I am trying hard here to think of something inspirational to say and I am sorry, I just dont have anything to say about the coming year. I hesitate to throw my resolutions out there because some of them are too personal to blog about, and some, well, lets just say they probably wont happen. So, I will just be quiet about any resolutions that I have and just do them. There.
I would like to reflect back on this year though. Ive always been much better at looking back than I have foward, which is why I like retro stuff and old music. Anyway this year has been a big one for me and for T. Oh, and it has also been huge for the kids; they can finally stay put and they have had a plethora (dont you just love that word? I do.) of firsts. This was the year of firsts.
In February we were presented with a bulletin with pictures and biography of our kids, and we said "Lets see what happens", then we spent a week in Mexico with friends, which time I could not quit looking at the flyer of the kids and dreaming about them. Also in Mexico we asked friends if they would be Godparents if we were selected for the kids and they said "yes". They have four girls already, and what is a few more kids, really?
We returned from Mexico and found out that T. had to have a triple bi-pass. So, that was no fun. Thank God the surgery was a success and he is doing great. Of course I worried about the adoption, but he and Dr. ensured me it would be fine...it was.
March: Our beloved Marco (our Italian Greyhound) passed away.
In April, I think it was, we were selected to go to committee (our first) for the three kids that we now call our own, and that we had hoped for. T said he kneew they were ours when he first saw their pictures. The end of the month brought us to our first visitation and subsequent visits. On the day of meeting our kids for the first time, our beloved friend and co worker Cole passed away unexpectedly.
In May, on the 6th to be exact, we brought them home. They had their own rooms (firsts), and had dogs (firsts).
June we were all just trying to settle into our new lives
July; see June.
August: see July.
In August we took them on their first ever camping trip, where they had many more firsts and also got to meet family and friends for the first time. They got their first ever bikes (which they still cant ride, except for A, a first for him)
September-They started in their new schools and A started Kindergarten.
N played on his first sports team ever, football. S had her first ever dance class.
October: I another year older (yuck). All three kids got awards at school. Kids got to go to their first ever Hockey game, first sporting event really. I think it was in this month that I received my AA in Criminal Justice, now to finish the next two years for BS in Psychology...Oh, and I got my first office job, no longer do I have to carry a gun...yipee! Oh and lets not forget this was the month that I brought the kitten from hell home; another first, the kids have their very own cat, that is especially for them.
November: Our first Thanksgiving with the kids. N went hunting for the first time ever and met his Uncle R for the first time. N and A had birthdays.
December: Lots of firsts here. T had another birthday. The kids rode their first ever escalater, S went to her first ever Birthday Party. N had a friend over to HIS house for the first time ever (had never had a friend over in any place he had lived), A blew his first ever bubble, All the three kids had their first experience with trimming a tree, putting cookies out for Santa, and waking up Christmas morning to full stockings (never had a stocking before). And tonight...will be the first New Years celebration together, except T has to work, which stinks. This month T's special uncle F passed away.
In a nutshell, that was 2008. Im sure there are lots Im forgetting, can you blame me? It has been a busy year. I hope this year I can become a little better acclimated to my new life and keep up in school. I also hope to have more contact with friends, J and R (you know who you are!!), I miss them.
FROM 0 TO 3 IN 90 DAYS-LIFE AFTER OLDER CHILD ADOPTION
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Lets talk about toys ba-by
So, I spent a lot of time reading about toys before Christmas because I wanted to know what was what and what people liked. It was helpful. That is what Im all about is helping. Im a helper. So, I want to review some of the toys my kids have acquired since coming home to us. In the foster home, they did not have a lot. It was pretty sad actually considering most kids have a whole room full of stuff. We did not run out and buy them tons of things however, but got stuff slowly. I think spending money on a toy is worth it when the toy is really good. I hate when I buy a toy or anything else for that matter, and it just stinks and I feel like Ive wasted my time, and everyone else's as well.
I do love a good toy. A couple of times during my life, I have tried to get a job at Toys R Us, for like a second job, and they never hired me. Why? Im a good person, and doggone it people like me (anyone remember that Saturday Night Live skit). I dont know the answer to that, but I do know that they missed out. I would have been an awesome toy shelf stocker. Hmmm...maybe they could tell I would spend to much time PLAYING and not enough working. Whatever I still think they missed out. Anyway I will review many toys eventually, right now though I only have time for one as it is late and I must go to work in the morning (Not at Toys R US however, unfortunately for them. Do I sound bitter? Well, I AM)
Ok N doesnt really like to draw on paper, because he thinks he's no good at it. He always tries though and I could tell it was something he wished he could do.
For Christmas he recieved a Crayola Color Explosion, like this:
It is pretty cool because you can trace things onto the glass cover and glass tray. If you trace on both, you get a 3D picture. The thing lights up too, so in the dark it is really cool. You can also select which surface, cover or tray to light up, light up both, or flash between the two. N says he gives it a 4 out of 5 stars. The only draw back: It only came with ONE stencil. The packaging shows several stencils, and that is sneaky. Dont make me have Sasha write a letter to the company, because I will! Apparently you can order additional stencils, at an extra cost of course. N just takes pictures from other things and traces those, and that works well too.
That is the only draw back, the stingy stencil distrobution and for that, they lose half a star. Oh and it wipes off pretty easily too, which makes me happy. Look at N, he likes it, he really likes it.
See?
I do love a good toy. A couple of times during my life, I have tried to get a job at Toys R Us, for like a second job, and they never hired me. Why? Im a good person, and doggone it people like me (anyone remember that Saturday Night Live skit). I dont know the answer to that, but I do know that they missed out. I would have been an awesome toy shelf stocker. Hmmm...maybe they could tell I would spend to much time PLAYING and not enough working. Whatever I still think they missed out. Anyway I will review many toys eventually, right now though I only have time for one as it is late and I must go to work in the morning (Not at Toys R US however, unfortunately for them. Do I sound bitter? Well, I AM)
Ok N doesnt really like to draw on paper, because he thinks he's no good at it. He always tries though and I could tell it was something he wished he could do.
For Christmas he recieved a Crayola Color Explosion, like this:
It is pretty cool because you can trace things onto the glass cover and glass tray. If you trace on both, you get a 3D picture. The thing lights up too, so in the dark it is really cool. You can also select which surface, cover or tray to light up, light up both, or flash between the two. N says he gives it a 4 out of 5 stars. The only draw back: It only came with ONE stencil. The packaging shows several stencils, and that is sneaky. Dont make me have Sasha write a letter to the company, because I will! Apparently you can order additional stencils, at an extra cost of course. N just takes pictures from other things and traces those, and that works well too.
That is the only draw back, the stingy stencil distrobution and for that, they lose half a star. Oh and it wipes off pretty easily too, which makes me happy. Look at N, he likes it, he really likes it.
See?
Yummy Yummy Yummy
So, I have a love/hate relationship with baking. I love it, and have fun doing it when it turns out and I hate it when it does not. I also hate the extra flab it puts on my rear end, but I do love to eat it. This Christmas I made some old favorites and some new favortites that I will definitely repeat.
The old favorite was this pineapple ricotta pie. Its kind of like cheese cake..kind of. If you like cheese cake and pineapple you will probably like this. T, my husband loves, loves, loves this pie. The only complaint he has is that it goes away too fast. I made it last year, but only made one. Let me say that, if you make one, it is just as easy to make two, and I highly suggest it. Unless of course you hate it and then you will be swearing at me under your breath, or maybe even out loud or in email, but it is a chance I am willing to take. Im a risk taker.
If this looks good to you, you can find the recipe here:
One of the new favorites are red velvet cake balls. You can find the recipe here:
Bakerella
Im warning you though, they are addicting, youll eat one after another, after another and after another....
My favorite recipe this year though is for Apple Dumplings which comes from Pioneerwoman's site. The secret ingredient is Mountain Dew. You know the sugary, ridiculously caffenated soft drink which resembles ant-freeze? Yep, that is the one.
Here is what they looked like after I made them:
These are very, very good. My husband does not like apples, even apple pie. In fact at first he was not going to TRY this. I think the smell got to him and he tried one. Then he had another. He gave me his version of the thumbs up when he said, "These are terrible honey". Which coming from Sarcasm Man, means that they are great. Of course the kids love them. However it could have been spinach, liver, and worm gut pie, if you add Mountain Dew to it, they are going to want it, at least my kids do. We all agree though that it was a tragic mistake not to have vanilla ice cream on hand, because it really would have put these yummy, and easy little delights over the top!
The old favorite was this pineapple ricotta pie. Its kind of like cheese cake..kind of. If you like cheese cake and pineapple you will probably like this. T, my husband loves, loves, loves this pie. The only complaint he has is that it goes away too fast. I made it last year, but only made one. Let me say that, if you make one, it is just as easy to make two, and I highly suggest it. Unless of course you hate it and then you will be swearing at me under your breath, or maybe even out loud or in email, but it is a chance I am willing to take. Im a risk taker.
If this looks good to you, you can find the recipe here:
One of the new favorites are red velvet cake balls. You can find the recipe here:
Bakerella
Im warning you though, they are addicting, youll eat one after another, after another and after another....
My favorite recipe this year though is for Apple Dumplings which comes from Pioneerwoman's site. The secret ingredient is Mountain Dew. You know the sugary, ridiculously caffenated soft drink which resembles ant-freeze? Yep, that is the one.
Here is what they looked like after I made them:
These are very, very good. My husband does not like apples, even apple pie. In fact at first he was not going to TRY this. I think the smell got to him and he tried one. Then he had another. He gave me his version of the thumbs up when he said, "These are terrible honey". Which coming from Sarcasm Man, means that they are great. Of course the kids love them. However it could have been spinach, liver, and worm gut pie, if you add Mountain Dew to it, they are going to want it, at least my kids do. We all agree though that it was a tragic mistake not to have vanilla ice cream on hand, because it really would have put these yummy, and easy little delights over the top!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Satan's Fundraising
Now that it is over, here is the most annoying part of this holiday season for me. The kids' "Angel Shop" at school. It should be called the "Satan Shop" because Satan would not hesitate to steal from kids and either did whoever was running this thing. Im pretty ticked off about it too, and I may even DO something about it.
