Parent/Child Space Camp - The Jedi Experience!

Warning! This post is picture heavy!! :) And long!!

Last weekend I surprised Bennett with a weekend of the Jedi Experience at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. For those of you who'd like to see what we did, here you go!!

We arrived at 12:30 on Friday to check in at Habitat 1. We were issued our arm bracelets, given our room number, and we given our saran-wrapped sheets and blanket.

We headed up to room 301 and checked it out. We were on the mixed-gender floor (since we were mom and son) and we got a whole room to ourselves (check #1 on my things-to-be-worried-about list!)There were many bunk beds, so Bennett chose the best ones and we hurriedly made our beds (making a top bunk is HARD!), set a few things out, and headed out to meet our group, the Katarns.

After a few introductions, a group picture, and a game we headed over to the MAT. Now, I have to admit that when I signed up for Jedi Camp, I was praying that we didn't have to do this machine - you know, the one where you spin all around - top to bottom, side to side. I thought that since we were going to Jedi camp, I would be safe. Wouldn't you know that it was the FIRST THING WE DID!! After watching everyone get whipped around - and exit the machine smiling, I gave in. Bennett was eager to try it and was the 2nd child. I was the last adult :) Jedi Master Sean assured me that I would like it - and that he would only spin me for 15 seconds. Oh, and I could tell him to stop at any time. Guess what? It was great! I didn't get dizzy or sick - the only thing that happened was that I couldn't stop screaming (I was the only one who screamed :) It was so much fun! And, Sean took me the whole 30 seconds :)

See, here's the machine, and me and Bennett. Don't we look happy?

After the MAT, Master SyRilla took us to the G-Force ride. We skipped that one, and opted for the gift shop (and a freeze dried ice cream sandwich and shave ice instead).

Next on the schedule was the Build Your Own Light Saber class. We learned about the parts of the light saber (did you know that each one has 2 crystals?) and then built our own out of PVC pipe. Here's what Bennett's looked like when we got done.

The light saber build was probably the biggest disappointment of the weekend (except for the lodging - more to come on that later!) What you see in the picture above is how we left with our sabers. Not painted, not embellished. They included in our graduation packs instructions for how we could finish them at home. Whatever. Bummer.

We had dinner in the cafeteria (spaghetti) and then checked out the Star Wars Museum exhibits. We focused on different aspects - first on vehicles, then on aliens on a visit later that night. The museum was awesome! So much memorabilia - ships, costumes, accessories...

Awesome, it was.

On Friday night we also saw the IMAX Special Effects movie. It was great - all about how Lucas made Star Wars. Really cool. It was late, though, and Bennett was spent. Since we are in the bed by 8 usually, seeing the IMAX at that time was a little rough. Nothing that a bag of cotton candy didn't help :) After the IMAX, we headed back to the museum, and then to bed at 9:30.

**Note - I've forgotten when it was, but we did light saber training at some point on Friday!! Pictures on Saturday - below...

Friday night was a tough one for me. Bennett, thankfully, slept great! I was worried about each and every noise, how we were going to get ready in the morning (since the bathrooms were not family bathrooms, I wasn't sure how we were going to shower, etc.) I tried sleeping with the desk light on, which was a mess. It was just not a good night for sleeping for me. I spent a good number of hours shivering (it was cold in there!) and wondering how I could score a night at the Marriott for Saturday! :)

We were up before 6, I smuggled Bennett into the Women's showers (and taught him the importance of showering with shoes on and the art not letting things touch the ground in public showers). Wake-up was at 7, and we reported downstairs for breakfast at 7:30. Breakfast was eggs, pancakes, biscuits, hashbrowns, cereal, sausage, and fruit. Yum.

The first activity of the day (and Bennett's favorite!) was building pod racers. Bennett's new best friend, "D" and he spend the whole period (2 hours, I think) building with Legos. Every piece imaginable was on that table - it was a dream come true! :)

Here are the engineers... So cute! D's mom and I sat back and let the boys build. (There were a few dad's that REALLY enjoyed 'helping' with the legos :) If only I would have had the chance to build one too!! Our team was Red 3.

Look who we met on the way... Have you ever seen 8 boys so happy?? (Yes, Bennett wore his Jedi robe all the time!!)

