Your children have the Monday and Tuesday following Thanksgiving off from school for Deer Hunting days (the beginning of deer hunting season).
Happy Hunting! And my freezer has lots of room. Ya know, if you get lucky. Just sayin' ;)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Gift
Many times in the adoption world the word gift is used. I've read that many adoptees and mothers of loss don't like this term in reference to adoption. I think they feel the word gift objectifies and devalues the adoptee and the pain both feel. I can understand that to a point but I think most adoptive parents don’t mean it that way. It comes down to a situation that causes emotions for all involved that are so very hard to put into words.
Let me try to explain to you what I mean when I say my boys are gifts. I think they are gifts of God given first to their other parents then to me through them. (That part is the same for me even though I adopted through foster care.) When most adoptive parents say they’ve been given a gift I don’t think they mean to imply that the baby is an object with a limited, though great, value. I think it’s more that we’ve been given what we wanted most in life, the chance to be a mother (or father). And you can’t put a price on that. In my opinion the word gift doesn't even begin to cover what that means but I can't think of a better one.
And here's where I get a little mad and insulted. Most “adopters” (ugh, I hate that word) appreciate that "gift" AT LEAST as much as any mom who gave birth. In general most people I think would agree that the more you go through to get something so important to you, the greater the appreciation you have for it. We went through as much, though in a totally different way, as those who gave birth. Let's be realistic. If we were talking about a posession instead of a child there wouldn’t be too many arguing over that. For example two men want Jags. One comes from a rich family and daddy buys it for him. The other works and saves most of his life and finally can afford to buy the car of his dreams. Who do you think appreciates the car more? And NO! I AM NOT CALLING A BABY A POSSESSION! Neither am I implying that it's about money. The exact opposite is actually my point. It's about the time, work, and emotion invested in the process. Because it IS a baby the emotions are infinitetly more intense and prevent the people involved from seeing this. Still, I dare say most of those moms who gave birth to their children feel that they are blessings or gifts too. They don't get taken to task for that. So it seems to me that mothers of loss and adoptees are implying that that blessing or gift has less meaning to us or that we deserve it less. Granted I’m assuming a little here but I don’t think it’s that much of a stretch. I’d be interested in responses from them, especially to set me straight if I’m wrong on either count. I don’t think that I was ”entitled” to any one woman’s child BUT I do think I deserved to be a mother. I never wanted my children at the cost of another woman’s pain but the fact is that SOME people DON’T deserve to be parents. Some of those people have kids anyway and those kids need homes. Are we worth so much less that we shouldn't be allowed to appreciate our children and our parenthood? Are our children not entitled to be treasured that way?
Let me try to explain to you what I mean when I say my boys are gifts. I think they are gifts of God given first to their other parents then to me through them. (That part is the same for me even though I adopted through foster care.) When most adoptive parents say they’ve been given a gift I don’t think they mean to imply that the baby is an object with a limited, though great, value. I think it’s more that we’ve been given what we wanted most in life, the chance to be a mother (or father). And you can’t put a price on that. In my opinion the word gift doesn't even begin to cover what that means but I can't think of a better one.
And here's where I get a little mad and insulted. Most “adopters” (ugh, I hate that word) appreciate that "gift" AT LEAST as much as any mom who gave birth. In general most people I think would agree that the more you go through to get something so important to you, the greater the appreciation you have for it. We went through as much, though in a totally different way, as those who gave birth. Let's be realistic. If we were talking about a posession instead of a child there wouldn’t be too many arguing over that. For example two men want Jags. One comes from a rich family and daddy buys it for him. The other works and saves most of his life and finally can afford to buy the car of his dreams. Who do you think appreciates the car more? And NO! I AM NOT CALLING A BABY A POSSESSION! Neither am I implying that it's about money. The exact opposite is actually my point. It's about the time, work, and emotion invested in the process. Because it IS a baby the emotions are infinitetly more intense and prevent the people involved from seeing this. Still, I dare say most of those moms who gave birth to their children feel that they are blessings or gifts too. They don't get taken to task for that. So it seems to me that mothers of loss and adoptees are implying that that blessing or gift has less meaning to us or that we deserve it less. Granted I’m assuming a little here but I don’t think it’s that much of a stretch. I’d be interested in responses from them, especially to set me straight if I’m wrong on either count. I don’t think that I was ”entitled” to any one woman’s child BUT I do think I deserved to be a mother. I never wanted my children at the cost of another woman’s pain but the fact is that SOME people DON’T deserve to be parents. Some of those people have kids anyway and those kids need homes. Are we worth so much less that we shouldn't be allowed to appreciate our children and our parenthood? Are our children not entitled to be treasured that way?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
50 things About Lil Ole Me
50 things about Lil Ole Me
Found this on another blog. Lot of the questions are fun and/or different than the post I did for my 100th so I thought I'd do it.
1. What do you add to your coffee? Cream, sometimes flavored.
2. What are you reading now? I'm soon going to start Book 11 in the Wheel of Time series.
3. Do you own a gun? No.
4. Are you registered to vote? Yes.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Only before the gyn appointment.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're ok for a quick fix. I like them best grilled.
7. Favorite Christmas Song? "O Holy Night."
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? Yup
10. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend? Jim
11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? a little girl's ring my Grandma gave me. I don't wear much but I have that on a chain and a couple of other necklaces I wear. I also have some pins I wear when teaching.
12. Favorite hobby? Reading if I have to pick only one.
13. Do you work with people who idolize you? Um, NO!
14. Do you have ADD? Probably lol.
15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I get tense and impatient when stressed and the boys know it.
16. What’s your Middle name? Jean
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I'm cold, I'm hungry, and feeling better than when I wrote my last post.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Nothing. We didn't even go to a store.
19. Name 3 beverages you regularly drink. Water, coffee, and iced tea.
20. Current worry right now? Money.
21. What size do you wear? I don't think so lol.
22. Favorite place to be? Home.
23. How did you bring in the New Year? Ate great food and watched movies with the boys.
24. Where would you like to go? Disney?
25. Name three people who will complete this. Not a clue.
26. Whose answers do you want to read the most? Anyone who feels like answering it.
27. What color shirt are you wearing? Green.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? NO!!!
29. Can you whistle? Yes
30. Favorite color(s)? Green
31. Could you be a pirate? UM...no. Seriously? LOL.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower.
33. Favorite girls name? Emily Renee currently.
34. Favorite boy’s name? Connor Matthew.
35. What’s in your pocket right now? Nuthin'.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? Cory.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Pink with flowers when I was real little, tan stripes when older.