Anyway, when I was a kid we had these little shops around the holiday where we could buy cheap little gifts for our parents or whatever for Christmas. It was pretty cheesy stuff, but it was kind of fun and kids could afford it so cheesy was ok.
This is what I was expecting. We gave each child ten dollars to buy for each other, both parents and grandma and grandpa. The flyer that the kids brought home said items would range from twenty five cents up five dollars and it even had a little check list of who they were supposed to buy for. This led me to believe that they would be having some assistance with this, especially the Kindergarteners.
There was obviously no supervision while the kids were "shopping". OK, that is not too big of a deal, I can deal with that. What did tick me off is the stuff that they were selling. I was a little upset when Sasha showed me what she had gotten for N and for T. She had got each of them a jigsaw puzzle, that was from like the seventies and had been opened, quite a few times by the looks of it. It looks like something someone had try to sell at a million garage sales, but because of the shape of the box, never sold. I mean I will be shocked if all the peices are there. The boxes were also written and scribbled on.
Now, I have nothing, absolutely nothing against used items. Infact, one of my favorite things to do is go garage sailing and second hand store surfing. I live for it, it really floats my boat. I just think that if the school was going to do something like this, they should do a better job screening the items to make sure they were in DECENT shape. If you dont think the jigsaw puzzle thing was that bad, how about this:
A wooden back scratcher that has all the teeth broken off of it, and was obviously used. I mean that is pretty gross. I dont need nor do I desire some strange mans flakey skin and God knows what else coming off onto the body of my loved ones. This is the gift N got for my husband. Crazy. They sold this crap to KIDS who dont know any better. I think that is pretty evil. Satan is alive and well and in charge of fundraising at our elementary school. Nice.
Anyway, when I was a kid we had these little shops around the holiday where we could buy cheap little gifts for our parents or whatever for Christmas. It was pretty cheesy stuff, but it was kind of fun and kids could afford it so cheesy was ok.
This is what I was expecting. We gave each child ten dollars to buy for each other, both parents and grandma and grandpa. The flyer that the kids brought home said items would range from twenty five cents up five dollars and it even had a little check list of who they were supposed to buy for. This led me to believe that they would be having some assistance with this, especially the Kindergarteners.
There was obviously no supervision while the kids were "shopping". OK, that is not too big of a deal, I can deal with that. What did tick me off is the stuff that they were selling. I was a little upset when Sasha showed me what she had gotten for N and for T. She had got each of them a jigsaw puzzle, that was from like the seventies and had been opened, quite a few times by the looks of it. It looks like something someone had try to sell at a million garage sales, but because of the shape of the box, never sold. I mean I will be shocked if all the peices are there. The boxes were also written and scribbled on.
Now, I have nothing, absolutely nothing against used items. Infact, one of my favorite things to do is go garage sailing and second hand store surfing. I live for it, it really floats my boat. I just think that if the school was going to do something like this, they should do a better job screening the items to make sure they were in DECENT shape. If you dont think the jigsaw puzzle thing was that bad, how about this:
A wooden back scratcher that has all the teeth broken off of it, and was obviously used. I mean that is pretty gross. I dont need nor do I desire some strange mans flakey skin and God knows what else coming off onto the body of my loved ones. This is the gift N got for my husband. Crazy. They sold this crap to KIDS who dont know any better. I think that is pretty evil. Satan is alive and well and in charge of fundraising at our elementary school. Nice.
Wierd Christmas Morning Behavior
On Christmas Eve while I was tucking A in, he did not seem like he knew what to expect with all the Santa stuff and had a lot of questions. I explained to him that in the morning, he needs to come and wake me up before he goes into the living room and starts messing with stuff.
I think he freaked out though, Christmas morning. T and I heard the boys get up, and we layed there waiting. I was so excited for him to come in and "wake" me up and tell me "Its Christmas!". I did that when I was a kid, and I thought all kids did this. Well, I did not get to experience that this time.
We heard them walk up the stairs to the living room and we could hear them whispering and then we heard them go BACK DOWN THE STAIRS to their rooms. I was flabberghasted! I was, I will admit, disappointed.
I got up and went downstairs and they were in N's room reading a book. I am not kidding. So, I asked A why he didnt wake me up and he said that he was scared, because it was still dark in the house. I pointed out that that wasnt true, because he has woke me up on numerous occasions when it was even darker, and without his big brother with him. He said he saw T and thought T was supposed to be at work, and he knows how much T needs to sleep and didnt want to wake poppy up. He then told me he saw a big horse in the living room, and didnt know who Santa left it for.
So, Im thinking he was overwhelmed and it was too much of a different and exciting experience for him that he just retreated. I dont know...it was strange and I felt a little deflated. That is part of older child adoption though, you just dont know what is going to happen, and it is often not what you think and you must always stay open to things that may happen.
I think he freaked out though, Christmas morning. T and I heard the boys get up, and we layed there waiting. I was so excited for him to come in and "wake" me up and tell me "Its Christmas!". I did that when I was a kid, and I thought all kids did this. Well, I did not get to experience that this time.
We heard them walk up the stairs to the living room and we could hear them whispering and then we heard them go BACK DOWN THE STAIRS to their rooms. I was flabberghasted! I was, I will admit, disappointed.
I got up and went downstairs and they were in N's room reading a book. I am not kidding. So, I asked A why he didnt wake me up and he said that he was scared, because it was still dark in the house. I pointed out that that wasnt true, because he has woke me up on numerous occasions when it was even darker, and without his big brother with him. He said he saw T and thought T was supposed to be at work, and he knows how much T needs to sleep and didnt want to wake poppy up. He then told me he saw a big horse in the living room, and didnt know who Santa left it for.
So, Im thinking he was overwhelmed and it was too much of a different and exciting experience for him that he just retreated. I dont know...it was strange and I felt a little deflated. That is part of older child adoption though, you just dont know what is going to happen, and it is often not what you think and you must always stay open to things that may happen.
Its over...
,,for another year. Well, I guess there is New Years Eve and all that, but basically it is over. So, we will probably stay up until midnight, maybe play some games or something. Oh, there is always eating, but Im kind of sick of that. Of course I say that right NOW, because I just finished off the Pineapple Ricotta pie, but tomorrow eating a bunch a stuff that will put pounds on my hiney will sound like a good idea again. Im in so much trouble when I go back to weight watchers....
It seems like the kids had a good Christmas and they got some good stuff without being over-spoiled. I hate it when kids start to act entitled and they are so consumed with material stuff that they become bratty. You know like Varuka Salt in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. We are trying to avoid that, and so far I think we are doing a good job.
Before the kids came home I always pictured Christmas with my kids one way. I now know that there is a lot more to it than all the warm and fuzzies. It.is.a.heck.of.a.lot.of.work. Oh man, because not only am I doing all the preperations like before, but now Im doing it for more people at the same time Im doing all the normal day to day stuff. Christmas=more stuff to cram into the measly 24 hours a day we are given.
It seems like the kids had a good Christmas and they got some good stuff without being over-spoiled. I hate it when kids start to act entitled and they are so consumed with material stuff that they become bratty. You know like Varuka Salt in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. We are trying to avoid that, and so far I think we are doing a good job.
Before the kids came home I always pictured Christmas with my kids one way. I now know that there is a lot more to it than all the warm and fuzzies. It.is.a.heck.of.a.lot.of.work. Oh man, because not only am I doing all the preperations like before, but now Im doing it for more people at the same time Im doing all the normal day to day stuff. Christmas=more stuff to cram into the measly 24 hours a day we are given.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
I just want to wish everyone here a Merry Christmas. I hope your day is filled with joy and laughter and most of all I hope we can all look at our lives and see the blessing which we have been given, despite of any bad stuff which may have happened to us this year. Im looking foward to the next year and whatever it has to throw my way.
The kids are in bed, Im finally done with stockings, finishing pies, wrapping gifts. T ate the Santa cookies and drank the Santa milk. He also went outside and picked up the carrots the kids threw on the lawn for reigndeer. We are ready...bring on the morning. Oh, wait..let me finish my champagne first.
The kids are in bed, Im finally done with stockings, finishing pies, wrapping gifts. T ate the Santa cookies and drank the Santa milk. He also went outside and picked up the carrots the kids threw on the lawn for reigndeer. We are ready...bring on the morning. Oh, wait..let me finish my champagne first.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Random, incoherant, and nonsensical rantings about baking
I like to bake. I really do and I wish I could do more of it. Or maybe I like the IDEA of baking. Who knows for sure. What I do know is that I have been frustrated this last week. I dont know if it is because Im not used to having three people staring at me while Im creating, but I am screwing up a lot. With them sitting there asking me questions or just staring, I feel like I have my own foodnetwork show or something. Like Im Emeril and have an audience. They are not allowed to come around to my side of the kitchen either when Im working so they sit on the bar stools and stare at me. I think I will have T insall a light up "applause" sign on the wall, wouldnt that be fun.
Anyway, cook books and some on line recipes are annoying because they do not tell the whole story to someone who is lacking in brain cells. Folks, you have to spell it out to me or I just may miss it. When I miss it, it is not pretty, I get cranky.
For instance I was trying to make lemon bars, which I love. Anyway, the first batch stuck to the dish pretty good, and so they were a mess but they tasted awesome. I made a second batch, thinking I just did not let them cool long enough. They still stuck to the pan. The recipe said UNGREASED, so I did not grease. I stared at that stupid recipe for ever and then the word PAN jumped out of me. Maybe I was supposed to use a pan instead of a glass baking dish? Would that matter? Im thinking yes. I have neither the energy or patience to do it a third time though, too bad.
OK blunder number two. I made red velvet cake balls, which I can not quit eating by the way. Anyway everything was going great with them until about half way through dipping the first pan of balls in chocolate. They had been in the fridge like the recipe said to do, and then I was rolling them in the chocolate, and eventually they started coming apart in the chocolate. I actually figured it out though. You cant take the whole tray out of the fridge when you roll them you have to take a few balls at a time, or they will get too warm. They need to stay COOL while you do this.
So, what is my point? My point is that recipes should consider people like me who are common sense challenged. The cake ball recipe should have mentioned that you should only take a few out at a time, and not the whole tray.