Our next stop was banner design. After some artistic differences that had to be negotiated, B and D decided on a wonderful name (the Inferno) and logo. Doesn't that sign look hot?? :)

Lunch on Saturday was pizza. And saltine crackers from the salad bar... After lunch we played a new game (designed by the Jedi Masters at camp) called Vanguard. It involved a lot of strategy (above my head, I hate to admit) and some really cool Galactic Heros action figures. The best point, to the kids, anyway, was getting into battles and trying to wound each other :) We played twice (and we lost both times) but at the end of the 2nd game we got to take a figure home, which was pretty much like winning the lottery. I let Bennett have mine, and he promptly traded it :)

Look who else we saw...

and these guys too!! Can you tell the B is in heaven again??

During a break, he climbed the rock wall...

Then we went back to light saber training. On Friday we learned the seven basic Velocities (like forms in TKD). These are the basic ways that Jedi use their sabers. A Jedi always uses his saber to defend himself - never to attack and only to inflict the least amount of harm possible. First, aim for the (1) weapon, then the (2 & 3) hands, then the (4&5) arms, and finally anything else (6&7). On Saturday we learned some advanced moves and tried them out...

We had a practice run on the Pod Racer Track.

After dinner (which was chicken and rice (ooh, and a brownie)- really quite good) we got to do the 1/6 chair, which simulates gravity on the moon. There were 3 ways to move - the bunny hop, the side-to-side shuffle, and the slow jog. Here's Bennett in the chair.

I'll spare you the pictures of me in the chair. Although it was really fun (REALLY fun), I don't think that these pictures were the most flattering for me :)

Next we rode the Millenium Falcon ride - the boys didn't watch the movie at all - they just pretended to be piloting the ship :) and then we headed back to the museum. This was a great free-time in the museum. We built robots, rode the hover craft, and watched a movie with C3PO.

We returned to our bunk room at about 9:30. Due to sheer exhaustion (and my ipod and the lights being out) I slept much better. I have to admit that I am proud that I didn't wimp out and head to the Marriott. Next time, though - Marriott all the way!!!

Wake-up was 6:30 on Sunday, but we got up at 6 and got cleaned up. We packed up our suitcases and were ready for breakfast by 7:15. Breakfast on Sunday was the same at Saturday (except we had tiny muffins instead of pancakes) and then we were off to the pod races.

The boys did a great job - we didn't win, but we didn't crash either :)

We played a quick game of The Jedi Trials (like Jeopardy). I got cool-mom points for knowing the 'Saarlac'.

The last event of the weekend was graduation. Here's a pic of the boys with our faithful leader, Master SyRilla (Kim). This is the 'silly' pose :)

During the ceremony (since I was in it, I couldn't take pictures!) we were each knighted by Master Quinn and received our certificates. Awards were given out for the best pod racing times and for the best score at the Jedi Trials. Team Katarn tried their best, but we just didn't place.

The best surprise of the weekend was when they gave out the coveted 'Jedi Savant' award. We didn't know that this would be awarded, but throughout the weekend, the 4 Jedi trainees that exhibited the most promise as Jedi were identified. Bennett was awarded this honor from Team Katarn!!! What a blast!! (I had tears in my eyes!!). He got a real metal light saber hilt - so cool!!

All in all, it was a great weekend. We were both exhausted but thrilled when we left. We learned so much to help us in the Jedi Way.

There's a black stripe in the house!!

Yesterday, he entered the school as a red belt...

he practiced his form...

focused...

performed his form without error...

performed his one-step sparring....

did some great sparring... (look at that kick!)

and broke that board with a flying side kick!!!

and then

he left with a black stripe!!

Yea Bennett!! I am so proud :)

Scrappin'

A few weeks ago, I was lucky to get several REALLY good hours of scrappin' in! Here are some of the things that I made...

(please excuse these poorly lit photos - I promise to do better next time!!)

Our Utah trip:

I had more photos that I thought were great, so rather than create another 2 page layout, I used this handy little insert page. It allowed me to do a little journaling in one block and include 5 more pictures!

Bennett's Birthday and Easter (4/4/10)

You've seen these pictures on this blog before, but here's a little layout with them :)

Oh, and here's my new car...

Valentine's Day cards:

And a relatively old event, Angie's and my trip to Providence:

Here is a little look at the book that I made for Bennett's teacher for the end of school:

I asked each child in the class several questions (and had them write their own answers), then took each child's picture. Here is Bennett's page:

I think that it turned out really cute. We were so blessed to have a WONDERFUL teacher for our 1st grade year!

