Camp Cheerio (part 2)

I told a little of Friday's events.  The whole camp is mapped out and scheduled which makes things so much easier for people.  It runs so smoothly.  Truly, many of those in charge could change some companies around if they were hired.  No glitches, no scheduling conflicts, etc.  Somehow, they pull it off every year w/out a hitch or hiccup.  Only 'big' hiccup this year was they couldn't find a movie at the end for the kids so they had to ask for one.  Now, if that is the biggest 'hiccup' than you know w/out a doubt it was a successful camp!  And the kids agree.  Every year they've asked to go back.  Not a one of them doesn't want to go back.  One of the Littles was screaming this year b/c she did NOT want to go home.  Seriously.  We are going back next year.  How could we not?!  So now for a few more pictures.

Alyona and one of her friends at camp.  They look forward to seeing each other each year.  Friendships at this camp tend to be long term.  It's wonderful.  Building in the background is the gym where they all hang out.  

Max and Summer enjoying some ice cream at the icecream social.  They had all sorts of flavors.  Too busy eating to smile. LOL.

Reni and Nik in disguise w/ one of their crafts.  Should have had the Littles put these on.  LOL.

Summer is enjoying dodgeball a little too much in my opinion!

 Nothing like basketball and dodge ball on a rainy day.

 Max was a volunteer this year and thoroughly enjoyed it.  He can't wait to be one next year.  

 Had to take a picture as they weren't fighting!  Bonding time. 

Bojan was having a heck of a time with his leg getting wet and not being able to get the shoes one.  At least he was smart enough to take t he leg off before jumping in the lake.  A few of my kids jumped in the lake.  Go figure.

 This was the weather the entire time we were there.  And this was one of the clearer views. 

Though the views were dismal this time, the fun brightened everyone's day.  Really did.  They went canoeing, bowling, archery, crafts, bouncehouse, gym, basketball, petting the horses, and just too much else to name.  Old friendships renewed and new ones started.  Awesome!  This camp benefits the kids, the parents and the siblings.  It is not only fun but life changing for many.  I can not stress how beneficial this is to go to our family.  I do know this year, I will try to raise the funds for scholarships for future families.  I'll do that over the summer.  I think more should have this experience to be sure.  More later.  FAS Support group meeting this evening if you are local.  If you don't have a support group in your areas, make one!  Trust me, you'll laugh and find what you need.  Kids are downstairs making cards for Max.  He will have  3 month recovery time and is not looking forward to that over the entire summer.  His surgery is at 6:30 am tomorrow. 

Camp Cheerio Recap (part 1)

Oh where to start?  Well, we got started late?  Why you ask?  Because of what happened the night before.  It was ridiculous and petty and I was extremely disappointed in my children.  I know I told the story already but still, made me angry.  Since we were up late dealing with that, did not get the packing done we needed to.  So, bunch of unhappy kids on the way to camp b/c we said if you do not confess, everyone will stick w/ Mom and Dad unless in group activities.  Surely someone would own up to it.  Nope.  URGHH!!! 

We see that sign and everyone just wants to jump out of their seats!

As you can tell, not all that happy yet b/c at this point, they still  thought they were staying w/ Mom and Dad the whole time.  

Alex thinking about things.

Houseguest about lost her mind when she saw all these horses.  Loved petting them.

This was t he only clear few hours we had.  Rest of the time, fog and rain.

Cool new signs and many updates this year.  Was awesome. This camp always looks so beautiful.  You can tell they really care about the place.

Okay, so have a few group shots that I do every year.  Just this year I can't post them yet as the Littles are in the shot.  So, here's part of the group goofing off.

Bojan hanging out at the cabin before a meal time.

Yes, I let the manly husband hold the diaper bag. LOL.  Bojan and Dad.

On the way to Cheerio while filling the van, I went in and bought Nik his gummies that someone else stole.  He was thrilled. I looked at him and said "Don't Share!"  I got glares from everyone.  You know, ONE of them was indeed guilty.  

Alyona enjoying some dessert which comes w/ every meal.  Little One was miffed when I wouldn't let her have dessert first.  LOL.  She'll learn in time.  In fact, only took her one meal after that.

My Summer Bummer.  The slowest eater on Earth!  She had such a good time with friends at camp.  Enjoyed it a lot.  We all did.  I have more pictures coming.  I have to weed through what I can't post.  In addition, weather was horrible so didn't even take the camera out much.  But still, caught a few.  The first day we arrived, we checked in, ate lunch and went to classes.  Met for dinner and then there was an ice cream social a bit later and the kids hung out at the gym.  Just fun times getting to know everyone.  Part two coming soon. 