Im wondering if a cook book that takes people like me into consideration would sell. I mean it would be like a cook book with kids with bigger words; it would spell it all out, which apparently is what I need. They cant just assume I KNOW these things, can they?
That is one of the reasons I like the Pioneerwoman.com. She even gives pictures of what she is doing, step by step.
By the way, if anyone could tell me how to insert a link to a web page into the body of my blog I would appreciate it, because then it would look like I know what Im doing, which is always nice.
Anyway, cook books and some on line recipes are annoying because they do not tell the whole story to someone who is lacking in brain cells. Folks, you have to spell it out to me or I just may miss it. When I miss it, it is not pretty, I get cranky.
For instance I was trying to make lemon bars, which I love. Anyway, the first batch stuck to the dish pretty good, and so they were a mess but they tasted awesome. I made a second batch, thinking I just did not let them cool long enough. They still stuck to the pan. The recipe said UNGREASED, so I did not grease. I stared at that stupid recipe for ever and then the word PAN jumped out of me. Maybe I was supposed to use a pan instead of a glass baking dish? Would that matter? Im thinking yes. I have neither the energy or patience to do it a third time though, too bad.
OK blunder number two. I made red velvet cake balls, which I can not quit eating by the way. Anyway everything was going great with them until about half way through dipping the first pan of balls in chocolate. They had been in the fridge like the recipe said to do, and then I was rolling them in the chocolate, and eventually they started coming apart in the chocolate. I actually figured it out though. You cant take the whole tray out of the fridge when you roll them you have to take a few balls at a time, or they will get too warm. They need to stay COOL while you do this.
So, what is my point? My point is that recipes should consider people like me who are common sense challenged. The cake ball recipe should have mentioned that you should only take a few out at a time, and not the whole tray.
Im wondering if a cook book that takes people like me into consideration would sell. I mean it would be like a cook book with kids with bigger words; it would spell it all out, which apparently is what I need. They cant just assume I KNOW these things, can they?
That is one of the reasons I like the Pioneerwoman.com. She even gives pictures of what she is doing, step by step.
By the way, if anyone could tell me how to insert a link to a web page into the body of my blog I would appreciate it, because then it would look like I know what Im doing, which is always nice.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Retro photo time!!!!
My first Christmas...and all I care about is the DOG. Some things never change...
Be more specific
So, the other day (ok it was last weekend), we got hammered with snow (and still are). I told the kids to put their snow suits on and go play. So, they did and pretty soon we loaded them all up and went and got our Christmas tree, after getting our tree we went and had lunch and hot chocolate. I was a little taken back how ever when S took off her jacket and I saw what she had underneath. She was still in her pajamas!!! I did not think it was necessary to preclude "put your snow suit on" with "get dressed in regular clothes". My fault. What was I thinking? This is what makes her who she is though. Im worried, have I said that yet? I think that I have.
There she is in her pjs drinking her cocoa in public. See, this is ironic because BEFORE I had children I would be the woman in the restaurant "tsk tsking" about the mother who was too lazy to dress her child before going out in public. Yep. That was me, oh the things I have learned.
There she is in her pjs drinking her cocoa in public. See, this is ironic because BEFORE I had children I would be the woman in the restaurant "tsk tsking" about the mother who was too lazy to dress her child before going out in public. Yep. That was me, oh the things I have learned.
Putting it together
...thats how my mom described what A said to me this evening. I was tucking him into bed and he asked, even though he knew the answer, "where did we live before here". I named his former foster parents.
A: Oh, where before that?
Me: (I told him the names of the people they were with prior to their last home)
A: Where after this?
Me; No where. You will be here until you grow up and are sick of me.
A: Oh, good. I want to live by you
Me: I would like that
A; You could come over.
Me: Cool. What could we do?
A: Talk
Me: About what?
A: About how I was silly when I was little.
Wow. Warmed my little heart right up. My mom was over at the house and we had been baking some stuff. The kids hovered around us a lot while we were doing this. I think the fact that my mother lives around the corner from me and we hang out and "talk", was playing out in his little mind and he was thinking about when he grows up. I love this kid, he is pretty darn special.
A: Oh, where before that?
Me: (I told him the names of the people they were with prior to their last home)
A: Where after this?
Me; No where. You will be here until you grow up and are sick of me.
A: Oh, good. I want to live by you
Me: I would like that
A; You could come over.
Me: Cool. What could we do?
A: Talk
Me: About what?
A: About how I was silly when I was little.
Wow. Warmed my little heart right up. My mom was over at the house and we had been baking some stuff. The kids hovered around us a lot while we were doing this. I think the fact that my mother lives around the corner from me and we hang out and "talk", was playing out in his little mind and he was thinking about when he grows up. I love this kid, he is pretty darn special.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
cold flakey crud
...bah humbug, no thats too strong it is my favorite holiday....
Oh wait, that is plagiarism. If you tell me what song the above line came from you will win...absolutely nothing, but I WILL be impressed.
It is snowing. It has been snowing. While I have been whining about not having a white Christmas in a very long time, it could have at least WAITED until Christmas to dump on us.
We had some really cool stuff planned with some really wonderful people. Its storming here and the roads stink so we have decided to play it safe and not go. It was also going to be the first time the kids have ever been to the zoo, among lots of other things they have never experienced. It was going to be really special, and it was going to be a surprise. So, it is a bummer. Whats worse is that Im DONE. I have just about everything done for Christmas, so what now? Just chill I guess and enjoy what I hope is a wonderful Christmas for the kids.
Even though we are not going to do what we had hoped, there will be plenty of firsts here. If you are going to adopt older kids from the system, be prepared to be stunned at how many seemingly "normal" things your kids have never experienced. Since being here, the kids have had sooo many firsts, and it really has been cool to be a part of that.
For instance, my kids have never had a Christmas stocking. I know, probably not everyone does that, but we always have. They have never put out cookies and milk for Santa and have never even wrote a "dear Santa" letter. They have never HELPED trim a tree. We are doing all those things and more. Next Christmas it will be the first time in a long time that they have spent two Christmas's in a row with the same family.
They trimmed our tree. We just sat there and handed them the ornaments. They were so into it too, and they did do a good job. N said, "this is a really good experience for us, because we never got to do it before."
Oh wait, that is plagiarism. If you tell me what song the above line came from you will win...absolutely nothing, but I WILL be impressed.
It is snowing. It has been snowing. While I have been whining about not having a white Christmas in a very long time, it could have at least WAITED until Christmas to dump on us.
We had some really cool stuff planned with some really wonderful people. Its storming here and the roads stink so we have decided to play it safe and not go. It was also going to be the first time the kids have ever been to the zoo, among lots of other things they have never experienced. It was going to be really special, and it was going to be a surprise. So, it is a bummer. Whats worse is that Im DONE. I have just about everything done for Christmas, so what now? Just chill I guess and enjoy what I hope is a wonderful Christmas for the kids.
Even though we are not going to do what we had hoped, there will be plenty of firsts here. If you are going to adopt older kids from the system, be prepared to be stunned at how many seemingly "normal" things your kids have never experienced. Since being here, the kids have had sooo many firsts, and it really has been cool to be a part of that.
For instance, my kids have never had a Christmas stocking. I know, probably not everyone does that, but we always have. They have never put out cookies and milk for Santa and have never even wrote a "dear Santa" letter. They have never HELPED trim a tree. We are doing all those things and more. Next Christmas it will be the first time in a long time that they have spent two Christmas's in a row with the same family.
They trimmed our tree. We just sat there and handed them the ornaments. They were so into it too, and they did do a good job. N said, "this is a really good experience for us, because we never got to do it before."
They do listen.
A had gotten in trouble for something, and about an hour or so later he said that he was "a bad boy". I told him that he was not a bad boy, but sometimes he does things that he shouldnt do. You know, its just one of those things you might say to a kid in that situation. You dont really ever know if they even HEAR you.
So, imagine my surprise when after I told our weiner princess, Carmen that she was "bad girl", A piped up and said, "shes not bad mommy, sometimes she just does bad things".
He did it again last night. He was looking through his little bag of goodies he got from his Kindergarten Christmas party, and took out like 7 red wooden beads. He handed them to me, and said:
"Here, put these somewhere where I cant reach them".
Me: "Why?"
A: "Because I might want to put them in my mouth"
This cracks me up because he had quite a problem with security when he got here, for obvious reasons, and he was constantly chewing and sucking on anything he could find. He has gotten a LOT better with this, so when he said this, it cracked me up, he IS listening. Yessssss.
So, imagine my surprise when after I told our weiner princess, Carmen that she was "bad girl", A piped up and said, "shes not bad mommy, sometimes she just does bad things".
He did it again last night. He was looking through his little bag of goodies he got from his Kindergarten Christmas party, and took out like 7 red wooden beads. He handed them to me, and said:
"Here, put these somewhere where I cant reach them".
Me: "Why?"
A: "Because I might want to put them in my mouth"
This cracks me up because he had quite a problem with security when he got here, for obvious reasons, and he was constantly chewing and sucking on anything he could find. He has gotten a LOT better with this, so when he said this, it cracked me up, he IS listening. Yessssss.
idits
S has a game she plays on my computer. Its a petdogz game, and she bought it with her own money. It has a picture of a dachshund on the case, which is one of the biggest reasons she wanted it. She thought one of the dogs in the game would be a dachshund, and honestly, so did I.
There is no dachshund in the game. None. I wasnt too happy about this, and I said, kind of to myself, "Someone should write a letter." She went and got her paper and pencil box and settled down at the table and this was the result.
Dear compiny (company?),
You put a picture of a dacsund on the case but there is no dacsun in the game. why oh why did you do that, you idits.
Im sending it. Yep, she fits in so well.
There is no dachshund in the game. None. I wasnt too happy about this, and I said, kind of to myself, "Someone should write a letter." She went and got her paper and pencil box and settled down at the table and this was the result.
Dear compiny (company?),
You put a picture of a dacsund on the case but there is no dacsun in the game. why oh why did you do that, you idits.