Finally, I was lucky enough to be asked to teach a scrapbooking class at church. It was so much fun! This is what we made:I was able to teach a few ladies who had NEVER scrapbooked before (gasp!!) a little something, as well as fellowship with some wonderfully talented women. What could be better??

The last thing that I've done is the school's scrapbook. No pictures to show, but I did document the whole '09-'10 year for the elementary school in the past week. The principal sends me items throughout the year, and I put it all together for her. Can you imagine a better job?? School scrapbooker?? It's the best!

Have you been creative lately??

Swimming Fun

We spent a fun afternoon at Gigi and Bubba's pool yesterday! Here are a few pictures that I took - playing with the manual settings a bit for a photography class that I'm taking. Bennett was only willing to pose for pictures if I promised to get in the pool and play a game. I promised...

Brad was a much more willing subject :)

Hope you are having a great summer!! We are!!

Reflections on being a Mommy

As I've been reflecting on how lucky I am to be a mommy, a few things have occurred to me that I want to remember to be thankful for. Many times, as a mom, I focus on how much I do for my son. How hard I work. How many hours I spend folding clothes, driving carpool to school (and tae kwon do, baseball, soccer, & basketball), picking up toys, scrubbing dirt out of pants and ketchup off of shirts. How many times I run to the grocery store to get that special food that he just loves. How many light sabers and legos I've picked up from the floor, couch, table, etc. How many times I've watched Star Wars or Scooby Doo. How many conversations we've had about Clone Troopers and Mr. Incredible and, well, lots of other things that I know very little about. You know... the mommy 'to-do' list goes on and on. This weekend, though, I've been reminded of how much my son does for me. That's right - he does a lot for me!

He wakes me up each morning. Early. But you know what? I am greeted by a smile EVERY morning. He's never, in over 7 years, greeted me in the morning with a scowl or a frown. That's awesome. I couldn't ask for a better way to be awakened (would I like it better after 6 AM? Maybe, but that's not the point!)

He's brought me along with him on many adventures that I would have NEVER taken on my own. I never played a sport. Nope, not one! With Bennett, my horizons have been widened greatly with tae kwon do, baseball, soccer, and basketball. I've ridden on trains and tractors and slides and swings. We've gone to zoos and museums and parks. I wouldn't have experienced these fun things if I weren't a mom!

Bennett has taught me that the best way to spend my day is to take time to enjoy the little things. Like the flowers (weeds) that are pretty on the sidewalk. Or the frog that is on the window. Or the way my milk makes bubbles that look like Mickey Mouse. Or that the moon is still out when the sun is up. Isn't that neat? My tendency is to move from task to task as quickly as I can - to cross things off the list, you know? Bennett has taught me to slow down a bit. There's really not all that much to be in a hurry for anyway. These days will be gone too fast.

By being Bennett's mom I've realized that it's ok to let some things (most things!!) go. I don't need to try to control every little thing. After all, God's the one that is supposed to be in control, right? If my little guy wants to wear mis-matched socks, who cares? Will an extra cookie really be that bad? Not really. If he wants to play air guitar in church, is that really a bad thing? What about break dancing in Sunday School? Somersaulting down the hall? No biggie, right?

Bennett has brought out my inner cheer leader... I never knew that I would be one of 'those' moms who really gets into the game. Of course, I'm always yelling positive things, but still, I'm yelling! It's so fun!

Finally, Bennett has taught me that the important thing isn't winning, but the attitude with which you play the game. We've lost a lot of baseball games this season. Way more than we've won. But you know what? That hasn't stopped Bennett from loving baseball. LOVING it. He plays with 100% effort, even when he doesn't have the skill to always get the job done. He's always got a smile - even when he strikes out. I love that about him. I need that attitude in all of my life. Because if you play well enough, there's a huge reward at the end - no matter how the interim plays out. Keeping my eyes on the heavenly reward makes the earthly stuff all fall away.

So, while I thoroughly enjoyed my Mother's Day presents and cards - oh, and that Mother's Day Tea at school was the best! - I'm the lucky one. I'm the one who gets to be his mommy.

