Scout Camps

Last week was the week of scout camps. Aiden left early Sunday morning for Boy Scout camp up at Forest Lawn, and Conor and I left on Monday morning for Cub Scout camp at Verdugo Oaks. Conor is not a Cub Scout (yet), but I was asked by a friend who is the Camp Director for our local Council if I could come and act as the camp nurse, and the fact that Conor could come with me and participate with the scouts was a main motivating factor in jumping through all the hoops I had to jump through in order to go.

I had very mixed feelings about going, to be honest, and there was a lot to do to be certified and eligible for the position of Camp Health Officer, when I wasn't being paid. It took about a month of preparation and meetings and online trainings and certifications, during which time I was also dealing with sticky marriage-separation stuff, and trying to study for the nursing board exams, which I was scheduled to take the Tuesday after camp. But my friend was very patient and understanding with me, and so grateful, and as I began to see how much time and energy is devoted (for free, since all of them are strictly volunteers), I felt really humbled to be able to work with them all and to have the opportunity to serve with them.

Here is Conor waiting outside our house for our ride up to camp. He was so excited. We went up a day earlier than camp started so we could get settled in and oriented to procedures.

This is the Health Lodge, and became our home-away-from-home for the week. Thankfully, we were in this air-conditioned cabin and not in tents, because it got very, very hot during the week, and even though we were outside for daytime activities, I was so grateful to be able to sleep inside where it was cool.

Here is the teepee, where each den got to spend one night sleeping. Conor set his stuff up in there when it was his den's turn, but then changed his mind and hauled it all back to be with me. As I figured he would.

I tried to study during every spare moment. This is Sparky the Cat sitting with me. He's the camp mouser and does not like to be touched or held, but for some reason, whenever I sat down, Sparky found me and joined me.

Conor made so many friends, and even though he was a year or two younger than the youngest boys, everyone was so kind to him. He asked the Junior Staff (Boy Scouts who came up to be den leaders) if he could join in their game of Box Hockey, and they were good enough to even let him be goalie.

We had a great kitchen staff who cooked and cooked and cooked. The only time they stopped cooking was to clean and clean and clean before they had to cook again. Conor loved the mess hall and the mealtime routines.

This was our dinner the night before camp officially opened. It was a "Thanksgiving Feast" to thank all the staff members for their hard work.

The first morning of camp. Conor was so excited to put on his borrowed Cub Scout uniform and head to flag ceremony. My job began in earnest shortly after that. As the scouts arrived, they were sent to the Health Lodge for health checks. I also kept all medication and was responsible for administering it.

During the day, there were classes, helping the boys to pass off various requirements and learn new skills. I taught the First Aid classes each day to each den. Here is Conor demonstrating how to use a triangular bandage.

Each den made a flag that they carried to flag ceremonies. Sometimes Conor got to be the leader and hold the flag.

During Free Time, Conor would come back to the Health Lodge and sack out for just a bit. They kept the boys so busy from early in the morning till late at night.

There were many opportunities for swimming, which was good since the temperatures climbed to well over 100 degrees later in camp. The first two days, Conor wouldn't even get into the pool, which baffled me. Then he spent two days in the shallow end (for non-swimmers). By the end of camp, he'd gone to the lifeguard and asked if he could take the swim test, and he passed it! He jumped into the deep end and swam the entire length of the pool! I could not believe it. In fact, I didn't believe him, and had to ask the life guard.

I was kept pretty busy with First Aid needs. Thankfully, nothing serious. But I got to know most of the boys and they were all so adorable. I really grew to love them.

Here is Conor at the archery range. He loved archery, much more than he thought he would.

He got to try BB guns too, but found that it wasn't as much fun as he'd hoped. I think the guns required a bit more strength than the little guys had, so it was a bit hard for them.

The theme of camp was "Seeking Cub Treasures" so there were pirate touches here and there throughout the week. I loved this idea. They made a pirate "ship" and showed the Muppet Treasure Island movie on the mast at night time. The kids sat on benches and ate popcorn.

His name is spelled incorrectly, but it was a big deal when Conor got to move his buddy tag from Non-Swimmer to Beginner after passing the swim test.

During a craft session, the boys made Survival Bracelets. They LOVED it and Conor is still proudly wearing his.

During an awards ceremony, Conor was chosen for the Most Improved Swimmer award and was presented with the rubber duckie medal. He was so proud!

At the end of camp, he was chosen by his den to receive the den flag to take home because he was always on time to every flag ceremony and always in full uniform. Conor loves earning awards.