Im sending it. Yep, she fits in so well.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Bethleham
So, we went to a really cool thing tonight at a local church. It was a live Bethleham village with donkeys, sheep, goats, demon possessed people, Romans Soldiers (what jerks they are!), Mary, Joseph, and one baby Jesus. And...it was the coolest thing. What made it better is that it was snowing and blowing the whole time. It took like twenty minutes to get through this thing and you had a guide who was dressed in the garb of that time. You went in a tent where soldiers yelled at you to pay your taxes...and through a market place which was pretty cool, they had blacksmiths, beggars, harlots and all that neat stuff. Oh and the angel of the lord was actually in up high in something and telling us which way to go. It was really well done and I think we will do it again.
Here are some pics:
After we were done, S goes "where we really in Bethleham?". She worries me.
Here are some pics:
After we were done, S goes "where we really in Bethleham?". She worries me.
Casey Anthony sentenced to five for fighting
What do you get when you cross nightly viewing of the Nancy Grace show (because since it started I cant tear myself away from the Caylee Anthony story), a family obsession with Hockey, and an eight year old girl?
You get confusing ideas about various penalties in life. While we were eating our fish and chips today, S decided she needed to inform my mother about the latest developments in the case. Now, I dont let them watch it, I shoo them out of the room to go play, but they still manage to catch the jist (is that seriously a word?) of whats going on, despite my efforts. Anyway, she was talking about it to my mother, and she said, "someone found her, and she is dead, and now maybe Casey will get a penalty kill"
So, its not funny unless you are a hockey fan. A penalty kill is when a hockey player has to go to the penalty box for being naughty (we tell the kids its "time out") and so his team is left with one less player for how ever minutes they get in the box. During this time the team has to keep the other team who has a one man advantage from scoring. When the team is successful in preventing scores against them until they have even numbers again it is called, "the penalty kill".
So, like I said, its probably not funny to anyone else, but its darn funny to me. So, arent you glad you are reading? Not only do you now think Im irresponsible for letting my child watch a show that talks about murder, but now you may know more about hockey than you ever really wanted to know. You are welcome.
You get confusing ideas about various penalties in life. While we were eating our fish and chips today, S decided she needed to inform my mother about the latest developments in the case. Now, I dont let them watch it, I shoo them out of the room to go play, but they still manage to catch the jist (is that seriously a word?) of whats going on, despite my efforts. Anyway, she was talking about it to my mother, and she said, "someone found her, and she is dead, and now maybe Casey will get a penalty kill"
So, its not funny unless you are a hockey fan. A penalty kill is when a hockey player has to go to the penalty box for being naughty (we tell the kids its "time out") and so his team is left with one less player for how ever minutes they get in the box. During this time the team has to keep the other team who has a one man advantage from scoring. When the team is successful in preventing scores against them until they have even numbers again it is called, "the penalty kill".
So, like I said, its probably not funny to anyone else, but its darn funny to me. So, arent you glad you are reading? Not only do you now think Im irresponsible for letting my child watch a show that talks about murder, but now you may know more about hockey than you ever really wanted to know. You are welcome.
Im nuts...
...because I decided that today going to the mall for lunch would be fun. It wasnt. My mom and I really wanted some Ivars fish and chips, and S loves seafood, so we thought it would be neato. Wrongo. It.was.crazy. I actually forgot that it was Saturday because all my days seem to run into each other now. All three kids got their haircut, and S got some more pjs. Oh, I also drove forty minutes there to find red velvet cake mix. I cant find this crud anywhere. I KNOW Ive seen it and now I need it for a recipe.
I was grouchy and crabby at the traffic. People are creeps when they drive. Well, OK they are creepy other times too, but really when they drive. A actually asked me in his wee little cute voice, "Mommy are you frustracated?" Yep, thats me. OH, and it started snowing, hard. I hate driving in the snow.
I was grouchy and crabby at the traffic. People are creeps when they drive. Well, OK they are creepy other times too, but really when they drive. A actually asked me in his wee little cute voice, "Mommy are you frustracated?" Yep, thats me. OH, and it started snowing, hard. I hate driving in the snow.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Help me
So, I added many Christmas songs to my playlist at the bottom. However, my favorite Christmas song isnt on there because I just dont know which version to put on there. My favorite is O Holy Night, of which there are tons of versions. So, Im looking for suggestions...if you like this song, like I do and have a favorite version, please share, so I can add it. I will be forever in your debt, well, not really, but I will be forever grateful.
I still miss him
Yesterday was the anniversary of a dark December in 1980. It was the day that John Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman. Chapman believed he was being told to do it through JD Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye". Ive read this book many times, and it didnt tell ME to kill anybody, although at times, I feel a little like Holden Caulfeild.
Anyway, on that day in 1980, I was sitting in our family room in the basement of our home, watching tv. I wish I could remember what we were watching, but knowing my mother, it was probably Little House on the Prairie. A ticker across the bottom of the screen actually popped up announcing the news. I was stunned, scared, and saddened. I was 11 years old, but had been a Beatles fan most of my life, thanks to my brother who is 11 years older (ew..creepy, 11 and 11..hmmm, just kidding).
Anyway, for those who do not know, John Lennon was sort of an adopted child, though not legally (I dont think anyway). He was raised by his Aunt Mimi and his Uncle George. His mother and father had split when he was a very small boy, and she gave her son to her sister to raise. Aunt Mimi and Uncle George, by all accounts took good care of the boy; he was loved. He went on to make millions love him. I am one of those millions. He and the other three lads changed the face of music forever. He was an advocate for Peace, and it was pure irony that his life ended by violence.
If you have the mute turned on on your computer, and you like John Lennon, or even if you dont and you just would like to humor me, turn it up and enjoy the two Lennon songs I have added to my music. If I can get them loaded, that is. If I cant, then nevermind.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Die Barbie Die
I never really liked the Bimbo anyway. Either, apparently does my dog Joey. Notice how I didnt put the camera down to rush to her rescue. Either, by the way, did Sasha. She just giggled. I think she is on our side.
Now, see? This is what Im talking about. She just had her head jerked around ala the Exorcist, she was pantsed, and her hair pulled, and her skull bit, and there she lays, smiling like "everything is wonderful, arent I wonderful?", I swear, everything about her is so FAKE. I cant like someone like that.
Now, see? This is what Im talking about. She just had her head jerked around ala the Exorcist, she was pantsed, and her hair pulled, and her skull bit, and there she lays, smiling like "everything is wonderful, arent I wonderful?", I swear, everything about her is so FAKE. I cant like someone like that.
The next Michael Kors?
I think I spelled Kors wrong, oh well, Im talking about the fahion designer dude who is often on Project Runway.
Anyway, Adam comes up with the silliest ensembles. Here is one of my summer line favorites. This peice is inspired by Gardening, killing critters, and swimming all in one.
He runs around the house in this kind of get up, all the time. He does not, however, get outside the front door, although he would love to.
Anyway, Adam comes up with the silliest ensembles. Here is one of my summer line favorites. This peice is inspired by Gardening, killing critters, and swimming all in one.
He runs around the house in this kind of get up, all the time. He does not, however, get outside the front door, although he would love to.
Two by two
...is the way that the Bible says Noah put the animals on the ark. However, what it doesnt tell us is this:
Noah was such a dog fancier, like myself, that he made sure that two of EACH breed of dog got onto that ark. Oh and that there was a giant mountain made of chocolate cake, protected by a bubble,near the location of the ark. Good thing I wasnt there. I may have found my way into the bubble and stayed on the chocolate cake mountain, and eaten myself into oblivion, flood or not, direct order from God or not, because chocolate.is.awesome. Im kidding about all of this of course. This is what I found on my kitchen counter on the night of Adams birthday. My house will never be the same.
Noah was such a dog fancier, like myself, that he made sure that two of EACH breed of dog got onto that ark. Oh and that there was a giant mountain made of chocolate cake, protected by a bubble,near the location of the ark. Good thing I wasnt there. I may have found my way into the bubble and stayed on the chocolate cake mountain, and eaten myself into oblivion, flood or not, direct order from God or not, because chocolate.is.awesome. Im kidding about all of this of course. This is what I found on my kitchen counter on the night of Adams birthday. My house will never be the same.
Turkey day blues.
So, I have always heard that with adopting older kids come the possibility that holidays may be somewhat sullen. It is true, indeed. At least it was at our house on Thanksgiving. This time of year, of course brings up thoughts and feelings, and memories of family, even for little people.
Sasha was awfully clingy, more so than usual, which is alot. She kept slipping away to her room though in between boughts of clinging and I would find her in there looking pretty sad. She claimed that she was just bored...which I know wasnt true, we were at home and she is NEVER bored. She was sad...and so was N. N looked sad and wasnt the normal chatty boy he is, although he did hide his better because he just lost himself in the football game. Adam, seemed normal enough, probably because he is still so young.
Even though the memories may not be from their birth family, because they were pretty young when removed, they have had two "adoptive" homes, prior to us, which Im sure they are remembering, especially around this time.
I just hope that someday, they will realize that they are home and that this is their family and though the sadness may never completely go away, I hope that they will find comfort in their permanancy.
It will be interesting to see if Christmas will be the same way, or worse. I need though to make a point of pulling N or S aside and TALKING with them about it, or just listening if they want to talk about the feelings. Chances are that they will just keep it in...but they need to know I will listen, if they want to talk. I didnt do that really, on T day, and I wish that I would have.
Sasha was awfully clingy, more so than usual, which is alot. She kept slipping away to her room though in between boughts of clinging and I would find her in there looking pretty sad. She claimed that she was just bored...which I know wasnt true, we were at home and she is NEVER bored. She was sad...and so was N. N looked sad and wasnt the normal chatty boy he is, although he did hide his better because he just lost himself in the football game. Adam, seemed normal enough, probably because he is still so young.
Even though the memories may not be from their birth family, because they were pretty young when removed, they have had two "adoptive" homes, prior to us, which Im sure they are remembering, especially around this time.
I just hope that someday, they will realize that they are home and that this is their family and though the sadness may never completely go away, I hope that they will find comfort in their permanancy.
It will be interesting to see if Christmas will be the same way, or worse. I need though to make a point of pulling N or S aside and TALKING with them about it, or just listening if they want to talk about the feelings. Chances are that they will just keep it in...but they need to know I will listen, if they want to talk. I didnt do that really, on T day, and I wish that I would have.