38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? I guess I'd have to say dislocating my knees. Yes, as in BOTH of them. Not at the same time thank God.
39. Do you love where you live? Yes, mostly. I love our town, I love the location of our home. I feel like it's pretty cozy in the emotional "vibe" it gives off. It needs a lot of work structurally, though.
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3- one in the living room, one in the playroom, and one in my bedroom (no cable to that one...I only watch dvds on it.)
41. Who is your loudest friend? Love ya, Renee! LOL.
42. How many dogs do you have? One, Casper.
43. Does anyone have a crush on you? Not that I know of.
44. What are the most fun things you ever did? Before mommyhood I'd say some concerts I went to in college. After mommyhood I'd say the vacation with the boys last year.
45. What are your favorite books? Specifically the Harry Potter and Twilght series. I also like mysteries, especially funny ones like the Stephanie Plum, Kinsey Milhone, Spellman family, and the Cat Who... series.
46. What is your favorite candy? Anything chocolate.
47. Favorite Team? the Philadephia Eagles.
48. What songs do you want played at your funeral? Never thought about it. Not sad ones, though. Maybe each of the boys could pick one song that represents what I meant to them.
49. What were you doing at 12 AM? Watching tv and nearly falling asleep on the couch.
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Holy cow! It's almost 8am. Either the boys slept late or I was so deep asleep I didn't hear them!
Feel free to do this if you want! I'd love to see people's answers.
Found this on another blog. Lot of the questions are fun and/or different than the post I did for my 100th so I thought I'd do it.
1. What do you add to your coffee? Cream, sometimes flavored.
2. What are you reading now? I'm soon going to start Book 11 in the Wheel of Time series.
3. Do you own a gun? No.
4. Are you registered to vote? Yes.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Only before the gyn appointment.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're ok for a quick fix. I like them best grilled.
7. Favorite Christmas Song? "O Holy Night."
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? Yup
10. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend? Jim
11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? a little girl's ring my Grandma gave me. I don't wear much but I have that on a chain and a couple of other necklaces I wear. I also have some pins I wear when teaching.
12. Favorite hobby? Reading if I have to pick only one.
13. Do you work with people who idolize you? Um, NO!
14. Do you have ADD? Probably lol.
15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I get tense and impatient when stressed and the boys know it.
16. What’s your Middle name? Jean
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I'm cold, I'm hungry, and feeling better than when I wrote my last post.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Nothing. We didn't even go to a store.
19. Name 3 beverages you regularly drink. Water, coffee, and iced tea.
20. Current worry right now? Money.
21. What size do you wear? I don't think so lol.
22. Favorite place to be? Home.
23. How did you bring in the New Year? Ate great food and watched movies with the boys.
24. Where would you like to go? Disney?
25. Name three people who will complete this. Not a clue.
26. Whose answers do you want to read the most? Anyone who feels like answering it.
27. What color shirt are you wearing? Green.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? NO!!!
29. Can you whistle? Yes
30. Favorite color(s)? Green
31. Could you be a pirate? UM...no. Seriously? LOL.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower.
33. Favorite girls name? Emily Renee currently.
34. Favorite boy’s name? Connor Matthew.
35. What’s in your pocket right now? Nuthin'.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? Cory.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Pink with flowers when I was real little, tan stripes when older.
38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? I guess I'd have to say dislocating my knees. Yes, as in BOTH of them. Not at the same time thank God.
39. Do you love where you live? Yes, mostly. I love our town, I love the location of our home. I feel like it's pretty cozy in the emotional "vibe" it gives off. It needs a lot of work structurally, though.
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3- one in the living room, one in the playroom, and one in my bedroom (no cable to that one...I only watch dvds on it.)
41. Who is your loudest friend? Love ya, Renee! LOL.
42. How many dogs do you have? One, Casper.
43. Does anyone have a crush on you? Not that I know of.
44. What are the most fun things you ever did? Before mommyhood I'd say some concerts I went to in college. After mommyhood I'd say the vacation with the boys last year.
45. What are your favorite books? Specifically the Harry Potter and Twilght series. I also like mysteries, especially funny ones like the Stephanie Plum, Kinsey Milhone, Spellman family, and the Cat Who... series.
46. What is your favorite candy? Anything chocolate.
47. Favorite Team? the Philadephia Eagles.
48. What songs do you want played at your funeral? Never thought about it. Not sad ones, though. Maybe each of the boys could pick one song that represents what I meant to them.
49. What were you doing at 12 AM? Watching tv and nearly falling asleep on the couch.
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Holy cow! It's almost 8am. Either the boys slept late or I was so deep asleep I didn't hear them!
Feel free to do this if you want! I'd love to see people's answers.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Off
The last few days I've been a little "off." I'm not quite sure why, though I know that money issues and a missing atm/credit card are probably at least part of it. Maybe it's just that with the boys home more due to Thanksgiving vacation I'm having trouble finding time to pray and work out my problems with Him.
Whatever it is I do know how blessed I am. With the exception of finances (and basics are met so I shouldn't complain) things are going really well right now. Jay has had very little in the way of behaviors lately. For a week now there's been nothing but typical kid misbehavior, and extremely little of that. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop to a point but mainly just working hard to enjoy it while I can. I know there'll likely be backsliding but I am really hoping we're making true progress all the same.
Oh well. Nothing much to do except make sure I get some time with God and maybe a little more sleep. This too shall pass and before I know it I'll be back "on."
Whatever it is I do know how blessed I am. With the exception of finances (and basics are met so I shouldn't complain) things are going really well right now. Jay has had very little in the way of behaviors lately. For a week now there's been nothing but typical kid misbehavior, and extremely little of that. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop to a point but mainly just working hard to enjoy it while I can. I know there'll likely be backsliding but I am really hoping we're making true progress all the same.
Oh well. Nothing much to do except make sure I get some time with God and maybe a little more sleep. This too shall pass and before I know it I'll be back "on."