Manic Monday

Well, been a few days since on here.  Felt great!  But, back to work.  So, here goes a Manic Monday post and then later tonight I'll talk about Camp Cheerio.

• Had an awesome time at Camp Cheerio
• Hard news to swallow
• obviously behind on emails
• finishing up homeschool stuff
• figuring out Irina's graduation stuff
• need to order a diploma
• ordered a sign...came in w/ wrong date
• tried to save $$$ and now phone service is screwed up
• Warren is working on said mess w/ phone/ internet folks
• having trouble w/ one daughter
• Max's surgery is this week
• one of the Littles is getting her AFO's checked out again
• Kids start exams this week
• got an awesome surprise boxes in the mail from a friend.  Great boost!  
• house is a mess after the trip
• it rained the whole time we were there
• budgeting for a very tight month
• thinking of doing fundraising site for some necessities insurance doesn't cover.  Not sure if that's appropriate though.  (post later to ask)
• trying to sell the RV
• pool is still not drained.  missing sump pump
• been a long week already
• found missing sump pump.  Wahoo
• Cleaning pool 
• washing tons of laundry
• roof is leaking again
• I HATE paperwork
• I feel like Dori on Finding Nemo...Just Keep swmming, just keep swimming
• can't find the maker of our kitchen cabinets to order replacement drawer(lifetime warranty)
• Warren got the ceiling fan working again so that's great
• trying to do some spring cleaning of sorts
• won a voucher for next season for kids' soccer season
• having to go nowhere this weekend which will be wonderful
• figuring out the big summer vacation trip
• van got 21 mpg to the mountains and back (not bad for fully loaded van)
• heart in gut w/ the tornado that hit Oklahoma
• FAS meeting tomorrow evening

More going on as usual here.  Trying to get organized b/c I do have a bunch coming at me at once lately.  One thing at a time is what we try to do.   Will do a Camp Cheerio post later tonight after baths are done. 

Away we go!

Time to hit the road to Camp Cheerio.  We're very, very ready to go.  Can't wait for the Littles to have their first Camp Cheerio experience.  When we go away, we like to be technology free.  So, off line until Sunday.  Have a wonderful weekend and stay dry.  Be back soon with lots to say.  Not just about Camp Cheerio. 

Angry Birds, angry mom

Today is Thursday.  Right now, some of my kids are in the living room trying to grasp a life lesson.  More in a minute.  The other day, Nik got creative and drug Logan along w/ his escapades.  Nik LOVES angry birds.  Loves it.

Logan and Nik getting ready to shoot.  You know, legos and a sling shot can only end badly.  

Nik's angry bird contraption.

So happy that destruction took place.  all that time to set it up only for it to be knocked down in a matter of seconds.  

Tonight, I'm just absolutely disappointed and angry with my kids.  Now, I know I don't say that often but this just ticks me off.  Here's the deal.  We went to the grocery store yesterday just for hot dogs.  While there, I went and took the Littles and Summer to get their hair cuts.  At the store, Nik bought Lifesaver gummies w/ his tooth fairy money.  He got home and put it in a Ziploc bag and in the cabinet.  Today, he wanted to show his speech therapist.  It's gone.  Someone stole it.  This is NOT the first time things have gone missing in this house.  Those who know FAS and RAD know exactly what this entails.  But, we don't allow that as an excuse.  We expect one to admit they took it.  Very, very aggravating to say the least.  All are old enough to know better.  Eventually, one of htem usually cracks.  Tonight, all are holding strong.  URGHH!!!  Right now, they're outside doing jumping jacks.  It just is disappointing as a parent.  you teach and teach and teach them well.  It is not the fact that a little bag of candy went missing.  It is the principal of the whole situation.  And the fact that they've done this over and over and over and over again.  Though I will admit,  it has gotten much, much less over the years.  Still, not where it needs to be.  So tonight, we tried the all for one, one for all approach.  So far, none have cracked.  I can usually do these things but for some reason, this time it's wearing me down.  I know staying strong is key w/ these kids and that's why mine have made it this far.  It's taken a lot of work.  The trouble w/ an FAS/RAD kid is they will truly believe the lie.  And then you have to spend gobs of time tearing it apart so they can 'see' what is the truth.  It's hard.  Mentally hard.  I am SO looking forward to Camp Cheerio.  We truly need this time away.  But first, we must find the guilty party.  All over a stupid bag of candy.  And no, you can't let it go.  If you let this go, t he bigger things are next.  We learned that lesson years upon years ago.  I think it is important for folks to know yes, we still continually deal with issues years later.  But you can never give up.  If you give up the fight, you've given up on the kids.  And the kids are worth the fight despite the crap they put you through.  LOL. 

