Falling Leaves

How did it get to be November already? Did I completely miss October? They say time flies when you're having fun. We must be having a blast.

HIGH SCHOOL AND FRIENDS. You know how it is when you run across someone you used to see on a regular basis but no longer do, you tend to catch up by asking, among other things, about their kids. The common response this year when I tell people that Jenna is a freshman is, "Oh, how is she liking high school?"

I am really pleased to say that high school seems to be a great fit for Jenna. I think there are several reasons for that. First, she's mature enough to be ready for the challenge and she is doing well. Second, Jenna is very sure of who she is and is comfortable with that so to that end I'm watching her really grow. And lastly, Jenna has some wonderful close friends.

I've mentioned one of Jenna's friends, Mackenzie, for several years now. As a matter of fact, Jenna was over at Mackenzie's house last night. (They've also been to all the home football games together.) They are truly kindred spirits. They keep each other in line, each helping the other stretch and grow while living up to high standards. I'm so glad Jenna has Mackenzie and others like her to hang out with because it is no fun doing high school alone.

Of course, the added bonus for me is that I get to work the algebra problems that hang her up. Yes, I'm weird, but that's my entertainment most evenings.

CAMPING. Ben and I have learned that we are no equipped for camping out in 40° weather. We went to the Fall Camporee last weekend and got pretty chilly the first night. Fortunately the camporee was in the immediate area. I stayed until supper the second night. After the meal was over I handed Ben my sleeping bag before leaving. When he asked what I was doing I said, "I'm wimping out. You put your sleeping bag down inside of mine and we'll both be warm tonight."

The Fall Camporee had a cool competition for all the troops in the district to compete in. Each troop was to use raw materials to construct a car. The wheels could be made of finished wood and the pivot for the steering could be made of metal, but the rest the car had to be made from wood poles that were lashed together. Once the cars were built the troops raced them (fours boys pushed each car) and also had to make pit stops at various stations that tested their skills. It made for an interesting afternoon. Vicki, Jenna, and Nate dropped by and enjoyed watching the activities.

Speaking of camping, Ben also made the previous campout which was the weekend Aunt Mar passed away. The troop went to Fort Donelson that weekend and participated in a merit badge university at Austin Peay where Ben completed all that was required for the Engineering badge.

What I thought was neat was that the following weekend Ben was channel surfing and stopped on a local PBS documentary featuring Fort Donelson and its role in the Civil War. Ben was very excited when he came to tell me about it: "Dad, they were showing Fort Donelson on TV and I was standing right there by the cannons last weekend!"

BIRTHDAY SLEEPOVER. Nate was invited to a friend's house for a birthday sleepover last weekend. What was so fun for him was that he won at bowling. He came home really excited about that.

TRUNK OR TREAT. Mt. Carmel had it's sixth annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween. It was a lot of fun, and the event is getting bigger every year. We have several of our members who simply open their trunks and pass out candy, and most of these wear a costume, but we also have several families who go all out. Kenny and his larger family were all circus characters. (Kenny dressed in drag and manned the kissing booth.) Another group got together, brought in a boat (renamed the S. S. Minnow) and dressed as the castaways of Gilligan's Island. And yet another family set up a pumpkin patch on a large flatbed trailer and dressed as Peanuts characters waiting on the Great Pumpkin.

Then there was the food. Last year we ran out. We may have run out of chili this year, but not the hot dogs.

New this year were the games. I think the only game that wasn't a hit was the miniature golf. The rest were table style activities and were enjoyed by all. Also new was the live music. Some of the guys who play in our church band have a band with friends at Cross Plains Methodist and they played during all the festivities. I heard of a few little girls who were having so much fun dancing to the music that they didn't care about trick or treating around the parking lot.

Oh, you are probably wondering how our family dressed for the event. We were Christmas elves, complete with Christmas tree by our van. Yes, two holidays early, but we were warm which was important that night.

When I first heard "elves" I told Vicki I wanted to look like Legolas from Lord of the Rings, but that didn't fly. Actually, I got so busy running errands during the event I didn't get the chance to go put my costume on until right at the end when we took family pictures. Our Halloween costumes may be our Christmas card picture this year.

Joe