10 years old
Well N had a birthday a while ago, and Im just now blogging about it because I am slow and often prone to fits of laziness. Im sorry, that is just how it is sometimes.
So, it was a special birthday for him, he is now a double digit kid, instead of a single digit one, and he got to meet his Uncle Rabbit. Rabbit is not his real name, its a nickname he got as a kid, and my husband still calls him that, so do I. Now the kids do too, and it is very special.
Uncle Rabbit was in town from NY, to go to hunting with T, and N got to go with them for a few days. Part of his issues stemming from moving so much and not having consistancy crept up a little during this time (N's issues, not Uncle Rabbits, not saying the he has issues, but, oh heck, you know what I mean).
When I picked N up from where I met T at the end of N's hunting time, he was teary eyed and said that he would miss Uncle Rabbit. We told him that Uncle Rabbit would be staying with us for a few days before going back to NY, but he was still teary. This isnt the first time that he has done this with people he just met, but liked, and wanted to spend more time with. The therapists pointed out that it could be because he is used to never seeing people again when he says goodbye. Good point, I wish I would have thought about that. Poor kid. His life has been a little like going to summer camp and meeting friends, and never seeing them again. His whole life has been like that....I cant imagine.
Anywho, here are some photos of his bday and the meeting with Uncle R. Hi, Uncle R and Aunt M, if you are reading!!! Hello to Kristina and to Matthew too!
This is N on the hunting trip, he looks thrilled...he said he had a great time though.
Another Beeauuutiful cake made by my hubby T. N wanted upside down pineapple cake for his bday.
Here the kids are with their Uncle Rabbit. They are still doing and saying little things that he taught them. This is the morning they left for hunting.
So, it was a special birthday for him, he is now a double digit kid, instead of a single digit one, and he got to meet his Uncle Rabbit. Rabbit is not his real name, its a nickname he got as a kid, and my husband still calls him that, so do I. Now the kids do too, and it is very special.
Uncle Rabbit was in town from NY, to go to hunting with T, and N got to go with them for a few days. Part of his issues stemming from moving so much and not having consistancy crept up a little during this time (N's issues, not Uncle Rabbits, not saying the he has issues, but, oh heck, you know what I mean).
When I picked N up from where I met T at the end of N's hunting time, he was teary eyed and said that he would miss Uncle Rabbit. We told him that Uncle Rabbit would be staying with us for a few days before going back to NY, but he was still teary. This isnt the first time that he has done this with people he just met, but liked, and wanted to spend more time with. The therapists pointed out that it could be because he is used to never seeing people again when he says goodbye. Good point, I wish I would have thought about that. Poor kid. His life has been a little like going to summer camp and meeting friends, and never seeing them again. His whole life has been like that....I cant imagine.
Anywho, here are some photos of his bday and the meeting with Uncle R. Hi, Uncle R and Aunt M, if you are reading!!! Hello to Kristina and to Matthew too!
This is N on the hunting trip, he looks thrilled...he said he had a great time though.
Another Beeauuutiful cake made by my hubby T. N wanted upside down pineapple cake for his bday.
Here the kids are with their Uncle Rabbit. They are still doing and saying little things that he taught them. This is the morning they left for hunting.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Stoopit mommy part 2
SO yesterday I did a dumb thing too. I hesitate to share this, because I felt like a terrible mother afterwards, now I just feel dumb. A woke up yesterday morning and was crying when he was brushing his teeth. He said his cheek hurt. I asked if it hurt inside or outside, he said inside. Hmmm. So, I hugged him and he stopped crying, and finished getting ready for school/daycare.
As he was putting on his little coat he said "Im cold and my legs hurt". Again, I just comforted him and made sure his coat was zipped up tight, so he would be warm when we went outside. Nothing else ever penetrated my thick skull.
So, Im plugging away at work (not really, but it sounds like Im actually WORKING very hard when I say that), when my phone rings. It is my mother and she says the daycare lady called and said A is sick. I call her (the daycare lady) and she says he is running a high fever.
THEN it dawns on me. Why, oh why, didnt I put two and two together this morning? DUH, he was cold, and achey, and crying. It has not feeling well written all over the place. Instead of using my head, I just brushed it off and sent him off to daycare. If I would have at LEAST felt his head, I would have known he was BURNING up.
Why mention this? I mention this as a warning to someone else out there, who is all of a sudden a mom to a six year old, and is clueless about many "mommy" things. Hopefully it wont happen to you, but beware....Im not USED to trying to figure out if someone is sick. Im used to people saying, "Im sick". Your six year old may not do that, he or she may be like mine and give you hints. Hopefully you are much brighter than I am and will GET it. Just beware, is all. Instant motherhood to older children kills brain cells. At least it is killing mine.
As he was putting on his little coat he said "Im cold and my legs hurt". Again, I just comforted him and made sure his coat was zipped up tight, so he would be warm when we went outside. Nothing else ever penetrated my thick skull.
So, Im plugging away at work (not really, but it sounds like Im actually WORKING very hard when I say that), when my phone rings. It is my mother and she says the daycare lady called and said A is sick. I call her (the daycare lady) and she says he is running a high fever.
THEN it dawns on me. Why, oh why, didnt I put two and two together this morning? DUH, he was cold, and achey, and crying. It has not feeling well written all over the place. Instead of using my head, I just brushed it off and sent him off to daycare. If I would have at LEAST felt his head, I would have known he was BURNING up.
Why mention this? I mention this as a warning to someone else out there, who is all of a sudden a mom to a six year old, and is clueless about many "mommy" things. Hopefully it wont happen to you, but beware....Im not USED to trying to figure out if someone is sick. Im used to people saying, "Im sick". Your six year old may not do that, he or she may be like mine and give you hints. Hopefully you are much brighter than I am and will GET it. Just beware, is all. Instant motherhood to older children kills brain cells. At least it is killing mine.
Stoopit mommy
...that is me. Im serious, ever since becoming a Mom I have done and said some really stupid things. I wish now, that I had written them all down, but I havent. Fortunately for you all, I do stupid stuff all the time so I have things which are still fresh in my mind. Heres a favorite from this week:
My professor for a psych class posted a question to my answer to a question (are ya with me here?). It went something like this:
Since you take a little from both Freud and Skinner's perspectives, which perspective is ost contrary to the way you think?
And Ill be darned if I didnt spend the next oh, 20 minutes, lets say, looking up the word "ost". It never ocurred to me that the professor would make a typo. Im such a chowder head sometimes. Boy, did I feel stupid when I finally realized it was supposed to say "most".
My professor for a psych class posted a question to my answer to a question (are ya with me here?). It went something like this:
Since you take a little from both Freud and Skinner's perspectives, which perspective is ost contrary to the way you think?
And Ill be darned if I didnt spend the next oh, 20 minutes, lets say, looking up the word "ost". It never ocurred to me that the professor would make a typo. Im such a chowder head sometimes. Boy, did I feel stupid when I finally realized it was supposed to say "most".
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Yummy
A friend told me about this receipe and I just want to share. The kids LOVED this, and I cant believe I didnt think of it!
Whip up some tuna or chicken salad, however you like it. Get some refridgerater biscuits or crescent rolls, you know the kind where it "Pops" when you break the seal (I HATE that part!) If your using the crescent rolls, take one triangle lay it flat and put a scoop of salad mixture in the middle. Srinkle grated cheese on it if you like (and I like), then take the other triangle and lay it on top, pinch the two triangles closed and bake following roll instructions.
If you are like me and find that you dont have crescent rolls handy, but you have the buttermilk buscuits instead, do this:
Seperate the biscuit into to layers. Smoosh one layer, so its bigger, put the salad and cheese inside. Smoosh the other layer, lay on top of mix and pinch together. Bake as instructions direct you.
Let me tell you...I did mine with tuna salad (the same stuff I use in tuna sandwiches) and my kids PIGGED out on them. They were really good. I didnt have a name for them so we are calling them tuna pies. Try them.
Im thinking that left over turkey may come in handy for this as well!!!
Whip up some tuna or chicken salad, however you like it. Get some refridgerater biscuits or crescent rolls, you know the kind where it "Pops" when you break the seal (I HATE that part!) If your using the crescent rolls, take one triangle lay it flat and put a scoop of salad mixture in the middle. Srinkle grated cheese on it if you like (and I like), then take the other triangle and lay it on top, pinch the two triangles closed and bake following roll instructions.
If you are like me and find that you dont have crescent rolls handy, but you have the buttermilk buscuits instead, do this:
Seperate the biscuit into to layers. Smoosh one layer, so its bigger, put the salad and cheese inside. Smoosh the other layer, lay on top of mix and pinch together. Bake as instructions direct you.
Let me tell you...I did mine with tuna salad (the same stuff I use in tuna sandwiches) and my kids PIGGED out on them. They were really good. I didnt have a name for them so we are calling them tuna pies. Try them.
Im thinking that left over turkey may come in handy for this as well!!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Glimmer of hope
Those of you who are following because you yourselves are trying to or thinking about adopting from Foster Care will be happy to hear this. Often, the horror stories of these kids from the system can get you down and make you wonder if your up for it, or you are doomed for kids with huge issues,when that may not be what you want. There are plenty of people who want the kids with big issues, and God bless you people for sure, we werent those people however. We wanted as normal as possible. So, this post is for those of you who feel like it is impossible.
We had parent teacher conferences the other night. All three of our kids are doing excellent in academics and behavior. All three are in the higher reading classes, (or pre reading, like Adam), and the two oldest ones are in the top of thier classes for math (which is great because Im quite sure next year, I wont be able to help Nick, if he should need it, Im serious, Im worthless in that area). So, there you have it. Not all kids in the system have academic and/or behavior problems.
I feel kind of silly when people tell us that we are doing a great job with the kids, I mean I think we are, but really these are great kids and they came to us as great kids.
We had parent teacher conferences the other night. All three of our kids are doing excellent in academics and behavior. All three are in the higher reading classes, (or pre reading, like Adam), and the two oldest ones are in the top of thier classes for math (which is great because Im quite sure next year, I wont be able to help Nick, if he should need it, Im serious, Im worthless in that area). So, there you have it. Not all kids in the system have academic and/or behavior problems.
I feel kind of silly when people tell us that we are doing a great job with the kids, I mean I think we are, but really these are great kids and they came to us as great kids.