Picnic, painting and prepping

Today is Thursday.  Day before we leave.  Trust me, Nik has kept us abreast of how many days we have left till departure.  If he knew time, I'm sure that he would have it done in hours and minutes as well.  Nice to see the excitement in them though.  He has officially been packed for 3 days.  I have yet to go through the bag.  Can only imagine.  The other night, it was just beautiful out.  Not many bugs and perfect picnic weather.

Some of the kids getting ready to have a picnic dinner.  Sloppy joes.

Nik hates it when people sit next to him.  Hates it.  Can you tell?

Alyona.  Innocent enough in this shot.

Logan.  Umm, I'm giving him the Darwin Award.  Seriously.  I posted on FB the other day.  He found a piece of cheese in the woods from well over a week ago.  String cheese.  Not refrigerated.  And ate it!  Yuck!  The other kids were totally grossed out.

Boys goofing off being boys.

Nik helping paint a chair for the girls' room.  He wanted to do it.

My artist in training.  He dressed himself.  Saved all his clothes 

Weird looking floormats, huh?

Before any trip, we like a clean car to travel in.  So, kids know the drill and have different jobs.  I scrubbed and cleaned all the floor mats.  Alyona coming back w/a broom.  

Big plus w/ Big Bird is you literally just sweep out the van.  NO carpet!  Love it.  Reni was sweeping out the van and Alex & Logan were pushing the Littles on the swings.  Worked out. 

It's Tuesday

Phew.  What a week and it's only Tuesday.  Well,our last social worker visit was today.  Chaos Manor was in full swing.  Let's see what happened this go around.  Summer and Alex got into it for whatever reason, I'm still not sure yet.  She hit me in the nose. He hit me first.  Really guys?  There was popcorn literally everywhere in the living room.  And I mean everywhere.  Since I was preoccupied talking, I didn't see them keep making popcorn.  Littles and Summer probably had enough for 5 people!  LOL.  Maybe not that much but you get the picture.  My kids made a redneck basketball goal.  You know, put a large plastic container and drill it to the fence post.  Only trouble was I had to keep yelling at them for hitting the house/ rv.  Asked them to move it.  Now, it sits in the front yard drilled to a tree.  Jealous, I know.  Wait till you see the pics of the bright blue bin.  Geez.  As if they had nothing else to do while she was here.  They pick that.  URGHH!!!  Max was telling all about the fridge smelling rotted and that we should toss it out front.  Nice one Max.  Fridge broke.  Determining whether we should fix it or not.  We have 2.  Trouble is, other fridge sounds like fan is going on that one.  Waiting this week to see if it does go and then determine how/ when/ what we should fix.  For now, 1 fridge working.  Truly, we need both of them.  When the fridge was emptied, it sat of course.  It has baking soda in it but a 65 degree fridge will not smell good even w/ nothing in it.  We have to leave the freezer part alone as it still works on the bottom.  But Max's description made it sound like slime/ mold was inside.  It's NOT.  It's white and clean.  Since this was not enough excitement for her, my kids decide to leave the door open.  You guessed it.  Alaska escapes.  Are you kidding me?!  They retrieve the dog.  One of the littles is insisting she needs a bath.  Maybe feeling pity at that point, the sw asks if we have the chance to get away.  What?  And Warren and I leave all this for a vacation?  One can only dream. 

She was a good sport about it all.  This is life as you know.  You take the good with the bad.  One thing I give my kids credit for, is for being themselves no matter who is over.  She left and Irina and I took the Littles and Summer for our evening walk.  Beautiful day for it.  We enjoyed the walk and so did the kids.  Return home.  In that not so long amount of time, somehow, some way, they managed to break the popcorn popper and the microwave!  Though now we have the microwave working again, smells like there was a fire of sorts.  Warren thinks they attempted to use the grill feature.  Made spaghetti and tried to wind everyone done.  Didn't work.  They were wired.  Everyone eventually settled down.  Homestudy will be done soon and we'll be onto the next step.  Only thing they need from me is medicals.  Our doc signed them all but forgot to notarize them.  So, working on that part.  Never dull.   As you all know, feels great to have another step in the adoption process complete.  More later.  Hoping tomorrow is a boring day.   Really do hope.  Did I mention I can't wait for Camp Cheerio?!