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We had a great dinner with my parents; my brother and his gf; and my sister, her dh, and fd.
May you all have as much to be thankful for as I do!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Blast from the Past
Here's one of my first pictures of Ty and Cory from back in 04. Ty was 6, Cory 9. They sure have grown up a lot!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Look Alike
If they make a movie from this book, I think Cory should definitely get the part. Don't you?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fear
Mulling around ideas on what to post about tonight I was thinking about what I'm afraid of. I'm not sure where that came from but here I am anyway. I'm not scared of spiders, mice, or snakes. Bees, wasps, or hornets, though? I'm a shaking pile of mush. I get goosebumps just thinking about them. That's a phobia, though, and not really my GREATEST fear.
So what would that be? I'd say without hesitation that it's losing the boys. I'm sure that's MOST parents' biggest fear but I think mine is heightened by all the time I spent *knowing they may not stay with me. It was over a year in limbo for Ty and Cory and well over two for Jay and Logan. All that time spent in the power of the judge and caseworkers, never knowing when I might get a call that for whatever reason the boys would be going. Even now, a month after being freed from that for good, I'm not totally over feeling that way. It'll ease over time I'm sure. I'll get used to knowing that they're here and safe and that no one else has power over our home and relationships anymore. But for now? My heart still skips a beat sometimes when the phone rings or the dog barks when I'm not expecting someone. I think it's a mild form of PTSD for me actually. I spent, most recently, two years consistantly worrying about Jay and Logan returning to a VERY bad home situation. It only makes sense that it will take my body some time to adjust to the absence of that stress. In the meantime I intend to enjoy my sons and have as normal a life as we possibly can.
*I am NOT debating whether or not they SHOULD have gone home. I did my level best to help Ty's mom get him back, Cory's parents had lost their rights before I met him, and it was blantantly obvious to me early on that it would be very dangerous for Jay and Logan if they went home. I know these things to be fact. Anyone disputing them doesn't have a leg to stand on because that person couldn't know the situations and honestly argue against what I've just said.
So what would that be? I'd say without hesitation that it's losing the boys. I'm sure that's MOST parents' biggest fear but I think mine is heightened by all the time I spent *knowing they may not stay with me. It was over a year in limbo for Ty and Cory and well over two for Jay and Logan. All that time spent in the power of the judge and caseworkers, never knowing when I might get a call that for whatever reason the boys would be going. Even now, a month after being freed from that for good, I'm not totally over feeling that way. It'll ease over time I'm sure. I'll get used to knowing that they're here and safe and that no one else has power over our home and relationships anymore. But for now? My heart still skips a beat sometimes when the phone rings or the dog barks when I'm not expecting someone. I think it's a mild form of PTSD for me actually. I spent, most recently, two years consistantly worrying about Jay and Logan returning to a VERY bad home situation. It only makes sense that it will take my body some time to adjust to the absence of that stress. In the meantime I intend to enjoy my sons and have as normal a life as we possibly can.
*I am NOT debating whether or not they SHOULD have gone home. I did my level best to help Ty's mom get him back, Cory's parents had lost their rights before I met him, and it was blantantly obvious to me early on that it would be very dangerous for Jay and Logan if they went home. I know these things to be fact. Anyone disputing them doesn't have a leg to stand on because that person couldn't know the situations and honestly argue against what I've just said.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Mommy Bragging Cubed
These are two examples of Jay's creativity at work. The "contraption" he made in the vide is a better example of course. I just LOVE that it worked lol. He was so surprized lol. The best run is the first one right as the video starts so pay close attention to that one. He does this sort of thing frequently. He's definitely mechanical, and that includes a great love for taking things apart as well as making things.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
What This Mama Needs...
When I need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate there are certain things that I can do that almost never fail to "hit the spot." So what kind of things do I like to do to take care of me?
Reading is a big one for me. It's me time and I can "get away" to someone else's life.
I love to hit the hot tub. I don't think I need to say more about this one.
Eating good food may not always be healthy for the body but it sure is good for the soul.
Just being able to be alone in my house to think and enjoy the house (especially if it's clean lol).
Pacing and talking/planning/praying/thinking out loud might seem a little crazy but it helps me focus if I hear it out loud. Just don't call the men in white on me, ok? Promise?
Listening to music or audiobooks on my iPod. I love a HUGE variety of music. Music helps me feel and process what I'm feeling. If I'm stressed it can calm me. If I'm tired it can energize me. If I'm sad and need to cry sometimes I need it to help me actually cry and get it out. It starts out being about the song and then flows into working out whatever I'm sad about.
Doing something fun by myself like going for a cup of coffee or to a movie alone.
Doing something fun with my boys.
Doing something fun with my sister, cousin, or friend.
Of course this isn't an exhaustive list but it hits my major go tos that I use. I'm sure most are quite commonly used. I'd love to hear what you all do for R and R when you need it. Feel free to comment!
Reading is a big one for me. It's me time and I can "get away" to someone else's life.
I love to hit the hot tub. I don't think I need to say more about this one.
Eating good food may not always be healthy for the body but it sure is good for the soul.
Just being able to be alone in my house to think and enjoy the house (especially if it's clean lol).
Pacing and talking/planning/praying/thinking out loud might seem a little crazy but it helps me focus if I hear it out loud. Just don't call the men in white on me, ok? Promise?
Listening to music or audiobooks on my iPod. I love a HUGE variety of music. Music helps me feel and process what I'm feeling. If I'm stressed it can calm me. If I'm tired it can energize me. If I'm sad and need to cry sometimes I need it to help me actually cry and get it out. It starts out being about the song and then flows into working out whatever I'm sad about.
Doing something fun by myself like going for a cup of coffee or to a movie alone.
Doing something fun with my boys.
Doing something fun with my sister, cousin, or friend.