Sound effect face.
One thing that cracks me up about little boys are thier "sound effect" faces. Whether it is a car, gun or animal noise, thier little faces are so cute, like they MEAN what they are doing! All business. Adam makes great sound effect faces, here are a couple:
This one really cracks me up. Even Nick looks amused and Ive caught him with Sound Effect Face before too. I just dont have pictures to prove it, yet.
This one really cracks me up. Even Nick looks amused and Ive caught him with Sound Effect Face before too. I just dont have pictures to prove it, yet.
Happy 6th
Well, he is six now. We no longer have a five year old. Too bad, I really liked five. I can see why people are kindergarten teachers. They ARE funny! At least mine is...I tried to put a lot more pics on here, but the stoopid pic loading thinga ma bobber is too slow for some reason, and I have things to do. Other things. I must watch my nightly episode of the Sopranos. We have the entire show on DVD and we are watching it for like the fiftieth time. Best.tv.show.EVER.
Here are some birthday pics:
My wonderful talented husband made the cake. He rocks. Too bad you cant see the cake, because it has Adam's real name (or soon to be real name) written on it. Sorry, you really are missing out.
Carmen, wiener princess is supervising the event.
Here are some birthday pics:
My wonderful talented husband made the cake. He rocks. Too bad you cant see the cake, because it has Adam's real name (or soon to be real name) written on it. Sorry, you really are missing out.
Carmen, wiener princess is supervising the event.
Im not talking to you.
Boy, do kids pick things up quickly. I guess it is true, they are sponges and soak the stupid things that we say up, whether we want them to or not. Our little guy uttered some unpleasant words at the chinese restaraunt a while ago. I wasnt there, T was the one who got to feel like he wanted to disapear.
We watched A LOT of the summer Olympics and some comments were made about China cheating etc, you know the typical sports fan talk, quite innocent actually, nothing meant in any mean way.
Well all A knows is that China is a team that our team kept playing against in games this summer. As he was walking into (or was it out of) the chinese restaurant, he said:
I hate the Chinese!
OOPs.
The other day, he said something to me, and Sasha answered. He looked at her and said: Did I say SASHA, Sasha? In other words, Im not talking to YOU. He was five!!
We watched A LOT of the summer Olympics and some comments were made about China cheating etc, you know the typical sports fan talk, quite innocent actually, nothing meant in any mean way.
Well all A knows is that China is a team that our team kept playing against in games this summer. As he was walking into (or was it out of) the chinese restaurant, he said:
I hate the Chinese!
OOPs.
The other day, he said something to me, and Sasha answered. He looked at her and said: Did I say SASHA, Sasha? In other words, Im not talking to YOU. He was five!!
Lets get a few things straight
For those of you who actually listen to the music which comes with this blog, let me say I do not do drugs. If you listen to the words of Mothers Little Helper, it is obviously about a pill popping June Cleaver (yes, it is another Cleaver reference, wanna make something of it?). I do not pop pills, ok so that is not entirely true. I do love me some tylenol pm on occasion. I just love the song, OK? Me and those boys go waaaay back.
Better late than never
I know Halloween is past. I know Im a slacker, but I AM back in school so I have virtually very little time to do anything having to do with this blog. Im still here though I promise.
Here are some Halloween pics:
Here are some Halloween pics:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
DUH
I really do know my left from my right. I just realized that under the "please love me" post, I referred to the "follow this blog" link as being on the left hand side, when infact it is on the right. DUH! Ignore half of what I say, really...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Respite.
We finally found respite providers. If you are new to the foster care/foster-adopt world, respite is state paid baby sitting. It is usually overnight. Ours isnt, and probably will not be. Its state paid because the provider who cares for your children overnight have to be licensed through the state, back ground check and all that.
So after months of waiting, five to be exact, we got some respite. In other words, a much needed break from our dariling kids. Im not being sarcastic, they really are darling, and pretty darn good too.
It was wonderful. We had six hours of whateverwewanttodowithoutkids. We went into the "big city" and went shopping. I got some clothes, we did some birthday shopping for A and N who have Nov. b days. We ATE without having to tell other people to lean over thier plate, watch your sleeve, youre going to spill that, chew with your mouth closed, dont smack, or sit down. I even had a beer. I dont really drink beer, but doggone it I wanted one. It was goooood too.
So after months of waiting, five to be exact, we got some respite. In other words, a much needed break from our dariling kids. Im not being sarcastic, they really are darling, and pretty darn good too.
It was wonderful. We had six hours of whateverwewanttodowithoutkids. We went into the "big city" and went shopping. I got some clothes, we did some birthday shopping for A and N who have Nov. b days. We ATE without having to tell other people to lean over thier plate, watch your sleeve, youre going to spill that, chew with your mouth closed, dont smack, or sit down. I even had a beer. I dont really drink beer, but doggone it I wanted one. It was goooood too.
Please love me
I know people read this. I KNOW it. So, if you do and you have an account could you PLEASE link to the "follow this blog" link. There are some out there who know me personally who read this, but dont have accounts, I know you love me, so I will let it slide. Your welcome.
Nothing magical happens for me or anything if you do this for me, I just would like to see more little squares over there on the left. I will feel extra loved, and extra love never hurt anyone.
Nothing magical happens for me or anything if you do this for me, I just would like to see more little squares over there on the left. I will feel extra loved, and extra love never hurt anyone.
Accused of stealing...
I forgot to mention this last week when it happened, but it is entirely too rich to keep to myself. The hub and I went into Goodwill to see what was what and see if we could find a really neat deal (I kind of like the word, "neat" because it reminds me of "Leave it to Beaver" which Im tremendously fond of)which has been known to happen.
So, I went through all kids books and found a bunch. My kids love books and there are so many perfectly good books at goodwill and I can save at ton of money. Anyway, whilst browsing I found a BOOK of GAMES. It had a BINDING, it had PAGES, and it was in the BOOK section. It was also priced as a book. Every page was a new game, it had like checker board printed on it on one bage, back gammon on another page, you get the idea. It also had a pouch of shiny black and white glass game pieces which were attached to it. Cool. N loves games, and so I grabbed it.
At the checkout counter the checker was giving a customer a hard time about a plastic pumpkin, I dont know exactly why and I didnt care. Then it was my turn. She rings up some of the kids books, and then comes to the BOOK of Games.
Nasty Checker Woman: Oh, this isnt right.
ME: (not saying anything, just waiting for her to say something else, or explain)
Nasty Checker Woman: Yeah, this is not the correct price.
ME: (still silent, just waiting, becoming confused...)
Nasty Checker Woman: We dont sell games for this price.
ME: It was in the book section
Nasty Checker Woman: Well, its wrong, this price is not the right one
The hub: (getting a little annoyed) Its a GoodWill sticker, see?
Nasty Checker Woman: Yes, I know..but its wrong, we dont price our games this way.
ME: (getting annoyed) It was in the book section, and obviously someone did price it this way.
Nasty Checker Woman: (shakes her head)
ME: Well, thats OK I dont need it. (I wasnt ticked off yet, it just wasnt worth the wait, Im very busy)
Nasty Checker Woman: (Heavy sigh) Ill give it to you for the price (nastier tone now)
Me: (Now Im mad) Well, yeah, you should it was priced that way
Nasty Checker Woman: (shakes head)
ME: Its not like I changed the price tag, this is Goodwill, for heavens sake.
At this point, if I were her and I wasnt implying that the customer was tag switching, I would have apologized and said that I wasnt meaning to imply that. Nasty Checker Woman did NO such thing.
I pay her, grab my bag and say: Nice people skills, by the way.
A lady behind us nods and gives me the thumbs up. We leave. The hub and I are CRACKING up outside because we just.can.not.believe.it. The lady in the line behind us catches up to us and says:
"Good for you, not putting up with that crap, accusing you of stealing, what a b%$#@"
I like her. She looks like an old hippie, and she is on MY side. I want to go have coffee with her. Instead I get in the van, the top of my head still smoking.
So, I went through all kids books and found a bunch. My kids love books and there are so many perfectly good books at goodwill and I can save at ton of money. Anyway, whilst browsing I found a BOOK of GAMES. It had a BINDING, it had PAGES, and it was in the BOOK section. It was also priced as a book. Every page was a new game, it had like checker board printed on it on one bage, back gammon on another page, you get the idea. It also had a pouch of shiny black and white glass game pieces which were attached to it. Cool. N loves games, and so I grabbed it.
At the checkout counter the checker was giving a customer a hard time about a plastic pumpkin, I dont know exactly why and I didnt care. Then it was my turn. She rings up some of the kids books, and then comes to the BOOK of Games.
Nasty Checker Woman: Oh, this isnt right.
ME: (not saying anything, just waiting for her to say something else, or explain)
Nasty Checker Woman: Yeah, this is not the correct price.
ME: (still silent, just waiting, becoming confused...)
Nasty Checker Woman: We dont sell games for this price.
ME: It was in the book section
Nasty Checker Woman: Well, its wrong, this price is not the right one
The hub: (getting a little annoyed) Its a GoodWill sticker, see?
Nasty Checker Woman: Yes, I know..but its wrong, we dont price our games this way.
ME: (getting annoyed) It was in the book section, and obviously someone did price it this way.
Nasty Checker Woman: (shakes her head)
ME: Well, thats OK I dont need it. (I wasnt ticked off yet, it just wasnt worth the wait, Im very busy)
Nasty Checker Woman: (Heavy sigh) Ill give it to you for the price (nastier tone now)
Me: (Now Im mad) Well, yeah, you should it was priced that way
Nasty Checker Woman: (shakes head)
ME: Its not like I changed the price tag, this is Goodwill, for heavens sake.
At this point, if I were her and I wasnt implying that the customer was tag switching, I would have apologized and said that I wasnt meaning to imply that. Nasty Checker Woman did NO such thing.
I pay her, grab my bag and say: Nice people skills, by the way.
