Bottle Rockets and Slim Jims

Chad goes to a rainbow hippie flower school. Well, to be more exact, a charter school that has more hands on learning, circle time, no textbooks, and no letter grades. Weird, eh? Yes it is. But the social environment there is a little gentler than the middle school, hence the reason he's there.

Just got back from chaperoning their 3 day team building camp out.

They launched homemade soda bottle rockets the length of a football field (yes, this school is very cool in many ways):

made skits, did a ropes course, and did some meditating to candlelight. (See the rainbow hippie part???)

Oh how I hate to see how the kids treat my son. I see how he feels invisible. When he tries to even say hi to someone they reject him and turn the other way. People just refuse to talk to him. I'm happy to say that a teacher taught some of the kids about Asperger Syndrome so I had several girls ask me about it. One of those girls then asked Chad to sit by her at lunch. It was the first, last, and only time I saw someone interact with Chad. He said no thanks and sat at a boy table. I still feel like giving that girl a million bucks just for the kind thought! (I'll probably delete this paragraph before Chad gets a chance to read it.)

Anyway, there is a teacher there with Aspergers and it's everyone's favorite because he is hilarious. So I'm thrilled to see what a beautiful, inspiring, and fun life this guy is leading and yet he has had his challenges.

When I picked up the little girls from the best babysitters in the world at this lovely vista, Ava screamed, cried, and hid at the sight of me. Not the reaction I was expecting after missing my babies! She was just devastated at the thought of me interrupting her walk with grandpa. I'd have been too.

My Hero Dad Champion Babysitter!

And God IS watching over us. Because on the way home after all the social challenges at camp, a little miracle happened. FYI, Chad's favorite luxury treat is a pepperoni stick. I'm pumping gas at the gas station, Chad goes inside, comes out and says:

Chad: "Mom, do you have a penny? They have pepperoni sticks on sale for one cent!"

Me: "Chad...that's impossible. I'm sure the one means one DOLLAR."

Chad: "No, they're one cent. They really are!"

Me: "Chad, you can't buy anything in the world for a penny. Maybe five cents, but NEVER a penny."

Chad: "Please, Mom!"

Me: "Here. Take this dime and see what you can do."

Sure enough, he came out with 9 sticks!!!!! I went inside, talked to the cashier, and he was right! They were way back in the food section without a price. He just happened to ask how much they cost and that was her answer. They were switching brands and clearing them out.
Chad: "I'm going to save one of these for my grandchildren so I can tell them this story someday!" "I call these Mormon cigars."