Of course this isn't an exhaustive list but it hits my major go tos that I use. I'm sure most are quite commonly used. I'd love to hear what you all do for R and R when you need it. Feel free to comment!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cooking Part 2
I guess it's my lack of self-confidence when it comes to cooking that causes me to be leery of trying to make a dish I've never made before. It doesn't seem to matter how easy I'm told it is to make. Tonight? I was making sloppy joes for six of us (B was here) and I FORGOT to buy the sauce. I dug in and made a quick homemade version for the first time ever and it was a major hit with all of us. Sometimes the simplest things make me proud and happy lol.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thankful
10 things I'm thankful for tonight:
1. God.
2. My boys (of course lol).
3. My friends and family.
4. My furbabies.
5. Answered prayers.
6. Having enough to eat.
7. A warm house.
8. The health of my loved ones.
9. My health.
10. Music.
1. God.
2. My boys (of course lol).
3. My friends and family.
4. My furbabies.
5. Answered prayers.
6. Having enough to eat.
7. A warm house.
8. The health of my loved ones.
9. My health.
10. Music.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Had to Share
My sister sent me this in an email. I just thought the baby was so cute I had to share! I love animals lol.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Cooking
I mentioned before that I LOVE food. I've always loved to eat and most of my family are great cooks. For the longest time I thought the cooking "gene" had skipped me lol. When I was a nanny and then living on my own I had three or four staples I made but I didn't cook much. Tuna noodle casserole and green bean casserole were my go to "dishes to pass" when I needed one. I still use them to a point. I made lasagna and eggplant parm for the last family I nannied for on occasion. It wasn't until I had all 4 boys that I really settled down to cooking on a regular basis. LOL Cory, Ty, and I ate a lot of processed food and Mc'Ds before Jay and Logan arrived. The more cooking I did, of course, the better I got. I really enjoy cooking, especially now that Cory has taken an interest and cooks with me quite often. And I enjoy the process, the food itself, and even the occasional compliment or thank you from the boys! It adds a whole new dimension to enjoying the food I'm eating.
Monday, November 16, 2009
School Pics 09
Edited to update the photos!!!!
Here are the boys' school pics this year. I downloaded them off the company's website. They got wise I guess this year and didn't put a background in them if you weren't paying lol. You can still see all the cuteness for free, though.
Here are the boys' school pics this year. I downloaded them off the company's website. They got wise I guess this year and didn't put a background in them if you weren't paying lol. You can still see all the cuteness for free, though.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
More Bragging, Different Child
In the picture above is an example of "kidwriting," If you don't know what that is it's basically where a kid writes with no help. They're encouraged to at least find the first and last sounds in each word. In the above picture they were doing a project on Columbus. You can see the person (Columbus) and his three ships. What I'm so proud of is how close he came to sounding out the sentence he decided to write about him.
In case you can't see it in the pic Logan wrote:
HE f_d Umic.
(the _ is the "magic symbol" they use if they know there's more sounds but can't figure them out.)
The adult writing is the teacher writing what Logan was trying to write:
He found America.
Not too shabby for an early kindergartener. I'm not surprized really. He is so good at reading. He sounds out words quickly and correctly and knows at least 40 words by sight. Read and write on, Logan! I'm proud of you!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Meant to Be
Writing about B in yesterday's post reminded me that I haven't mentioned her on my blog before. I'm not going to give many details or tell her whole story but I do want to tell how she came to be my sister's foster to adopt dd.
Three years ago my sister got a job as a driver for a foster care agency. Her job, simply put, is to drive foster children to visits and appointments when neccessary. This agency covers a large area so some days she might be driving several hours one way for these trips. Soon after starting with the agency she began taking B on trips weekly. Her parents' rights had been terminated but she had visits with an aunt who intended to adopt B "when her behavior improves." Val also took her to dentist appointments, counseling appointments, and whatever else was neccessary. She brought her snacks and they talked and played games on these trips. Val began to talk about B frequently. She'd tell us cute things she said, how she did on her report card, or what B was up to in general. It's safe to say Val loved B then and has ever since.
Fast forward to July of this summer. Val heard at work that B's aunt had finally said she would not be adopting her and the current foster family was suddenly out as well. B had been moved to respite care and was looking at a new long term foster placement with a different family. Val was devastated because she hadn't known in time to have a chance for B to be placed with her. After a conversation about it with Val, the cw knew just who to call when the new placement fell through days later before B even had a chance to move in. The agency extended B's respite while they worked with Val and her dh to get them approved and B was living with them before the start of the school year.
During the process of Val and her dh being certified as foster parents, B of course had to be told what was happening. On a home visit the day after having that conversation with B, the cw told Val how it went. She told B that she wouldn't be going to live with the H family after all, but that Val and her husband wanted her to come live with them. At this point the cw got tears in her eyes and told Val that B's eyes got as big as pie plates and she gasped and said, "MY Val? MY Val wants me?"
You can argue all you want about whether B should've been removed from her parent's care. *You can debate whether the aunt that only wanted her if she could be "be good" would've been a good placement. I just don't see how you can look at how the pieces fell into place this summer or B's reaction and say that B wasn't meant to be with Val and her dh. It doesn't negate the good OR the bad of her past or her family. **Simply put people have free will and are going to do what they do. That doesn't mean God can't or won't use those actions to create something good and meant to be.
*I, by the way, would argue that she would NOT have made a decent placement. Children with issues like Jay and B won't get better to be loved and accepted, they'll get better if they ARE loved and accepted.
**I'd like to note that I saw this expressed in very similar words on another blog. I used it because it expresses what I believe but was struggling to find a way to say. I apologize to the author because it's not a blog I read frequently and I've looked but have ben unable to find it again so that I can give proper credit. If i find it later I'll update.
Three years ago my sister got a job as a driver for a foster care agency. Her job, simply put, is to drive foster children to visits and appointments when neccessary. This agency covers a large area so some days she might be driving several hours one way for these trips. Soon after starting with the agency she began taking B on trips weekly. Her parents' rights had been terminated but she had visits with an aunt who intended to adopt B "when her behavior improves." Val also took her to dentist appointments, counseling appointments, and whatever else was neccessary. She brought her snacks and they talked and played games on these trips. Val began to talk about B frequently. She'd tell us cute things she said, how she did on her report card, or what B was up to in general. It's safe to say Val loved B then and has ever since.
Fast forward to July of this summer. Val heard at work that B's aunt had finally said she would not be adopting her and the current foster family was suddenly out as well. B had been moved to respite care and was looking at a new long term foster placement with a different family. Val was devastated because she hadn't known in time to have a chance for B to be placed with her. After a conversation about it with Val, the cw knew just who to call when the new placement fell through days later before B even had a chance to move in. The agency extended B's respite while they worked with Val and her dh to get them approved and B was living with them before the start of the school year.