A lady behind us nods and gives me the thumbs up. We leave. The hub and I are CRACKING up outside because we just.can.not.believe.it. The lady in the line behind us catches up to us and says:
"Good for you, not putting up with that crap, accusing you of stealing, what a b%$#@"
I like her. She looks like an old hippie, and she is on MY side. I want to go have coffee with her. Instead I get in the van, the top of my head still smoking.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Creature of darkness
Our lives have been invaded. Its dark, sinister, evil, keeps us awake at night and can be quite stinky. It draws blood with sharp dagger like devices...it is annoyingly cute.
Dont make me destroy you
Its quite unnerving when you are cleaning the bathroom and you hear "dont make me destroy you". This is what I heard the other day while doing my household duties. I turned around and saw this:
I wonder what all the other space villians would think if they knew Darth wore cowboy pajamas....
I wonder what all the other space villians would think if they knew Darth wore cowboy pajamas....
The key to great pumpkin seeds
If you throw your pumpkin seeds away after carving or whatever, please dont. Pumpkin seeds are a great snack. The key to great pumpkin seed your kids will devour is coating them in olive oil and then sprinkling them with "Mediteranian Sea Salt" before baking. They are awesome. Bake at 350 for like, 25 minutes.
I love this month.
October rocks!Pumpkins, Halloween, cool crisp air, colorful trees, my birthday, its just a fun month and I love it.
Today we went to N's football game, where he scored a touch down (second time!). They lost, but its so great to see a little boy who has always wanted to be on a team finally get to do it. None of his foster parents ever bothered. There is a lot they didnt bother with. If you are reading this and you are a foster parent, for Heavens Sake, help these kids be as NORMAL as possible by letting them EXPERIENCE stuff like other kids. There is a lot of normal kid crap that my kids havent done because no one took the time. I mean none of them, even N (who is almost 10) can ride a bike!!! To me, this is inexcusable and quite frankly it really SUCKS. AND they suffer for it. SO, former foster parents of my children, THANKS A LOT. If I sound angry, I am.
So anyway, today we carved pumpkins after the game. It was fun and it was another first. They had never carved or took part in carving pumpkins. Here they are doing NORMAL kid crap....
The hub is a great pumpkin carver. The kids cleaned the guts out and my hub did most of the other stuff. Its amazing what you find out about your husband after you have kids. He can carve pumpkins!!
Today we went to N's football game, where he scored a touch down (second time!). They lost, but its so great to see a little boy who has always wanted to be on a team finally get to do it. None of his foster parents ever bothered. There is a lot they didnt bother with. If you are reading this and you are a foster parent, for Heavens Sake, help these kids be as NORMAL as possible by letting them EXPERIENCE stuff like other kids. There is a lot of normal kid crap that my kids havent done because no one took the time. I mean none of them, even N (who is almost 10) can ride a bike!!! To me, this is inexcusable and quite frankly it really SUCKS. AND they suffer for it. SO, former foster parents of my children, THANKS A LOT. If I sound angry, I am.
So anyway, today we carved pumpkins after the game. It was fun and it was another first. They had never carved or took part in carving pumpkins. Here they are doing NORMAL kid crap....
The hub is a great pumpkin carver. The kids cleaned the guts out and my hub did most of the other stuff. Its amazing what you find out about your husband after you have kids. He can carve pumpkins!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
doughnuts
I sure do love them. I always forget they are out there, which is a good thing. Today, though I was not allowed to forget. There is a box of them in the break room. If I could find the evil person that put them there, it would not be good for them. I ate one and it was awwesssommme.
It was orange, for Halloween, which makes it even better. Oooh and it had little sprinkles on it. sigh. I want more. I cant though....Ill gain 5 pounds per doughnut, so its not worth it. I better just stay in my office and not go into the breakroom for ANYTHING. I must cut all ties with anyone who is associated with doughnuts, no matter how much it will hurt. I hope they understand, my doughnut sobriety is much more important. In fact Im locking my office door so no one can show up IN my office clutching doughnut box and smiling, "...we have doughnuts, here." I may go bizerk.
It was orange, for Halloween, which makes it even better. Oooh and it had little sprinkles on it. sigh. I want more. I cant though....Ill gain 5 pounds per doughnut, so its not worth it. I better just stay in my office and not go into the breakroom for ANYTHING. I must cut all ties with anyone who is associated with doughnuts, no matter how much it will hurt. I hope they understand, my doughnut sobriety is much more important. In fact Im locking my office door so no one can show up IN my office clutching doughnut box and smiling, "...we have doughnuts, here." I may go bizerk.
Ho hum...
Life has been kind of ho hum lately. I guess considering all that could be happening, it is a good thing.
Lets see what is new? We got a kitten. Yep. Well, actually it got us. It followed my mom and I as we were out for a walk one night. It was tiny, black, starving and sick. Now it is still tiny, gaining weight, still black, healthy, wild, cute and a pain in the butt. It is driving the dogs crazy. They would like to do away with the little pest, but they are not allowed.
Tomorrow A goes to the pumpkin patch for his field trip. He will need three dollars and I hope I dont forget to give it to him. S goes to the pp on Wednesday. Apparently 4th grade is much too old, because N doesnt get to go. Thats ok, they all already have pumpkins. One is rotting by our front door already. I guess we wont be carving that one.
We have Halloween decorations up inside the house, which is cool. I want to bake all kinds of sinful stuff, but Im lazy....Have I ever mentioned I like to bake? Oh, well...I like to bake. There. I make a mean tiramusu (ok, not much BAKING to that, but you know what I mean) and a good pineapple ricotta pie. I want to try to make Monkey Bread. Im not sure why, I just like the name. I like Monkeys..they rock.
So life goes on...I get up go to work, work (or pretend to work, like now), come home, help kids with homework, eat, play a game or clean house or watch tv, put kids to bed, watch more tv or whatever, then go to bed. Thats it. I miss lots of people who are far from me, so that sucks.
Lets see what is new? We got a kitten. Yep. Well, actually it got us. It followed my mom and I as we were out for a walk one night. It was tiny, black, starving and sick. Now it is still tiny, gaining weight, still black, healthy, wild, cute and a pain in the butt. It is driving the dogs crazy. They would like to do away with the little pest, but they are not allowed.
Tomorrow A goes to the pumpkin patch for his field trip. He will need three dollars and I hope I dont forget to give it to him. S goes to the pp on Wednesday. Apparently 4th grade is much too old, because N doesnt get to go. Thats ok, they all already have pumpkins. One is rotting by our front door already. I guess we wont be carving that one.
We have Halloween decorations up inside the house, which is cool. I want to bake all kinds of sinful stuff, but Im lazy....Have I ever mentioned I like to bake? Oh, well...I like to bake. There. I make a mean tiramusu (ok, not much BAKING to that, but you know what I mean) and a good pineapple ricotta pie. I want to try to make Monkey Bread. Im not sure why, I just like the name. I like Monkeys..they rock.
So life goes on...I get up go to work, work (or pretend to work, like now), come home, help kids with homework, eat, play a game or clean house or watch tv, put kids to bed, watch more tv or whatever, then go to bed. Thats it. I miss lots of people who are far from me, so that sucks.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Family Affair (Retro photo time!)
I want to talk about this picture for a second. This is me. Its the 70's as you can see by the groovy pattern on the lawn furniture, which isnt on the lawn at all. Its on a patio, so I think it is patio furniture. See those evil things on my legs? Tights? I HATED tights, they were so itchy, which is probably the reason for the look of agony on my face. I would pull on them, and scratch and pull on them some more. Those and turtle necks, HATED turtle necks. I would gag and cough whenever my mother made me wear one. Im sure most of it was for effect. I was a lovely child. S has tights, and she doesnt seem to mind them. I would never force tights on anyone who didnt want the tights, because that is just wrong. I may have adult issues now because of the tights. In fact Im sure of it.
Oh, and see this dress? My mom just told me something about the dress. Apparently it was a Buffy line. Remember the show Family Affair, with Buffy, Jodie, Sissy (did she even have a real name?), Uncle Bill, and Mr. French. Oh and dont forget Mrs. Beasely, the doll (MRS.? Was she married? What exactly is HER story?). Anyway, if you dont remember the show by now, you dont know it. Anyway, apparently (I like that word)there was a line of little girls clothes modeled after Buffy. There was a store in Los Angeles that sold the stuff, and my mother went there and bought me one. We lived in Anaheim, so it was not a very long drive. I just learned this and thought it was interesting.
Oh, this is Buffy...Buffy, this is everybody. In case you havent met.
I feel forever connected with Buffy now. Oh, isnt she dead though? Didnt she have one of those tragic child star stories? I think she died of a drug overdose as a teen or something. Anyone know? Anyone care? Probably not, so never mind.
I feel a change coming on....
Im thinking about changing the background of this blog. I dont think the pink is doing it for me anymore. I like pink, a lot, but its kind of a pepto bismal pink. It kind of makes my stomach hurt, and makes me crave 7 up.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Twisted.
If Im not more careful my kids will be as twisted as I am. They dont get my sense of humor, which I have apparently got from my mother (although she is MUCH funnier than I am). Anyway, my kids love to watch Animal Planet, and it is one of the few things I allow them to watch. We (me really) especially like to watch those shows where animals are attacking people. Here is where it all goes wrong. I LAUGH!!!
I cant help it. When a woman jumps over a barricade and walks UP to a polar bear enclosure, right up to the stinkin' bars, to get a better picture, and the big white beast grabs her leg and pulls it through the bars, all I can do is laugh. I mean can you BE anymore stupid? I think not. Its not a "oh, she is dumb, I think I will laugh at her now" moment. Its automatic, I.cant.help.it.
What really got me though was the man who rubbed female deer urine all over himself to attrack a big buck. Ok, ok. I know hunters do that stuff (not my hub though!) sometimes, maybe it is a hunter thing to do but it was still funny. He found his buck alright! The clip showed the guy on the ground and a big deer was beating the snot out of him with his front hooves. PUMMELING him. And I laughed, a big old loud belly laugh, too. I mean, where was his GUN? Did the buck get up on its hind legs and tip toe up behind the hunter? How did this happen? Im sorry if this offensive but Im just being honest here.
So my kids laughed too. Fine. The next story was a couple who were walking and MINDING THEIR OWN BUSINESS and got attacked by a cougar (please dont stop reading, I didnt laugh here)and they were really messed up. The guy was wearing an eye patch and in a neck brace and the woman had stitches all over her face. My kids LAUGHED. OOPS.