At closing ceremonies, twelve scouts were each awarded with an acorn token, symbolizing one of the twelve character traits of scouts. Conor was awarded for being Clean. Some of those boys were pretty grungy by the end of camp. Conor stays pretty clean by nature, but since he was sleeping in bed with me, I was also scrubbing his feet down at night. Because, well, gross.

It was a long, hot, very busy week. Conor loved it and made many new friends and is now excited for when he will officially be a Cub Scout. But no sooner did we get in the car to head for home on Saturday afternoon, then I turned around to find him sacked out. He was tired!

So was I.

But we got home and bathed and unpacked, and it was so wonderful to see Aiden, who had just gotten home as well (he earned 5 merit badges at camp and had a great time. He earned the Shotgun merit badge, which is one of the most difficult to earn, and he loved it so much), and Lyndsay, who had been home alone for the week.

My little campers together again.

They spent some brief brother time together before Conor had to go to bed, and Aiden had to pack up again, this time headed for a month in Arizona with his dad. But we'll keep this post happy and not dwell on the fact that we miss him so much already.

So, we did it. A week of Scout camp. The first day I was ready for it all to be over. I had so much on my mind. By the end, I was a little sad that it was over and that the boys were leaving. It was a great experience, and I know Conor created memories that will last him a long time.

Daddy's Girl

Father's Day. I love my dad every day, but my thoughts turn to him especially at this time of year. I think about the ways he has influenced my life, my character, my views. I love to think about my dad. When I was a little girl, he was a super hero. With his jet-black hair, people often said he looked like Superman. There was nothing he could not do in my eyes. Yes, he frustrated me at times with his teasing. He embarrassed me with his unapologetic pride in me in public situations. I still roll my eyes at his continual rhyming and impromptu song-writing and singing.

As I got older, I began to realize that he had very real struggles. I knew that he was not Superman, but rather, a mortal man, and his weaknesses have cost him dearly. I have watched him suffer in sorrow and regret. I have been pained by his choices at times. I have faced him, and forgiven him. I have watched him lose everything and rise again. Actually, he has taught me a great deal about how to pass through suffering. I have watched him take the Savior at His word and put his whole and complete trust in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It has not made all things better yet, but it has made him better in every way. I know there are catacombs of sadness within his heart, but to be with him is to know only cheerfulness, encouragement, and optimism. His belief in me convinces me that I can do anything. He is the smartest, wisest, kindest person I've ever known in this life. He has been a spiritual anchor for me in this world. He has blessed me, and prayed with me, and held me, and wept with me, and taught me. He has done the same for my children. He and I are connected spirit to spirit. I am aware that he is not perfect. But he has been the perfect father for me. I cannot imagine being in this world without him.

I have two fantastic parents, but I like to think about what parts of me came from my dad.

Gardening, for sure. My dad taught me to garden, as a girl growing up in New Jersey. And every year I plant a garden for many reasons, but one of them is to honor his legacy. He has taught me many spiritual truths from the simple act of putting seeds in fertile soil.

I am an avid journaler because of my dad. Dad writes in his journal every single day. He never misses. I am not (currently) that faithful, but my love of journal keeping is a gift from my father.

Both of my parents are autodidacts. Both are readers extraordinaire. But I get my love of the scriptures from my dad. In fact, last week I ordered a used copy of a gospel study guide I'd heard of on another blog. It's an entire series of books that covers the entire Standard Works. I chose one volume to begin with, the volume on Isaiah. Isaiah is tricky for me, and because of that, I sometimes don't enjoy it. I realize that if I understood the symbolism and language better, it would make more sense and have more application to my life. I know that Nephi loved the writings of Isaiah. I know that Jesus Christ loved Isaiah's words. And those are good enough reasons to find out more, but for me, I want to love Isaiah because my dad loves Isaiah. I want to understand the things that are of deep importance to him, and he loves the writings of Isaiah. His example continues to inspire me.

I honor my dad this day. He has overcome great personal obstacles in life. He has achieved greatness in all the ways that matter. He lives a simple, humble, servant's life. His heart is tender to the spirit and to know him, really know him, is to love him.

What a privilege that I get to call him 'Dad'.

I love you, Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

They're Mine Again!

 Bad picture with my eyes half-closed, but oh, such a good day! The Last Day of School!

Every day of the school year feels like drudgery to me. Every single day, the same thing: wake up at 5:15am, cook breakfast, feed children, pack lunches, have scripture study and prayer, drive to the bus and drop Aiden off, come home and get Conor dressed and ready, and take him to school. 