March Top 10

March was a great month!! Here's a quick run-down of the highlights (in chronological order, in case you are wondering :)

1. BASEBALL!!!!!! Wow! Baseball started and really took off! This was our first Spring Season (not to be confused with the low-key Fall Season...) and it has been quite an experience! We're having a blast... and we're getting used to our 2nd home - the ball field ;)

Of all the numbers, Bennett chose #23. Why? He just liked it...

This was at the first game of the season - that smile is not a 'normal' smile... We're still working in the 'camera' smile. Maybe one day...

2.We got a DS!! Well, we actually got 2!! (one for me and one for Bennett :) It was Bennett's big birthday present, but since we were going on a road trip, we decided to give him the option of opening a present early. His response? 'I'm always up for opening presents!!'

Here he is sporting the super cool bag that holds both systems and accessories.

3. Spring Break -I'm not sure why, but when Bennett was in preschool, I dreaded school breaks. Now, I LOVE them! I couldn't wait for Spring Break this year - and neither could Bennett! The grandparents wanted some time with him, so I got a couple of bonus days. Then we left on Wednesday for a little mommy-son road trip. We drove over to Atlanta and went to World of Coke. We both really enjoyed it. Bennett's favorite part? The tasting room, of course (ok, it was my favorite part too!!)

We also got to spend a little time with Chan, Rowan, and Shawn. So good to see them again! Bennett was so excited to meet Rowan that he bought her a glow worm with is own money. He's so kind - it amazes me sometimes... Oh, and Rowan is the cutest thing I've seen (since Bennett, of course :)

Bennett and I spent the night in a hotel - the first time we've done with sans Brad. We had a good time picking the 'best' one and snuggling in (with our DS's). I'm so glad that he still enjoys spending time with me!

4. Road Trip Destination - Our friends moved a few weeks ago, but they can't get rid of us that easily!! We got to their house on Thursday (Brad arrived via one-way flight) on Friday. We had a great time visiting, organizing, eating, shopping, and refereeing the kids.

Bennett doesn't quite know what to do with these red-headed girls sometimes...

give him a few years, and I'm sure he'll be much more willing to put up with their attention :)

5. Bennett dreams big...

'I want to go to Carasant becos I could be a jedi!

He wants to go to Coruscant (a Star Wars place) so he can become a Jedi... hmmm :)

6. Me and him. Somehow I got Bennett to wear a shirt that sort of matched mine to church one Sunday. I insisted on getting a picture... he wasn't thrilled, as you can imagine.

But look... it's an almost-genuine smile!!

Oh, and can you guess where I got my cardigan?

7.Fridays are always a treat - it's the day that Bennett bring home all of his school work from the week prior (or when he digs things out of his desk and decides to bring them home...)

This vocabulary assignment had him focus on the word 'ponder'. He wrote that 'ponder' reminds him of 'when Merry (Mary) pondered Jesus. I think that it is so great that Bible stories are always on his mind. He's written several times about about Jesus and God at school. I'm so thankful.

8. Birthday planning. We spent a LOT of time planning Bennett's birthday party. We found the greatest invitations on e*bay and when they came Bennett insisted that he wanted to address them all himself. I was shocked - this coming from the kid who doesn't want to spend 2 minutes writing his spelling words!! He did a great job!

9. AND 10. Baseball... Baseball has been a constant in our lives since it started at the end of February. We've yet to win a game, but I sure am getting good at cheering :)

Bennett just loves being out there. Winning would be nice - but he's always got a smile on his face.

(He was safe!)

March was a great month... I'm counting my blessings. How about you?

Especially for Gigi

On the way to Utah, Bennett was very upset by a little girl who sat in front of us on one of our flights. So upset, he was, that he journaled about it in his Share Journal at school:

It says: One Thursday morning me and mom droped (dropped) Sadie off at the vet. Then we picked up Gigi. Then we went to the airport. We got on the plane. A super-annoying girl sat in front of us. She stuck a neked Kin doll in my face! She tried grabing me too. She stuck a pen-cyl in front of me. I graded (grabbed) it! She said "Like my pen-cyl big boy..."

He was so upset about this little girl, that he talked about it several times on the trip, and 2 weeks later, he thought enough of it to journal about it. I didn't get this gem home from school until a week or 2 later. I asked him about it and he was still upset about the whole incident :)

This post is especially for Gigi, who witnessed the whole unfortunate event...