I was mortified. I had to turn the tv off for minute and we had to talk. I tried to explain the difference, one person was breaking rules and/or being stupid, the others were just out for a walk and not bothering the cougar, he just snuck up on them, and thats what happens sometimes. It isnt anyone's fault, and it is NOT funny.
N got it. Im not sure about S. A did not. Everytime he saw someone getting mauled or hurt somehow by an animal, he LAUGHED. So, I guess Im not allowed to watch that anymore, because I wont be able to stop myself from laughing at some of them. Im afraid Im not doing a very good job of teaching empathy am I? Hopefully Im teaching them about stupidity though.
I cant help it. When a woman jumps over a barricade and walks UP to a polar bear enclosure, right up to the stinkin' bars, to get a better picture, and the big white beast grabs her leg and pulls it through the bars, all I can do is laugh. I mean can you BE anymore stupid? I think not. Its not a "oh, she is dumb, I think I will laugh at her now" moment. Its automatic, I.cant.help.it.
What really got me though was the man who rubbed female deer urine all over himself to attrack a big buck. Ok, ok. I know hunters do that stuff (not my hub though!) sometimes, maybe it is a hunter thing to do but it was still funny. He found his buck alright! The clip showed the guy on the ground and a big deer was beating the snot out of him with his front hooves. PUMMELING him. And I laughed, a big old loud belly laugh, too. I mean, where was his GUN? Did the buck get up on its hind legs and tip toe up behind the hunter? How did this happen? Im sorry if this offensive but Im just being honest here.
So my kids laughed too. Fine. The next story was a couple who were walking and MINDING THEIR OWN BUSINESS and got attacked by a cougar (please dont stop reading, I didnt laugh here)and they were really messed up. The guy was wearing an eye patch and in a neck brace and the woman had stitches all over her face. My kids LAUGHED. OOPS.
I was mortified. I had to turn the tv off for minute and we had to talk. I tried to explain the difference, one person was breaking rules and/or being stupid, the others were just out for a walk and not bothering the cougar, he just snuck up on them, and thats what happens sometimes. It isnt anyone's fault, and it is NOT funny.
N got it. Im not sure about S. A did not. Everytime he saw someone getting mauled or hurt somehow by an animal, he LAUGHED. So, I guess Im not allowed to watch that anymore, because I wont be able to stop myself from laughing at some of them. Im afraid Im not doing a very good job of teaching empathy am I? Hopefully Im teaching them about stupidity though.
Situation rectified
So all three kids are in their afterschool things. The lady in charge of that stuff did call me back. A is all set. So, I dont have to go over there and threaten anyone, which is really nice.
I left work early and rushed home to have dinner made by the time they came home, since the hub is out in the mountains looking to asssasinate Bambi. They came through the door and said, as they smelled dinner, "Mom, we already ATE dinner at school" I had completely forgot that school feeds them too.
I just think that is weird. I mean, its nice, dont get me wrong. Especially with the price of food now. On a school day, my kids eat all three meals there. I had made chili dogs too, which N has been asking for. Oh, well, I forced to eat one. After all, they were MADE already.
So, the other day on Torina's blog (or was it like a week or so ago?) she mentioned how you will gain weight after you adopt. It is true. I have only gained a couple, but I dont see any signs of it slowing down, since Im always WANTING to eat. Like right now, Im eating one of those vending machine cookies. Oatmeal Raisin. Yes, yes it is good. I have slowed down on the Starburst though (NOT starBUCKS people, starBurst, for heavens sake).
I left work early and rushed home to have dinner made by the time they came home, since the hub is out in the mountains looking to asssasinate Bambi. They came through the door and said, as they smelled dinner, "Mom, we already ATE dinner at school" I had completely forgot that school feeds them too.
I just think that is weird. I mean, its nice, dont get me wrong. Especially with the price of food now. On a school day, my kids eat all three meals there. I had made chili dogs too, which N has been asking for. Oh, well, I forced to eat one. After all, they were MADE already.
So, the other day on Torina's blog (or was it like a week or so ago?) she mentioned how you will gain weight after you adopt. It is true. I have only gained a couple, but I dont see any signs of it slowing down, since Im always WANTING to eat. Like right now, Im eating one of those vending machine cookies. Oatmeal Raisin. Yes, yes it is good. I have slowed down on the Starburst though (NOT starBUCKS people, starBurst, for heavens sake).
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Grrr....
Im very annoyed. About a month ago the school sent home sign up forms for extended day program, which are after school activities. We sat down and filled it out that night and the kids turned them in the very next day, since it is first come firts serve. This would mean that the kids would come home at 5:00 instead of 3:00 and my husband who works nights, could get a little more sleep.
So, S comes home and shows me a form which says she is enrolled in her activity. Great! N says his teacher will hand theirs out tomorrow. Ok. Then A speaks up and says his teacher said that he never turned one in. WHAT?!!!!
I had put the form in the backpack. The backpack was taken directly to Kindergarten with my son, by my husband. When the kids got home that day, I asked, "Did everyone turn in thier forms?" "Yes" they all said.
A is adament that he turned his in. I believe him too. So, Im mad. I believe the teacher lost it. I called the school today and they confirmed that they dont have a form for him and that his name isnt on any of the lists. The lady in charge is out today (but of course she is!!!) and they will have her call me when she gets back. Sigh. I certainly hope that they can fit him in SOMEWHERE. In the meantime I will be working on the delivery of my sob story. I decided to be pathetically disappointed instead of MAD. It may get me farther.
So, S comes home and shows me a form which says she is enrolled in her activity. Great! N says his teacher will hand theirs out tomorrow. Ok. Then A speaks up and says his teacher said that he never turned one in. WHAT?!!!!
I had put the form in the backpack. The backpack was taken directly to Kindergarten with my son, by my husband. When the kids got home that day, I asked, "Did everyone turn in thier forms?" "Yes" they all said.
A is adament that he turned his in. I believe him too. So, Im mad. I believe the teacher lost it. I called the school today and they confirmed that they dont have a form for him and that his name isnt on any of the lists. The lady in charge is out today (but of course she is!!!) and they will have her call me when she gets back. Sigh. I certainly hope that they can fit him in SOMEWHERE. In the meantime I will be working on the delivery of my sob story. I decided to be pathetically disappointed instead of MAD. It may get me farther.
Public speaking
I hate talking in front of a bunch of people. Id almost rather stick needles in my eyes. So, I was hoping the hub would say no when I told him our worker asked us to speak to the new class of adoption/foster hopefulls. Is that a word, "hopefulls"? It is now, petes sakes. Anyway, he said, "yes, I think we should do it". Rats. Well, he did the majority of the talking. I was shocked at myself, but I actually spoke. A few times.
We talked about the importance of being "ready" when matched with kids. We werent. We thought surely we would not get chosen at our first committee. Well, I did. The hub knew these were our kids. He KNEW. I should have believed him too. He did know something was going to happen on Sept. 11, he said so on Sept 10. He said, "be careful driving to work tomorrow, I have a terrible feeling". Seriously, that happened. Not that Im likening our experience with the kids to Sept. 11 or anything, so just stop it.
What was I talking about? Oh, yeah...we told the class that many people we know have been waiting more than a year to matched, and have gone to countless committees, and still have not been chosen for reasons unknown to anyone.
So, we told the good and the bad. We warned about worker visits after the kids are moved in and how these visits always make the kids act up. Remember, workers have meant another move, to many of these kids. So, they are freaked out. The first worker visit with our kids, had my daughter hanging from the banister and my youngest son laying on the floor with his feet in the air, spanking his own bottom and they were all talking baby talk. It was a bit unnerving to say the least.
It went well, our worker was happy with our talk. We also pleaded for respite care. We told the new people that it would look good at committee to have experience providing respite to three kids. Its true to, especially if they dont have any child experience, this would be a SMART thing for them to do. No takers yet, darn it.
We also brought our family book, at the workers request as an example for what one should be like. Which is awesome, Im extremely proud of my family book. If you dont know what a family book is, its the book that will help sell your family at committee. It should have pictures of everybody and various parts of your home, like the kids rooms, etc and pets and all activities such as vacations or any family fun. We also included pictures of the community stuff like the park, the aquatic center, the schools, etc. Also, use PowerPoint, it is awesome when doing a family book, because you can add cool little graphics to your pages instead of going to the store and searching for and then buying stickers. It will save gas, its lovely.
Anyway, Im glad we did it. I hope someone calls us soon.
We talked about the importance of being "ready" when matched with kids. We werent. We thought surely we would not get chosen at our first committee. Well, I did. The hub knew these were our kids. He KNEW. I should have believed him too. He did know something was going to happen on Sept. 11, he said so on Sept 10. He said, "be careful driving to work tomorrow, I have a terrible feeling". Seriously, that happened. Not that Im likening our experience with the kids to Sept. 11 or anything, so just stop it.
What was I talking about? Oh, yeah...we told the class that many people we know have been waiting more than a year to matched, and have gone to countless committees, and still have not been chosen for reasons unknown to anyone.
So, we told the good and the bad. We warned about worker visits after the kids are moved in and how these visits always make the kids act up. Remember, workers have meant another move, to many of these kids. So, they are freaked out. The first worker visit with our kids, had my daughter hanging from the banister and my youngest son laying on the floor with his feet in the air, spanking his own bottom and they were all talking baby talk. It was a bit unnerving to say the least.
It went well, our worker was happy with our talk. We also pleaded for respite care. We told the new people that it would look good at committee to have experience providing respite to three kids. Its true to, especially if they dont have any child experience, this would be a SMART thing for them to do. No takers yet, darn it.
We also brought our family book, at the workers request as an example for what one should be like. Which is awesome, Im extremely proud of my family book. If you dont know what a family book is, its the book that will help sell your family at committee. It should have pictures of everybody and various parts of your home, like the kids rooms, etc and pets and all activities such as vacations or any family fun. We also included pictures of the community stuff like the park, the aquatic center, the schools, etc. Also, use PowerPoint, it is awesome when doing a family book, because you can add cool little graphics to your pages instead of going to the store and searching for and then buying stickers. It will save gas, its lovely.
Anyway, Im glad we did it. I hope someone calls us soon.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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