During the process of Val and her dh being certified as foster parents, B of course had to be told what was happening. On a home visit the day after having that conversation with B, the cw told Val how it went. She told B that she wouldn't be going to live with the H family after all, but that Val and her husband wanted her to come live with them. At this point the cw got tears in her eyes and told Val that B's eyes got as big as pie plates and she gasped and said, "MY Val? MY Val wants me?"
You can argue all you want about whether B should've been removed from her parent's care. *You can debate whether the aunt that only wanted her if she could be "be good" would've been a good placement. I just don't see how you can look at how the pieces fell into place this summer or B's reaction and say that B wasn't meant to be with Val and her dh. It doesn't negate the good OR the bad of her past or her family. **Simply put people have free will and are going to do what they do. That doesn't mean God can't or won't use those actions to create something good and meant to be.
*I, by the way, would argue that she would NOT have made a decent placement. Children with issues like Jay and B won't get better to be loved and accepted, they'll get better if they ARE loved and accepted.
**I'd like to note that I saw this expressed in very similar words on another blog. I used it because it expresses what I believe but was struggling to find a way to say. I apologize to the author because it's not a blog I read frequently and I've looked but have ben unable to find it again so that I can give proper credit. If i find it later I'll update.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Crazy Day
I didn't get called in to work today so I thought I'd get some stuff done around the house and maybe relax a bit. Yeah...not so much.
I got out the vacuum to do the floors downstairs quick and it starts to smoke and I smelled rubber burning. Just the belt, an easy fix but still, kwim? Just as I was walking out the door to go get a new one my friend Nancy stopped by. She wanted to come along so we ran to a few stores in the process. Fun but certainly not the plan for the day.
By the time I got back and did a little bit of cleaning/straightening up I had decided to leave again to do a few more errands (this time on my own.) Just as I was leaving the phone rang. It was my sister. A bit of back history...she has a foster dd, B. They live about 30 mins away but B's school is about 15 mins away. B had a half day today and was supposed to go to the after school program since Val and her dh were working. I was going to pick her up there and watch her til Val could pick her up about 6:30. The phone call? Val in a panic after finding out nearly an hour AFTER school release that the school had messed up and sent her to the empty house! Luckily B called her friend and told her friend's mom, who called the school, who called Val, who called me. Did you follow all that? LOL. I couldn't get there and back before I had to get Logan so I picked him up early and headed there as quickly as I could.
Meanwhile, I thought all of my children would be accounted for lol. Ty was hanging out at the neighbor's after school anyway, Cory had Math tutoring til 5:30, and Jay had homework club til 3:30 and then on Thursdays my friend Sharon from school brings him home just for the fun of it. Guess what? SHE FORGOT HIM! LOL. No problem though. The school called her and she went back for him and took him out to eat to make it up to him. Which led to a change in dinner plans. We all ended grabbing Mc'D's then, after running B to and picking her up from her ballet class lol.
We finally get homework done, including a homemade necklace for Logan's class project. He puts it away (or so I thought) and settles to watch a movie. B and Jay had made necklaces as well so I didn't think anything of it at first when Jay asked "Who's is this?" about one that had almost nothing on it. Turns out it was Logan's. He'd put it in his backpack but didn't zip it. The dog got it and ate the noodles and cheerios off it so at 7 at night Logan was making another necklace.
And at bath time? Jay took a shower and ended up having soapy water on the floor, ceiling, walls, and door of the entire bathroom. It took us 10 mins working together to clean it up.
Oh well. It's over now, right? LOL.
I got out the vacuum to do the floors downstairs quick and it starts to smoke and I smelled rubber burning. Just the belt, an easy fix but still, kwim? Just as I was walking out the door to go get a new one my friend Nancy stopped by. She wanted to come along so we ran to a few stores in the process. Fun but certainly not the plan for the day.
By the time I got back and did a little bit of cleaning/straightening up I had decided to leave again to do a few more errands (this time on my own.) Just as I was leaving the phone rang. It was my sister. A bit of back history...she has a foster dd, B. They live about 30 mins away but B's school is about 15 mins away. B had a half day today and was supposed to go to the after school program since Val and her dh were working. I was going to pick her up there and watch her til Val could pick her up about 6:30. The phone call? Val in a panic after finding out nearly an hour AFTER school release that the school had messed up and sent her to the empty house! Luckily B called her friend and told her friend's mom, who called the school, who called Val, who called me. Did you follow all that? LOL. I couldn't get there and back before I had to get Logan so I picked him up early and headed there as quickly as I could.
Meanwhile, I thought all of my children would be accounted for lol. Ty was hanging out at the neighbor's after school anyway, Cory had Math tutoring til 5:30, and Jay had homework club til 3:30 and then on Thursdays my friend Sharon from school brings him home just for the fun of it. Guess what? SHE FORGOT HIM! LOL. No problem though. The school called her and she went back for him and took him out to eat to make it up to him. Which led to a change in dinner plans. We all ended grabbing Mc'D's then, after running B to and picking her up from her ballet class lol.
We finally get homework done, including a homemade necklace for Logan's class project. He puts it away (or so I thought) and settles to watch a movie. B and Jay had made necklaces as well so I didn't think anything of it at first when Jay asked "Who's is this?" about one that had almost nothing on it. Turns out it was Logan's. He'd put it in his backpack but didn't zip it. The dog got it and ate the noodles and cheerios off it so at 7 at night Logan was making another necklace.
And at bath time? Jay took a shower and ended up having soapy water on the floor, ceiling, walls, and door of the entire bathroom. It took us 10 mins working together to clean it up.
Oh well. It's over now, right? LOL.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
I'm not sure what I can say that hasn't been already said. I know many vets, as I said last year, so thanks again to them (mom, dad, Grampa's C and K, C and K Uncles, Kimmi, and cousin Cory).
To each and every vet, please know that you have my deepest gratitude and respect. Thank you.
