Camping Fun

Truth be told, this may be the only area my parents failed.  Note to other humans: mandatory requirement for a childhood= camping.  I am just a parent volunteer with the Pathfinder club through the kids school.  Usually the awkward one flashing a camera a million times an hour.  But for this trip I was also Kitchen help.
We headed to the Peaks of Otter about 3:30pm on Friday the 9th.We got there a pinch before 5 and started setting up the tents.  The boys had one, girls had one, male leaders had one and poor Mrs. Courtney and I were stuck having to sleep in the camper.  Tough life.

It took all of 5 minutes to catch the first critter, have the first drops of blood and for every boy to have a walking stick.
Mr. Lance helping the girls with the rainfly.  The kids piled the gear into Mrs. Melanie's truck.

After camp was set up, the rules were gone over, the kids got to eat their brown-bag supper.  By then the temps dropped drastically.  Just as we started our evening devotional, taught by Mr. Lance the storm began, thunder, crazy winds and plenty of rain.  It was a good lesson though about allowing God's light shine through you, complete with a glow bracelet visual aide for each kid.

Morning started extra bright and early at 6am when the boys were wide awake and loud, or at least some of them which awakened all the others.  It was chilly and foggy, and convincing the boys to keep it quiet til 7 was basically a lost cause.

We started the morning with a hike to the lake to hopefully rid them of some energy.  We found a critter at the lake too.  The kids were fascinated by him.

How we spotted our friend

Then our friend came quite close right near the edge

After visiting our friend at the lake, and a few posed pictures, it was time to head back for breakfast.  We went simple with cereal, muffins, yogurt and fruit.

After we ate we had a tent inspection courtesy of Mr. Gary and Mr. Lance.  The girls won.  Which isn't a huge shock.  Then add to the fact we had almost double the boys and it was a no-brainer.

Then it was time for Sabbath Church. This was combined with our usual church family for Outdoor Church.  Although it was frigid and rainy, we had a great turn out of about 100!  After Mr. Spencer taught on "Being Childish" (as a good thing ;-) ) we shared a picnic potluck.

After church and lunch we headed back to camp to our first campfire!  The kids of course instantly loved it!  Although some were too busy playing to sit around a fire.  We had emergency relief arrive when we got a shipment of gloves and hot hands body warmers for that evening.  Some church members even loaned out their jackets so we had extra layers as we didn't forecast such cold temps and so much rain!

Next Mr. Gary taught us some knife safety/camping basics tips.  Then all the kids had to find them selves a roasting stick and carve the tip to be pointy.

Their first task with their roasting stick was baking them selves a biscuit over the fire.  This took more patience than some usually like to use, but the most patient ones ended up with the best biscuits and best of all everyone had fun.

Then it was time to go letter boxing.  Mr. Eli stayed back to watch over our fire.  

Our first stop was the Nature Center where the Park Ranger taught us about sugar and technology being all around us in nature.

Then we continued to follow the clues Mrs. Courtney gave us to find the letter box.  And although we found all the spots mentioned in the clues, there was no letter box to be found.  And no my picture taking skills aren't this bad, but yes the fog was this bad.

We hiked back to camp and it was time to start supper.  While the adults started the cooking the kids played, until it was time for them to roast their hotdogs with their roasting sticks they had carved earlier.

By then it was time for the kids favorite: Smores!!

While the adult ladies cleaned up supper and washed dishes, Mr. Gary told scary stories around the campfire and Mr. Eli helped supervise.  Some of the girls opted out of scary stories for a game of go fish in the girls tent.  And that adequately prepared them for bed, I'm sure.  And since they didn't wake up with a bang at 6am I feel safe in saying Old Man Hook (from the scary store) ensured proper behavior... or else...

About 7 we got up and ready for our day.  This was our fun breakfast day.  Check this five star camping meal out!  OMELETS IN A BAG!!!  Add two eggs to zip lock, scramble them, add your toppings, rezip bag getting it as air tight as able, boil about 10 minutes and tada!  We also had (chocolate chip) pancakes, fruit, yogurt, juice and milk.

Then it was time to finish up our camping trip, tear down camp, pack up and hit the road.

Then we were leaving camp, headed back to the school/church

Back at the church we unpacked the trailer and Mrs. Melanie's truck.  Then we had to re-set-up all the tents and canopies and tarps we had use to dry them out.  Luckily by this point it was plenty hot for the job so it didn't take as long as we were afraid it would.

On the way home we stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream cone to cool off with.  It was really a perfect camping trip.  All the small mishaps from the camp site being out of fire wood, to under packing for the unexpected weather, to the missing letter box are really what creates the memories.  Not everything can go as planned.  It is how you react to the new plan that counts!  Everyone left a little more tired, but a lot more happy and full of exciting camp memories.  And then the adult volunteer leaders also got the pleasure of taking home a head cold too ;-)

Our Girly

Writing is my outlet, my relief, my happy place.  All summer I was super extra cautious not to write anything that could be flipped or twisted or could create issues or could rob our kids of happiness.  All summer I have been almost happy.  And yet the elephant is everywhere.  I wanted to blog and chatter and exclaim what great family filled trips we had, and how I survived another work week, and how thankful I am for a loyal hard working supportive husband, and how my kids have the best grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousins and how.....

