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Jun 17, 2018    |      1 comment

Kid Free for Two Weeks

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Today begins my kid free two weeks. Sea Cadet left for his job at the summer camp in VA last Monday. And I will drop Gymnast and Princess at summer camp this evening.

This will be the third summer since I had kids that I have downtime like this. I have so many plans. My to do list has grown by leaps and bounds as I have contemplated how to use this time.

Economics of  Summer Camp

The cost of the kids’ summer camp has been discussed several times. Now it is here. And the cost is so worth it to me with just the thought of this down time. (Parents of teenagers will be understand this. Teenage angst in full affect in our home these days.)

But I also know that at this point, this will be our last summer of camp. Princess has already started applying for jobs and will be old enough to attend college classes at the local community college next summer. And Gymnast? Well, we are not sure what his immediate future is going to look like.

I am budgeting $50 for my two weeks to give me some fun money. But in reality the weeks are going to save me money.

  • No gas costs. I don’t anticipate leaving the house much at all. This is huge, especially when you consider my gas costs has been more than $100 a week for the past year.
  • I am continuing to list things for sale – antique cameras, schoolbooks and crafty items. Hopefully, I’ll get some sales with more time to focus on this on-going project.
  • Work, work, work! In addition to project work that I’ve picked up. I have a new business opportunity that I will be putting in some time on this week (more on that soon.) Specifically, I will be hitting up local businesses and networking.

Me Time

The daily stress of the last year has been overwhelming, especially the last few months. And while I think we have turned the corner, the burden has been rough. Single motherhood, single income households and big moves are definitely not for everyone.

I am planning on some quality me time this next couple of weeks. And I am doing it for free, these are my plans:

  • Giving myself a manicure and pedicure using the stuff I bought a couple of months ago.
  • Read, read, read. I LOVE to read. My library card is in working order, and I can check out books online anytime. Or go get some.
  • Scrapbooking! I have fallen way behind on the kids’ books. I have had the pics printed for years (literally.) I am determined to get some updates done with the craft supplies I have on hand.

I think all of us need these next two weeks. And I’m grateful the camp is already paid for. I think a break from each other, our crazy schedules and the daily grind will do us all good.

Are you getting a break this summer? Do your kids participate in any summer camps? How do you get some downtime?

 

 

Jun 15, 2018    |       2 comments

Twin Update

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Several BAD readers have asked for a twin update. This is more of a personal update than a money update, so please skip if not interested.

Back Story

For new readers, my twins are 19 years old. They were placed with me from the US Foster Care system two weeks before their 13th birthday. After a tumultuous couple of years waiting to see if they would go home, they became my boys legally just before their 15th birthday. They were already children of my heart.

History Buff

History Buff decided not to move to Georgia with us. He ended up not completing high school and moving back in with his biological mom. Unfortunately, that did not end well and he’s moved around a lot.

It was a really rough year and a half for him. We have kept the lines of communication open and continually offer to move him down.

For a while he worked for a family friend in construction. He is now living with some friend’s and working at a local movie theater. He just purchased a “new to him” car with his tax refund. A proud moment in his life!

history buff

Sea Cadet

When Sea Cadet arrived he was at the 3rd grade level of math, and was considered special needs in the public schools. Their goal for him (which I learned at the first ISP meeting) was that he ride the public bus alone. I was shocked and horrified, and knew he would do so much more!

You can imagine my pride when he graduated high school this year with 28 college credits. He graduated with a regular diploma! He put in the work, he didn’t give up and he never let what others said keep him down.

Sea Cadet was certified for a 504 Plan when we left for Virginia (facilitates accommodations for school and work for his special needs.) But we agreed that we wanted to give it a go here without them.

He worked part time at a local coffee shop here in Georgia. And has now returned to Virginia to work at the Christian summer camp. He has worked there for the last three summers and loves it!

College Bound

When he returns in the fall he is registered to complete a EMT certification program. It requires three consecutive semesters, so he will not be able to return to the summer camp next year. After that…who knows!

I am unbelievably proud of Sea Cadet. He has blossomed here in Georgia. Begun to take on adult responsibilities, managed his schedule, registered for his college courses and followed up on his financial aid.

Financially, because he was a special needs adoption his college expenses are paid for with government aid (grants not loans.) Our goal is to get through his college years with no debt. He and I have talked extensively about what that will require.

He is also saving toward a new car since he totaled his car last fall. Thusfar, we have done okay sharing our one car. For graduation, my parents and four siblings are giving him money towards the car. We are hoping he can afford a “new to him” car in the fall.

sea cadet with graduation cake

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