become a member of Pack 314, but he also signed himself up as a volunteer.  Suddenly, my two boys had a means to connect and spend quality time with each other in a way that they hadn't before --something they both sorely needed.  Since Noah is not a sports kid and did not inherit his Dad's hunting and fishing gene, recreation between the two has been quite limited.  Also, joining the Cub Scouts would provide Noah with an opportunity to interact with kids his own age, outside of a school setting.

Fast forward to today, Steve and Noah have had quite a few adventures together including; building a tool box, target shooting with BB guns and slingshots and participating in a few science experiments to earn his first badge.  He's even built up his courage enough to begin selling popcorn for his pack.

I just love a man in uniform.

Noah is ready to hit the pavement with his lovely assistant.

He was nervous at first, but after a few successful sales,
he began offering his opinion on popcorn flavors.

We couldn't keep Natalie away.  

If you are interested in having Noah come to your door to give his spiel on the yummy flavors of popcorn offered for sale by the Cub Scouts, drop me an email at andrea (at) therapyonwry (dot) (com).  For those who live outside of the St. Louis area, online ordering is available.