To each and every vet, please know that you have my deepest gratitude and respect. Thank you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Serious Mommy Bragging
Cory has been having a great year in school so far. I just posted a few days ago about his report card (ahem...all A's and B's and he made the honor roll). I'd also like to mention that he recently came home with a "Hornet Pride" award. The Hornets are our mascots obviously. The award itself is for "contributions made to the school" in the areas of citizenship, academics, and athletics. And as far as athletics go? He was one of the top 5 runners on the cross country team. He made the difference between a win and a loss at one meet for them. And tonight? Well, we just got back from a school board meeting because the boys' cross country team was being recognized for being undefeated this season. I guess all in all I have a reason to brag a little lol.
Monday, November 9, 2009
God is In the LIttle Things
I've always had a pretty strong faith in God. I've seen Him act in some mighty big moments in my life (perhaps one or two of those is another blog post?). Today I saw him in the little things as the day unfolded. It was wonderful, though I can't really put into words why it meant so much to me.
To begin the day I had to get Ty to a dentist appointment 30 mins away. The morning went smoothly, including no major behaviors from Jay. We got the others to school and were on our way on time and good to go.
Yesterday I had realized, though, that Logan had a counseling appointment 15 mins away at a time near enough to Ty's dentist appointment that I didn't think we'd make it. I couldn't even cancel it because they're not open on weekends or before we had to be on the road today. I chose to let it go and try to make it. We got out of the dentist and back into town in time for me to drop Ty off at his school and go get Logan at his. The session went well according to the therapist.
After returning Logan to school I got back home just in time to get a call from my cousin asking if I wanted to meet for lunch. Fun! It was great.
After lunch I ran a few errands and got everything I had to do done. This included finding something I've been looking for/wanting for quite some time. What? Earbuds for my iPod. A little thing I know but I really enjoy my music and audiobooks. I've been looking all over town and I hadn't found what I wanted. They were either too expensive or weren't the kind I wanted. Today? I felt lead to check the Dollar General. I didn't think they'd have what I wanted but I stopped to look. Sure enough they had the kind I wanted for $4!!!! I'm sooo happy. Jay wants that kind as well and loves pink and there was even a pink pair for me to get for him for Christmas!
See? A bunch of little things working together to make a busy day that much smoother and happier!
To begin the day I had to get Ty to a dentist appointment 30 mins away. The morning went smoothly, including no major behaviors from Jay. We got the others to school and were on our way on time and good to go.
Yesterday I had realized, though, that Logan had a counseling appointment 15 mins away at a time near enough to Ty's dentist appointment that I didn't think we'd make it. I couldn't even cancel it because they're not open on weekends or before we had to be on the road today. I chose to let it go and try to make it. We got out of the dentist and back into town in time for me to drop Ty off at his school and go get Logan at his. The session went well according to the therapist.
After returning Logan to school I got back home just in time to get a call from my cousin asking if I wanted to meet for lunch. Fun! It was great.
After lunch I ran a few errands and got everything I had to do done. This included finding something I've been looking for/wanting for quite some time. What? Earbuds for my iPod. A little thing I know but I really enjoy my music and audiobooks. I've been looking all over town and I hadn't found what I wanted. They were either too expensive or weren't the kind I wanted. Today? I felt lead to check the Dollar General. I didn't think they'd have what I wanted but I stopped to look. Sure enough they had the kind I wanted for $4!!!! I'm sooo happy. Jay wants that kind as well and loves pink and there was even a pink pair for me to get for him for Christmas!
See? A bunch of little things working together to make a busy day that much smoother and happier!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
My Mommy and Daddy
I love my mom and dad. They stopped by for a bit today and it was just really pleasant. My dad went around and put all the storm windows down. I really appreciated it, though I do just want to mention that I know how and am full capable of doing it lol. While he was doing that my mom gave the boys money for the A's on their report cards and we sat and chatted. Days like today remind me how lucky I am to have the family I have. I love them all!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Stuffed French Toast
Many of my friends and family are "foodies" and along with that, great cooks. It's been a saying in my family for as long as I can remember that "Some people eat to live, we live to eat!" So as you can imagine we exchange recipes and ideas a lot. I especially enjoy doing this with my friends Renee, Camille, and Kathy. Well, I'm a good cook but still a relative newbie as I didn't cook much until I had the boys. That means they do most of the sharing of recipes lol. Anyway, for lunch today I made a stuffed french toast that Renee told me how to make. Well, it's not so much a recipe if you already know how to make french toast as it is an idea to take it to the next level. It's actually quite easy but we all thought it was to die for!
First, make your basic egg mixture to dip the toast in. (Eggs, milk/cream, and I add in some vanilla and cinnamon.)
Take two slices of whatever bread you're using and spread cream cheese on one slice and jam on the other. Renee suggested raspberry, which I LOVE, but I used strawberry due to some pickiness here hehehe. Anyway, put the slices of bread together like you were making a sandwich.
Dip the "sandwich" in the egg mixture and heat in a pan on the stove like you would regular french toast. It all melts together and sticks in one piece like a grilled cheese. Top with syrup or powdered sugar if desired.
It was SOOOOO good and so easy. If you make this, enjoy! And thanks Renee!
First, make your basic egg mixture to dip the toast in. (Eggs, milk/cream, and I add in some vanilla and cinnamon.)
Take two slices of whatever bread you're using and spread cream cheese on one slice and jam on the other. Renee suggested raspberry, which I LOVE, but I used strawberry due to some pickiness here hehehe. Anyway, put the slices of bread together like you were making a sandwich.
Dip the "sandwich" in the egg mixture and heat in a pan on the stove like you would regular french toast. It all melts together and sticks in one piece like a grilled cheese. Top with syrup or powdered sugar if desired.
It was SOOOOO good and so easy. If you make this, enjoy! And thanks Renee!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Report Cards
The boys brought home report cards from the first nine weeks of school today. I'm happy. They all did pretty well. Ty's sure didn't show how smart he really is but I'm not too worried because he had a rough start at the beginning of the year. I actually feel bad because I should've picked up on the fact that his ADHD was not under control much sooner than I did. We did a mild increase in his med and it made an instant difference. I really think this next nine weeks will be much better for him. Jay does exceptionally well in Reading and had A's in Social Studlies and Science as well. Math has been a bit hard for him this year but he tries and he'll get it in the end. Logan is off to a great start. He's a bit rocky on numbers but he's already reading more than 30 words. Cory? WOW. His lowest grade was a "B." That's right! Mr. I Don't Care If I Pass 7th Grade and I Have the Grades To Prove It is ROCKING it this year. GOOOOOO Cory!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Done, Done, Done
And did I mention that I was done? LOL.