In stead I wrote nothing.  As our family grew, a piece of my heart was eliminated and it hurts and I won't lie.  I will never in my life understand how adults can use children as chips to one up others.  I know what we did was right and good and was a must and I am still left pondering HOW can I stop loving your kids unconditionally.  It's simple.  I can't.  I won't.  Love should never be able to shut off or be cut off.  So contact or not I love and miss them and now am left to only praying for them.  How can I have financially supported your family too many times, babysat countless times, was fully involved.  And yet you had no issue stopping contact with mine.  Clearly it wasn't an even playing field.  That hurts  Hurts for me, hurts for my children..   How could I have been blind for so long.  How did I not notice or know to step in sooner?  That is the elephant. 

I no longer have contact with a precious two year old and a wonderful 15 year old whom I have always called my niece and nephew.  But the price of having contact wasn't worth it, if it meant a less than safe, happy or proper home for our girly.  In life we will all have to make tough choices.  I'd say this was one of mine, but it wasn't.  We made it in an instant without a second thought.  It was an easy choice that came with a tough result.  Always remember consequences/results come with most decisions, whether good or bad....

 I have always said I'd do anything for my kids, for my nephews and my nieces, for my siblings, for my family, for many kids I love.  I always meant it.  When push came to shove, we honored our word, and sweet (new) child of mine I hope you know you ARE worth it.  You have GREAT value. You are wanted.  You are loved.  Life will rarely be a basket of pansies and butterfly kisses and this was another curve in our road of life.  I have felt broken at times this summer watching you hurt as things were said to you that can't be erased, as promises were made and failed to be held, as you had to grow up faster and decide not what your heart wanted (like being in the same school with the same friends and seeing your siblings every day) but what was safe and good and right for you and your future.  But I've also been given the best gift in getting to love on you all summer and spoil you a little and introduce you to several firsts.
 
I am ecstatic to introduce everyone to our new member, our oldest child, our beautiful, wonderful, funny, sweet, caring, stronger than words can describe daughter Angela.  I made her a promise last year, I kept it again, sadly.  When ever any of my children feel they are in a not safe, not good situation I truly hope they always feel safe in talking to Marko and I and reaching out when you need to, and venting, and sharing, and know we will always love you, always support you, always do our best to protect you and lead you the right direction.  Even when it is hard on you, or me or us.  Even if you are afraid, even if you may have taken a wrong turn.  We are family, we are one.

On August 31st, 2015 the Judge granted us legal and physical custody of you.  Something we have felt all summer, but a piece of paper that safe guards you.  And so now I feel I can write again without fear of typing the wrong thing or offending the wrong person and putting your placement and safety in jeopardy.  I am beyond thrilled to have a third child I never knew I wanted.  I love you girly.  I am so proud of you, your strength, your determination, your honesty, your sweet spirit, YOU.

P.S. Kid you are now stuck in one crazy big loving family!  Consider yourself official and keep indulging, making memories and giggling along the way!  I hope you forever feel you belong, FULLY..... and how have you lived here all summer and Marko and you have been in plenty of pictures but not at the same time.... this will change the day he gets back to town....

Adventure Club 2015

I'll never catch up so the two blogs I had been working on I gave myself permission to be a quitter and just get current.... which I dislike skipping over stuff, but I  never feel like blogging when I get so far behind, so here it goes.

On May 21st we had Adventurer Club graduation.  Jayna is in Adventurer club.  I also bring Will,  Alexus, Diamond, Tabi, Mateo and pick up another little girl that goes to the kids school; Zaynique.  Although the pick ups and drop offs and business of the 1st and 3rd Thursdays can be crazy hectic, I have loved it.

When I agreed to have J go to Doss last year, at open house night I learned about Adventurer Club.  I had always wanted my kids to be in girl/boy scouts, but it never worked out that way and this was like scouts for both genders and add some biblical principals.  But what REALLY sold me was when I asked the leader if it was only for school kids.  She was eager for me to bring the kids friends.  I doubt she imagined by year 2 of club 6 of the 15 kids would be in my group!  But they've always been over the top accepting and loving... and giving.

This past year I have been a co-leader, helping with planning, and some behind the scenes stuff.  It's been so much fun.  So it was extra crushing to hear this may be the end for Adventurer club as the two leaders kids graduated and they will move on to the next age group.  I would be a leader but since I'm not a church member I can't.  Hopefully it somehow works out and I can keep co-leadering.  My gang of kids and Jayna will  be so bummed if this is the end for good.   I haven't missed a meeting in 2 years and it is possible that I may get even more into Adventurers than the kids do ;-)

For the ceremony, Pastor Mike lead us in prayer.

The kids performed their pledge, law and song.

Then we recognized each child who completed their grade level in club.  They earned several patches on their sash and a pin for every year they did club.

 We recognized our 5 graduates with a new bible and Adventurers tote bag.  This may seem simple.... until you realize this bible was the very first bible for at least 2 of the 5 and to them it was a big deal!