Come home to an empty, lonely house and wonder about all the learning and experiences that are going on that I don't get to be a part of. I miss homeschooling so, so much! I want those hours with my children! But since I don't get to have them, I'm grateful for teachers that work hard, and I'm very grateful for summertime! Give me back my babies!

Conor finished 1st grade this year, which I can hardly believe. I remember thinking that when I finished nursing school, Conor would be finishing up 1st grade and that seemed so far in the distant future! And yet, here we are! He was accepted into the Magnet Program for 2nd grade, which will be on the same campus as he's been attending. So excited for him! (Why are his shoes untied -- from double knots-- every single day after school?)

And Aiden completed 7th grade, so only one more year until high school for him. Holy. Cow. This boy has begun to enter the Realm of Teenagerhood, if you know what I mean, but we're navigating fairly well, so far. Love this boy.

This was our Teacher Gift this year, thanks to creative bloggers who share their ideas. Simple and useful. Who can't spend money at Target, right?

And so, our summer has begun! We have some loose routines that we'll adhere to, like our Little Jobs, and some academic refresher work, and daily reading. I only have a few weeks with Aiden before he leaves to spend July with his dad in Arizona. Conor and I hope to do some art and science projects, and get back to his regular piano lessons, and go on some field trips. Of course, I'm still awaiting news of eligibility for the NCLEX (State Boards) exam, and studying a bit each day. But I am loving being home without huge school pressure and want to really enjoy this time with my children before I become a Working Mother. *sigh*

What about Lyndsay? Well, she's here. Sort of.

She was hired at a burger grill called The Habit shortly after getting home from college for the summer. So, she's been working almost every afternoon and night. She's learned very quickly and has had great reviews and feedback from both her management and the customers, and she mostly enjoys her job. She's learned so very much about Having A Job and all that goes along with that. I think it's a great experience for her. She's always made much more money doing other things, like babysitting, tutoring, and housecleaning, but I really think every kid should work in food service at least once. And I'm proud of her for getting in there.

And Dylan?

Oh, I miss that boy. It's been almost a year since I've seen him. But he started talking to me recently, which has lifted my heart to new heights. I write to him weekly and pray for him daily--sometimes hourly! He'll be a Senior this upcoming year! He's struggled in various ways, and I miss being a part of his life, but these years are only a moment. He's done tremendously well academically and is working this summer at Ace Hardware, so probably won't be able to swing a visit. But hopefully soon. And in the meantime, letters and prayers. And a phone conversation or two. I love him so, so much, and didn't expect this part of mothering him, to be sure, but we're okay.

So? On to Summer!

Women's Conference with a Stop at the Tulip Festival

This is me with one of my dearest, bestest friends, Sara. Sara and I met when we were each pregnant with our first baby girls. We talked every day on the phone when our babies (and then our second babies) were little, and we did all kinds of things together when we could. Then I moved up to the mountains, and she moved across the country for her husband's years in medical school, and we've each moved several times since then, but we've always stayed in close touch, sneaking visits whenever we can. She's been there for me in ways that are hard to even talk about because they are so sacred to me, and I hope I've been able to return some of the love and kindness and friendship she's offered to me, though I'm surely still in her debt. Because guess what she did for me as a graduation/turning 40 present? She flew me to Utah to attend Women's Conference!

Women's Conference is held at BYU each May, and I've never been able to attend (Sara has several times.) Women from all over the country (and Canada!) come for two days of uplifting classes. We get to stay in the dorms on campus, eat in the Cannon Center, and use the beautiful facilities on the BYU campus (it was like Lyndsay and I switched places! She came home and was watching the kids for me, while I was sleeping in the dorms where she'd just been! Made me kind of teary to walk in her shoes.)

It took two planes to get there. I flew from Burbank to Las Vegas, where I met Sara, who was in Vegas at a medical convention with her husband. We got on the same plane and flew to Salt Lake City. And we were both ready to heave-ho when the plane landed. Holy turbulent skies, Batman. When we arrived, we couldn't remember which company we'd rented a car from. But Utah is friendly, so we just went from counter to counter asking if our name was on the list. We finally found our reservation, all the way at the end. And then we stepped outside to go get the car.

Freezing.

Here I was coming from southern California, and Sara lives in the Arizona desert, and we were COLD. It was such a beautiful day looking through the windows, but outside it was 48 degrees. The wind was blowing, and it was snowing on the mountains. But we got our car and headed toward Provo. On the way, we passed a sign announcing that the Tulip Festival had been extended at Thanksgiving Point, and Sara knows how much I love tulips, so we pulled in for lunch and a tour. We were told it would take about an hour and a half to walk through the gardens, but since it was so cold, (and thank you, Sara!) she opted to pay for a golf cart (with a windshield!) and do a speedy tour, with a blanket. Good thing she can drive a golf cart! The tulips were amazing, but it was so cold. We stopped by a vendor truck and bought gigantic hot chocolates.