With what you ask?
Foster care! I officially mailed in my resignation letter earlier this week. Why now? I wouldn't have made the choice so quickly after finalizing the boys' adoptions except my foster care license needed to be renewed. So it was either get them in here to do it or officially resign. Pushed to make a choice I took some time to consider and pray and decided to resign.
Ok. I'm processing this still. I'm not enitrely sure how I feel about it. I guess that's to be expected. There are a lot of both good and negative feelings associated with foster care for me. That I guess should be expected too. I am so blessed to have my boys. I'm proud of the work I did when I was working with A, Ty's mom. Whatever my feelings were at the time about not wanting to lose Ty I worked hard for their reunification. On the other hand, I saw a lot of incompetence happening in Jay and Logan's case. I'm not excluding myself. I KNEW they couldn't go home but I do have regrets looking back at the over two years of the case. I never did anything unethical or illegal but I pushed too hard in some places, trusted some of the wrong people, and didn't make myself be heard when I should have. I might post more about that but I need to think about that as it is Jay and Logan's story. There's also a little bit of sadness because it feels over and final now. More on that in a minute. But there's also happiness in being able to lead a more "normal" life now. I don't have to call to ask permission to leave the county, cut the boys' hair, or take the boys to the doctor if needed. We don't have to schedule cw visits. There are no more court hearings. All very good things lol. So like I said before, mixed feelings lol.
Now. Is this resignation as a resource family permanent? I can't answer that right now. I feel like our family is complete now. I'm not sure I could give the boys all the extra support they need because of their issues if I added another child now. However, I WOULD probably be willing to foster Ty's sister should she ever come into care. And another thing...my mom says she doesn't think I'm done. But what she sees is me fostering when I'm older and the boys are grown. I can sure see that as a possibility. Well, only time and God's guidance will tell from here. Looking forward to the future!
With what you ask?
Foster care! I officially mailed in my resignation letter earlier this week. Why now? I wouldn't have made the choice so quickly after finalizing the boys' adoptions except my foster care license needed to be renewed. So it was either get them in here to do it or officially resign. Pushed to make a choice I took some time to consider and pray and decided to resign.
Ok. I'm processing this still. I'm not enitrely sure how I feel about it. I guess that's to be expected. There are a lot of both good and negative feelings associated with foster care for me. That I guess should be expected too. I am so blessed to have my boys. I'm proud of the work I did when I was working with A, Ty's mom. Whatever my feelings were at the time about not wanting to lose Ty I worked hard for their reunification. On the other hand, I saw a lot of incompetence happening in Jay and Logan's case. I'm not excluding myself. I KNEW they couldn't go home but I do have regrets looking back at the over two years of the case. I never did anything unethical or illegal but I pushed too hard in some places, trusted some of the wrong people, and didn't make myself be heard when I should have. I might post more about that but I need to think about that as it is Jay and Logan's story. There's also a little bit of sadness because it feels over and final now. More on that in a minute. But there's also happiness in being able to lead a more "normal" life now. I don't have to call to ask permission to leave the county, cut the boys' hair, or take the boys to the doctor if needed. We don't have to schedule cw visits. There are no more court hearings. All very good things lol. So like I said before, mixed feelings lol.
Now. Is this resignation as a resource family permanent? I can't answer that right now. I feel like our family is complete now. I'm not sure I could give the boys all the extra support they need because of their issues if I added another child now. However, I WOULD probably be willing to foster Ty's sister should she ever come into care. And another thing...my mom says she doesn't think I'm done. But what she sees is me fostering when I'm older and the boys are grown. I can sure see that as a possibility. Well, only time and God's guidance will tell from here. Looking forward to the future!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tired
I worked (subbing) yesterday and today. I'm tired. So? This is what you get today. Hey, it's a post, right?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Permanancy in Foster Care
*My usual disclaimer...please read the title and note that I'm referring totally to foster care adoption here. So no panties in a twist, please.
I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I've read on several blogs of mothers of loss and adoptees that adoption should just be done away with completely. They feel a child who can't be cared for by his/her parents should go to extended family. I don't disagree with this at all in theory. I think that's the best case scenario. However, especially when we are dealing with the reality of TRUE fostercare cases (i.e. abuse or neglect and not youth or poverty), that just often isn't an option. For example, extended family members were looked at in all four of my boys' cases and it just wouldn't have worked out. In fact two of the boys WERE placed with extended family. One of them was "voluntarily" returned to care because the family member "couldn't handle him" and the other was removed due to severe abuse and neglect at the hands of the family member. I'll grant that this is a grossly small sample but still rather telling just the same.
Ok. I don't think there's anyone who can dispute that sometimes family is NOT an option. So what then? I truly believe that children need a sense of belonging, of permanacy. I can't imagine not knowing when you get up in the morning if you'll be going to sleep in the same bed that night. Not to mention what the feeling that no one wants you must do to a person's self-esteem. So I guess that means remaining in care isn't such a great choice. Actually, I think foster care should only be used while reunification is being attempted or until an appropriate permanent situation can be found if reunification fails.
So, next? Maybe permanent legal guardianship? I think that's an option but I'm not sure that's better or worse than legal adoption. In some cases, the kids might need to KNOW that their parents' rights have been terminated and there's no chance they'll be returning to that situation. Jay and Logan did. They were literally in pretty serious danger while with their parents. They are still scared of them, to the point of having nightmares that they come to kill us or take them. Also, some kids might need the unity of having the same last name to get a sense of belonging to their new family. I know I gave all four of my sons the choice and they all CHOSE to change or add my last name to theirs. Two of them kept their names completely the same and just added mine. The other two dropped their original last name entirely. Those same two actually changed more as well...Jay changed his name from Julian to Jay (our family nickname for him) and Cory changed his middle name. They both ASKED to make those changes. I didn't even suggest them in either case. I also know being officially adopted has helped them all to know that they are here with a family that loves and wants them forever. They don't have to wake up tomorrow and wonder where they'll be moved to next. I'm not sure about this last point (if anyone knows please feel free to leave a comment about this) so I may do some research on it and post more about it later. Does the child in a legal guardianship have the same rights that a legally recognized child of that guardian would have? Does that leave a child in that situation without parents or a family when he/she becomes a legal adult? Legal guardianship stops at 18 or 21, right? So who does that leave for a person whose parents' rights were terminated by the court due to abuse/neglect so that the child could have permanancy? Maybe this wouldn't be a big deal to most but I just can't imagine having no legally recognized parents.
