Scooter Support Parent

I have no youthful frame of reference for this entry. I never had a scooter as a kid. Not sure I even remember them existing.

One of the things I have grown accustomed to this year has been the fact that we probably made one of the best purchases a parent could buy for the money. Sometime back now, we got the twins each a Razor brand scooter. These metal, two-wheeled pieces of lightning get more use than any toy I have ever seen. I also have to believe they are good for physical fitness because in the absence of a hill they are 100% four year-old powered. They fold up, even down to the steering shaft and handles, making them easy to transport in a car. They are sturdy (they have been in hundreds of crashes at this point, and the things have been thrown over obstacles by their maniacal small-fry owners on numerous occasions). I have only had to make one minor repair when an spring-loaded adjustment button got out of place. Easy fix.

Peter's is a bright yellow with the "Hot Wheels" logo emblazoned all over it. Little did we know when we bought it that the logo would be so applicable to it's rider (driver? operator? What are you when you control a Scooter???).

Rhiannon's is silver and pink (of course) with multicolored LED's in the wheels that light up when it rolls. The lights make this thing a sight to behold at dusk or even in the dark (yes, we have been there... many times).

We started out letting them ride in the street in front of the house. This is always done with parental observation of course and they are pretty good about getting out of the street when a car is still over a block away. Peter is a bit more advanced that Ree as he can jump up and flip the Scooter in a new direction or hunker down lower than the grips and ride it while squatting. Neither of them use the wheel brake. They just drag a shoe, sometimes using the shoe in a cornering maneuver. They are good at getting these things rolling and then balancing and moving side-to-side to keep it going without using their feet to push all the time.

This skill was earned at a price of course. They fell... and they fell... and they crashed... and they flipped. They still do. All the time. This has taught them that even if they are bleeding, it is part of the fun they get from these metal freedom-givers (at least in the eyes of those younger than five).

Here is where we are these days: We drive to Evansville's Dress Plaza overlooking the Ohio River. We park near the Museum of Arts and Sciences. I walk behind them while they ride on the Green Way. We pass the Four Freedoms Monument. We travel down the entire length of Dress Plaza to Casino Aztar. We then turn to go up Main Street, stopping at the water fountain at Old National Bank Building for fun.

We then proceed up Main to Subway... usually apples or chips and fruit juice eaten in front of a 113 year old fountain. They eye Angelo's Italian Restaurant every time we pass, but have not yet asked to go in.  Up to the Ford Center, and back down the other side of Main Street. Then they eye Milano's much the same way they do Angelo's (even more so tonight after they saw kids their age eating Spaghetti at a side walk table tonight). Need I describe further? I

Old National Bank Fountain

think not. A news crew would have an amazing time filming the antics of the twins as they ride.

You get the point, I am sure. They are unstoppable on these "Razors."

People walking on the Main Street Walkway stop to watch as they curve around, slide to stops, or balance riding while looking backwards. It is unusual given their size. They wait for me to catch up at each intersection (yes, I can't keep up). Daddy is back their explaining to every bystander who asks how I have no clue how they do it or where they get their endurance.

This trek is usually two and a half miles in length.

They know the intersection rules. They wait just back from the edge of the curb. They know the white hand on the crosswalk sign tells us when we can go. We cross. Then I am soon left some 50-150 feet behind as they weave past walkers, benches, fountains (usually a wide circle back, slide to a stop and dismount... no

113 Year Old Fountain on Main Street

fountain can ever be left unexplored).

Each trip is not without mishap. The cuts, bruises and pains happen EVERY trip. So... what I am going to describe to you now is the work of an adult paramedic whose is tired of being caught unprepared... The Scooter Support Backpack (yes, I am aware that I have truly lost it).

In a small day pack, I have now placed the items needed to keep these two absolutely happy while on their several hour foray into Downtown Evansville. These are the "must haves" for a fully enjoyable trip without having to cut it short to go back to the car:

1 Digital Camera.

6 Kool-aid Jammers (Make sure the straws are attached or someone will be unhappy (It's Ree. In the words of Bruce Banner in the Incredible Hulk: "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

6 Mild Slim-Jim Beef Snacks.

1 Can Pringle's Pizza Flavored Potato Crisps (yes, one whole can, the balance to be eaten later in the night).

1 Package hand-sized antiseptic wipes.

1 Instant Cold Compress (when they crash together, the worse of the two will get this... hazard of triage and weight I am willing to carry).

35 assorted Band-aids.

1 roll medical tape.

6 gauze pads.