After the Tulip Festival, we got back on the highway and headed to BYU to check into our dorm. I was so happy to be there. We went over to the bookstore and spent a few hours perusing (and I bought some fudge! BYU Bookstore Fudge is incredible!) and then we had a fun evening just chatting, catching up, and deciding which classes we wanted to take in the morning.

Here is a shot as women gathered in the Marriott Center for the opening session. (Opening and closing sessions were held here, all together, and then we split up and attended our individual classes during the day.)

On the first night of the conference (our second night there) there was a concert held in the Marriott Center. I learned that my friend Hilary Weeks would be one of the performers, so I was able to get in touch with her and she had Sara and me come through the secure entrance and gave us floor seating near the performers.
Sara is also a Hilary Weeks fan, so it was fun for her to meet Hilary for the first time. And I always love any chance I can get to see her.

We were able to snap a quick photo together after the concert. Me, Hilary, Lynne McLean (Michael McLean's wife), and Sara.

Fortunately, for the two days of the conference, the sun came out in full force and it was perfectly lovely. The classes were wonderful, I ran into two old friends from different states that I've lived in and hadn't seen in ten years, and we ate until we were sick. The food was amazing everywhere. The Cannon Center had the most delicious breakfast and dinner selections, and there were treats and food carts all over the campus. I had so much fun just eating. But the best part was being with Sara. Usually when we're together we're wrangling our children. Or we're chatting while cooking, or cleaning, or running errands. For three and a half days, we just got to be together. And it was such a privilege. Time away from our busy lives is a rare commodity. A lot has happened to each of us since we met all those years ago. I love having a friend that has seen me through all of it (I'm very blessed with several incredible friends like this.)

The memories of being with her will last me a long, long time, as will my gratitude that she blessed me with the chance to go and have the experience. And I took pages upon pages of notes of each of the speakers and classes, and I've already gleaned more from reviewing them.

So grateful, Sara! I love you!

Organizing Children's Schoolwork

I actually completed this project over my Spring Break, but haven't had a chance to blog about it. This was one of those things that has been in my mind to do for years. Previously, I had a drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to the children's schoolwork, and then another file in another drawer for report cards, and one for awards. But it was all so mish-mash, and I wanted to compile everything chronologically and in a way that could be added to easily as the years go by. Plus, I wanted the kids to be able to take their memories with them when they have their own homes.

It was quite the project, let me tell you. Over the years, I've only kept the best of their work. It was really something to go through and see all those old projects that I remembered helping with, seeing their progress, all of the learning and hard work, and all those memories.

One by one, I pulled out a child's folders and went through each item, putting it in the pile for the right grade (which was sometimes tricky as not everything was dated, or would just have a teacher's name on it, or I'd have to guess by handwriting proficiency, but I think I got everything correct.) These were Aiden's piles, here on my bed. He's had some very creative teachers and his projects and reports were so fun to look back on.

After I had everything sorted, I made file folders for each grade. (I got my filing boxes and file folders from Office Depot on sale earlier in the year. I love that I could get folders to match the color of the boxes! I found it was more practical for me to turn the boxes long-ways and to use legal size folders because so many school projects or art projects are a bit odd-sized.) I also made a file for ART (miscellaneous drawings or things that they'd made out of school), REPORT CARDS, AWARDS (Conor's Student of the Month and Principals Awards went right into that folder once I'd taken a picture of him with them.), and then MEMORIES (a folder for miscellany like a letter from Mom or Dad, or a drawing from a sibling).

Of course, Conor's is the easiest, since he's only just beginning his schooling! He's also the only one with a PRESCHOOL folder.

Lyndsay's is complete, since she's finished with high school. College papers are mostly done online, and they can be her responsibility, thank you very much! She really only had high school in public school, but I did have some things from lower grades when we homeschooled. I also have homeschool binders for each of the three big kids that I don't want to take apart because they're so cool the way they are, so I guess I'll either slide those into the back of their file boxes, or they will be in addition to the boxes.

Boy, was it satisfying to go through all those papers for all those children over so many years!
Made me love 'em so much, too.

And now they sit all tidily on a shelf in the closet: Lyndsay, Dylan, Aiden, Conor. A very good feeling!