I know that there are adoptees who felt that they couldn't be themselves growing up in a family they weren't genetically linked to. My first response to this is...SHAME ON ANY FAMILIES that caused a child to feel that way! I've posted before about "mini-me's" and expecting a child to be like the parents. That's just wrong in ANY family, whether biological or adopted. "Fitting in" should be a matter of being loved for who you are, not changing yourself to be like others just to gain acceptance. However, I think adoptive parents should accept that the losses caused by adoption might lead to these feelings and they should be prepared to help their children through this while they're growing up. Their differences should be accepted, even celebrated, and original families/heritage should be respected.
I'll admit I'm just a mom with a blog. I'm not an expert with all the answers but I just can't see how making my boys a permanent, legal part of my family is a bad thing as long as I don't negate their original families in the process. I know some will say changing their last name does that but like I said it was their choice and for me it was about including them in my family not getting rid of their original family.
I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I've read on several blogs of mothers of loss and adoptees that adoption should just be done away with completely. They feel a child who can't be cared for by his/her parents should go to extended family. I don't disagree with this at all in theory. I think that's the best case scenario. However, especially when we are dealing with the reality of TRUE fostercare cases (i.e. abuse or neglect and not youth or poverty), that just often isn't an option. For example, extended family members were looked at in all four of my boys' cases and it just wouldn't have worked out. In fact two of the boys WERE placed with extended family. One of them was "voluntarily" returned to care because the family member "couldn't handle him" and the other was removed due to severe abuse and neglect at the hands of the family member. I'll grant that this is a grossly small sample but still rather telling just the same.
Ok. I don't think there's anyone who can dispute that sometimes family is NOT an option. So what then? I truly believe that children need a sense of belonging, of permanacy. I can't imagine not knowing when you get up in the morning if you'll be going to sleep in the same bed that night. Not to mention what the feeling that no one wants you must do to a person's self-esteem. So I guess that means remaining in care isn't such a great choice. Actually, I think foster care should only be used while reunification is being attempted or until an appropriate permanent situation can be found if reunification fails.
So, next? Maybe permanent legal guardianship? I think that's an option but I'm not sure that's better or worse than legal adoption. In some cases, the kids might need to KNOW that their parents' rights have been terminated and there's no chance they'll be returning to that situation. Jay and Logan did. They were literally in pretty serious danger while with their parents. They are still scared of them, to the point of having nightmares that they come to kill us or take them. Also, some kids might need the unity of having the same last name to get a sense of belonging to their new family. I know I gave all four of my sons the choice and they all CHOSE to change or add my last name to theirs. Two of them kept their names completely the same and just added mine. The other two dropped their original last name entirely. Those same two actually changed more as well...Jay changed his name from Julian to Jay (our family nickname for him) and Cory changed his middle name. They both ASKED to make those changes. I didn't even suggest them in either case. I also know being officially adopted has helped them all to know that they are here with a family that loves and wants them forever. They don't have to wake up tomorrow and wonder where they'll be moved to next. I'm not sure about this last point (if anyone knows please feel free to leave a comment about this) so I may do some research on it and post more about it later. Does the child in a legal guardianship have the same rights that a legally recognized child of that guardian would have? Does that leave a child in that situation without parents or a family when he/she becomes a legal adult? Legal guardianship stops at 18 or 21, right? So who does that leave for a person whose parents' rights were terminated by the court due to abuse/neglect so that the child could have permanancy? Maybe this wouldn't be a big deal to most but I just can't imagine having no legally recognized parents.
I know that there are adoptees who felt that they couldn't be themselves growing up in a family they weren't genetically linked to. My first response to this is...SHAME ON ANY FAMILIES that caused a child to feel that way! I've posted before about "mini-me's" and expecting a child to be like the parents. That's just wrong in ANY family, whether biological or adopted. "Fitting in" should be a matter of being loved for who you are, not changing yourself to be like others just to gain acceptance. However, I think adoptive parents should accept that the losses caused by adoption might lead to these feelings and they should be prepared to help their children through this while they're growing up. Their differences should be accepted, even celebrated, and original families/heritage should be respected.
I'll admit I'm just a mom with a blog. I'm not an expert with all the answers but I just can't see how making my boys a permanent, legal part of my family is a bad thing as long as I don't negate their original families in the process. I know some will say changing their last name does that but like I said it was their choice and for me it was about including them in my family not getting rid of their original family.
Monday, November 2, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day 2...Not So Exciting Either
Things are pretty settled here right now. I have to say that the finalization on 10/23 has changed some things for the better. It's taken some stress off us because I know that there's no more chance of the boys being placed somewhere else. And on their end the judge made it clear to the boys that they're here for good. I don't know if that'll stick with them in some of their worst moments but I'm fairly certain it planted a bigger seed than me alone saying it would have.
The sports the boys are into (soccer and cross country) are over for the year. Having the two seasons for all 4 kids coincide like that makes for a crazy couple of months. The difference is overwhelming now that they're over. I miss certain parts of it but it's nice to not have somewhere to be every night.
I guess that just leaves us in the school grind as we head into the holidays. Not that anyone cares lol but I'm going to work on some adoption related posts. I think I've got some perking lol.
The sports the boys are into (soccer and cross country) are over for the year. Having the two seasons for all 4 kids coincide like that makes for a crazy couple of months. The difference is overwhelming now that they're over. I miss certain parts of it but it's nice to not have somewhere to be every night.
I guess that just leaves us in the school grind as we head into the holidays. Not that anyone cares lol but I'm going to work on some adoption related posts. I think I've got some perking lol.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
NaBloPoMo
I think I'm going to try to do NaNoBloMo this year. That's it. Post one. Fascinating, huh? I can't promise the posts will get much better LOL but I DO promise to try.
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