5 butterfly closures.

1 tube Neosporin antibiotic gel.

10 cotton tip applicators.

4 finger splints.

1 spray can 30 SPF Sunscreen.

Apple Break

Overkill you say? Nay say I! This is what it takes to keep these two going. Do not think that they cry for a band-aid at every little wreck either. They just want the bleeding to stop so they can keep going. I kid you not... these two will get hurt, buck up, patch up... then back on the two-wheeled metal beasts to conquer another slight hill, long slope, or circling of a fountain without applying any "push."

So... if you ever see them on Evansville's walkway or Riverfront, don't try and get out of their way. They are good at the weaving part (while making you stare and laugh).

Never mind the band-aids either. Those are just covering the most recent sets of battle scars from the scooter wars.

Till next time on the 4F trail, May the Father bless and keep you. Thanks for reading.

Goodnight.

1009 Views... WHAT?!??!

Today realized the 1000th viewing of my blog. Not bad for less than a year. The thing that has astounded me though is where my readers are... It goes to figure that the majority would be in the United States. What surprises me are the next two countries listed in the stats.

Here they are...

USA                    783

Germany              110
Russia                  79
United Kingdom   5
France                 2
Ireland                 2
Brazil                   1
China                   1
Italy                     1
Malaysia              1

I guess I am curious more than anything... May be that the posts that wax more Lutheran are attracting my Germany readers. I really have no way to know for sure. I would also love to know what individuals from the other countries have seen in my blog that led them to read it.

The two highest viewed posts have been "A Trip To The Statehouse" and "1/12th of my Life (or why Popcorn?)". Those two are related to EMS and Scouting. I myself am more partial to the ones in the four part introduction and the ones where I discuss my beliefs.

So... I will ask my first request in this blog: If you would, take a moment to leave a comment telling me what you like about the blog (or do not like). Also, if there is something you would like to see more of, comment on that also. If you choose to comment in your language I will use the translate feature to read it. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!

God bless! ...and by all means keep reading!

On the Eve of Confirmation...

Michael on Pike's Peak in 2010

As I sit here looking over my handiwork of a few evenings, I find myself astounded. On the computer is a file
of pictures that I will have running as a slide show on a table at the Confirmation reception tomorrow following his first Communion.

There are 870 pictures. They range from about age three up to just a few days ago. Fourteen years of life. At least eleven years of pictures. Moment that are captured in a flurry of digital pixels. Instants in time that are going to be seen by family and friends. Many of these pictures he has never seen before, but he will remember the details when he sees each and every one. I am sure of it.

Pastor Eckels questions the Confirmands at St. Paul's.
Michael is in the green striped shirt.

Last night we sat and watched as two of our Pastors questioned each of the Confirmands they sat panel-style between the two podiums. Quite frankly... I was amazed at the depth of understanding in these eighth-graders as they proved and upheld their education in their faith.

All of them were a bit nervous as they sat facing a total of five local Pastors as well as family and members of a few different Congregations. But as the questioning got underway, their anxiety eased and they easily answered and showed understanding of their professed beliefs. In the majority of questions, they were even eager to raise their hands to answer.

I was proud as Michael answered the first three questions asked. It then went somewhat randomly with the raised hands. Good questions... answers filled with understanding.

It amazes me the depth of understanding represented by this group of Confirmands. They responded to each question. Their verbal explanations of the Apostle's, the Nicene and the Athanasian Creeds were without question.

Michael and I in 2008 at
Philmont in New Mexico.

These youth see the Truth. They see the Way, the Truth and the Life.

They quoted scripture upon the asking. It was written in their hearts.

Our Pastors have done a fine job in the shepherding and education of these youth.

Tomorrow, in just a few hours, they will be Confirmed and receive their first Communion. May they approach the Sacrament of the Altar with reverence, preparation and awe as they partake in that which was given and shed for them.

May they know the comforts of the believer.

Michael as Crucifier during
Lent in 2013

We will be there with them in this.

I, for one, am proud of the Faith my son has exhibited. He will enter a public high school next year. May he stand firm in his faith. May the Lord give him the strength to do so among his peers.

I have watched him grow from a small child to a young man capable of many things. He isn't perfect. None of us are... but he continues to grow in many ways. I for one am glad that his faith in God is at the forefront of his life.

I watched him present before a group of youth and adults today on the topic of packing a backpack. My hope is that he will use his God-given talents in many ways... but I hope that the presentation abilities will also be used to deliver the saving grace of the Word; the message of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Michael presenting today.