Fall Campout for the Boy Scouts

I did not go on the campout, so I cannot tell you much about it but I can tell you what hapened before the campout.  I spent the day before the campout going to various stores to make sure that Kyle would not have to eat artificial ingredients and other foods that would result in him becoming defiant and impulsive.  

He is now being homeschooled and there have been rumors about why he is no longer at school.  I am hoping that the parents and kids will be able to put down their preconceived notions about Kyle and see the "real Kyle" who has emerged with his cleaned up diet.  The real Kyle is sweet and patient.  When he doesn't get his way, he is able to see the greater good.  When he is asked to do something, he usually does it without complaint. He is a good person and I am hoping others see that.  It was for that reason that I went to 4 or 5 different stores trying to find the right marshmallows, and graham crackers, why I willingly made carob bars for his s'mores, and why I didn't mind getting the more expensive ingredients so he could make his own clean trail mix.  As they were packing up the car to go, Kyle came in and gave me a hug and said, "Thank you for buying the more expensive food and special s'mores stuff. I know it's extra trouble for you, but it's helping me and I like having more self control. You're the best mom we could ever ask for." And there you have it...the reason all the extra effort is worth it.  I'm not talking about the nice words, although I loved that too.  I'm talking about the sweetness, the gratitude, and the fact that he thought about another person outside of himself.  Seeing the real Kyle keeps me going.  

When they got back, Cody said that Kyle was one of the most well-behaved kids there. 

Another pre-campout tidbit:  We were waiting in the doctors office and to kill time, I asked Kyle to make a list of the items he needed to bring and pack for the campout.  He came up with a list of 25 things before we were called in to see the doctor.  Later when we got home and it was time to start gathering items, I couldn't find the list.  Kyle sat down and started over and came up with 25 things.  Right about the time he finished I found the original list and compared them to make sure he didn't forget or add anything.  The lists were identical, same exact order, nothing forgotten.  I can't even remember more than 2 items when I go to the grocery store! I should have been taking advantage of his skill all this time.