Then we did the Award Certificate.  I had chosen each child for a specific Adventure Club award and a brief paragraph on them.  I also got them a books of the bible pencil, bookmark and a picture of their self that went with the award they had been chosen.  I didn't want typical award like in school--- most helpful, best listener, blah blah blah because I feel they leave too much potential for hurt feelings and this is supposed to be fun and build their self esteem, not the other way around.

When Alexus joined Adventurer Club she had never said a prayer and didn't know how.  Mrs. Melanie taught her.  Soon Lexi was always eagerly volunteering to pray and adding her requests to our Prayer chart.

All the kids were assigned to learn about a salt water and fresh water fish and two facts.  But Amiah went way above and beyond, coloring us a picture and even making us a puzzle to put together

Ariel was impressive with her flexibilty skills, effortlessly doing the tumbles and headstand and then this amazing bridge!

Diamond was happiest when she was helping out w/ kitchen duty.  She skipped a game to help make dessert while on our fall camping trip.  Then when we learned about Tanzania and cooked food from that country she had the hottest longest task and patiently stood and stirred her rice!

I always new the athletic artictic DJ.  But at our spring camping trip I saw this sweet caring side to this animal lover

Early on this year we learned Isaiah was timis, quiet and afraid of dogs,  But by our spring camping trip we found a brave Isaiah crossing a log over top the creek,who was happy and vocal and he also fearlessly held a toad we found! 

Jayna was happiest around the fire, and usually shoeless.  She happily would poke at the fire until an adult stopped her.  She even had smores for breakfast the final camping trip morning.

We learned Jewell had the great ability to focus even in sticky situations when she built a great gingerbread house complete with 4 walls and a roof, unblike most of our other friends!

Levi was knowledgeable on fish when our special Pet Smart guest came he knew many of the answers to her questions as well as other animal related topics we learned about this year 

Logan was caught on the waters edge every spare moment he had on our spring camping trip; most of the time with a fishing pole. He was also kind enough to share his pole and teach other friends the fishing basics.

Mateo is constantly happy and his smile contagious!  He eagerly joins in and tries anything we do

Miko was assigned breakfast at our camping trip.  One of her duties was slicing apples.  Mrs. Melanie initially helped her and then she was on her was to safely and accurately slicing alone!

Natalie introduced us to this slimy friend while camping.  And in true Natalie fashion she helped other catch their own newts and shared hers too so everyone got a chance to hold it.

Sage and her partner conquered canoing!  Most the other campers struggled following the course and making it back and needed help from the rescue canoe but Sage followed the directions and with her partner effortlessly guided their canoe along the path quickly too!

Tabi was always quick to volunteer and help read our bible verses, stories or lessons!  She has been a great help and I can easily see leadership qualities in her already.

Will made the best beard at our Christmas meeting which fit our jolly ole guy, who also happened to notice and let us know the one time we skipped our adventurer club song.

Zaynique joined us late in the year but she wasted no time fitting right in making friends and being a good friend

After the ceremony we raffled off our three fish and they found their forever home with Mateo, Miko and Ariel.  Then we all enjoyed ice cream sundaes!

Teacher Appreciation Week

It's my favorite week of the year!!  Yes I'm serious.  I've loved this week for years and have blogs to prove it.  Every year I try to come up with a little something special- and not the same for all my kids teachers.... even the  two I wasn't overly fond of got at least one gift. This year was no different.... except I have been lucky enough to deal with the same 5 (plus a new secretary I didn't previously know)teachers for this year and last year.

our favorite teachers

I did get a good chuckle when this popped up on my timehop app from 2 years ago this week.

Luckily he didn't dislike any of his teachers enough to do this except for the year he was in 3rd grade.  He did however decide it was too hard to deliver  one of the gifts but we delivered it a day late.
Day 1- Monday:
"It is so refreshing to have a dedicated teacher like you"

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25"

Day 2- Tuesday
"Thank you for sticking with me no matter how long it takes me to learn new concepts"
I edited the one for Mrs. Hollie who is in charge of drama so hers said "Thank you for sticking with me no matter how long it takes me to learn all my lines" and the one for the secretary  said "Thank you for sticking with me no matter how disorganized I can get"

"For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come  nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39"

Day 3- Wednesday
"Having an extra special teacher like you is easily worth 100 grand"

"If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.Romans 12:7
I was overjoyed when some brothers arrived and testified about your truthfulness and how you live according to the truth.  3 John 1:3"

Day 4- Thursday:
"We're sorry for all the times we've drove you nuts.  Hopefully you can look back and snicker"

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8"

Day 5- Friday:
"Thank you for being such a supportive teacher!  You are a teacher, friend, good example, both now and later... even if I'm too young to see it yet"

"I thank God always when I remember you in my prayers.  Philemon 1:4
"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18"

On Friday each of the kids main teachers also got a cd and bookmark attached to their note and treat.  We also participated in the gift card tree too.
I hope the teachers enjoyed their extra attention and appreciation last week.  They truly deserved it!