Month in Review

It was mentioned to me today that it has been a while since I've blogged.  Jana, this is for you!!! In an effort to prove that I'm still a blogger, here is the last month of our lives.

I started working for Jeff at Velocity Express in Boise.  I do office work in the mornings and deliveries in the afternoon.  My day goes by really fast and working with Jeff is going really well.  Adjusting to working full time is going a little slower than hoped.  Blogging is just one of the things I'm slacking on.  Laundry, dishes, cleaning, and grocery shopping are also suffering!  Throw in a round of the flu bug for everyone and a weekend trip to Reno and I'm ready for a weekend!

We decided to list our camper last month.  We posted it on craigslist on a Wednesday night.  The next day we got a call on it.  The guy liked it and we made a deal.  It took a couple of weeks for the banks to communicate (the buyer was from Oregon) but it is gone.  Good bye old camper.....

.....Hello new camper!  Well not yet.  It's on order.  It should be done by the end of April.  This is one similar to what we are buying.  I will post pics of it when we actually get it.  We are sooooo excited!

Of course there was a mini craft day at mom's house with mom and Donna.  At which Xander (Kayden) got his first haircut!  It's amazing how haircuts make kids look instantly older!

Then last weekend, we headed to Reno for Ilda's baptism.  Before we left for the weekend, Ellie picked out a card for her and wrote in it.  The card was supposed to say "I'm so happy that you’re making this choice to get baptized." But she misspelled baptized and it read “I’m so happy that you’re making this choice to get bath-toys”!!!!  Love it.  I love my miss Ellie.  She's got a great spirit.

As I mentioned, we had a round of the flu bug go through our house.  Most of us had it the week before we left.  But Wayne was the lucky one to get it while we were there.  He ended up spending most of the weekend in the hotel sleeping, missing the baptism.

The baptism went well.  Ilda is an amazing woman.  I admire her for making the decision to join the church.  Dad and Phil too!  I think I take for granted that I grew up in the church and what it would mean to join the church as an adult.  I am so thankful for the gospel and the blessings it has brought me as a child and with my family now.

I couldn't decide which picture to post.  The first one Ilda looks better.  And in the second the men look better.  You choose.

We had trouble finding Ilda a baptism suit.  The ones they set down for her to try on were from the 70s.  Bell bottoms, big pockets, and a large collar.  Donna and I searched and searched to find her a "normal" looking one so she was more comfortable.  I'm so glad we did.  I wouldn't have wanted to wear the other ones either.

Ellie wanted to wear the dress she wore for her baptism and get a picture with Ilda.

Well, I think this catches me up on my blogging!  Hopefully I can get on a schedule and post on a more regular basis.  I'm hoping that this weekend I can get caught up on my house, which is still currently on the market.  We have decide that it's not necessary that we sell it now that I'm working.  We figured we'd leave it on the market a little bit longer and if nothing happens, pull it off.  It's more that we don't have time to meet with the realtor to take it off the market!

We also officially stopped foster care this week. : (  It was time for us to renew our license and I let our worker know we would not be continuing. I am bummed we are stopping but am soooo thankful for opportunity Wayne gave me to try it.  Maybe at another time in lifves we can pursue it again.  I wish that we would have been able to end it on a better note but that's foster care.  There are wonderful kids and some you struggle with.  I will remember all of them and hold a special place in my heart for each of them.

Changes around our place

The new year has brought some changes our way.  Last Friday, X Factor was moved to another home.  His problems proved to be too great for our family to handle.  He was still throwing things at Ellie's face and hurting her.  We were also having great deal of other behavioral problems with him.  It got to the point where we couldn't do anything as a family.  Wayne wasn't coming home after work.  Jake was hiding in his room.  Ellie starting acting out and against him at times.  And I was going crazy.  Once I realized he was having such a negative effect on us as a family, I asked that he be moved.  It was time to put my family first.  It was sad to see him go, but it needed to happen.  I feel good about my decision and it has already proved to be what our family needed.  At this point, we don't plan on taking another placement even though our license doesn't expire until the end of March.  I have mixed emotions about this.  Some days I'm okay with it and others I'm not.

Just after the new year, I accepted a position as an office assistant for a company that does developmental therapies.  It's going okay.  It's very part time, just one full day a week, but right now I am working 2-3 full days a week while the main gal is recovering from having a baby.  The one day a week would have been a nice supplement to foster care, but now that we don't intend to continue that, I need to find more work.  I applied with FedEx this week.  So we'll see what happens there.  I think my current job has great potential and the staff is amazing, but I'm doubtful that the potential will come soon enough.

And as you can see from my previous post, evenings have been busy with hunter's ed.  I'm sooooo happy this was only a two week course.  It was fun to take it with Jake.  It was nice to have that one on one with him.  He is such a great boy.  I can't believe he is 14 now!  That's right.  His birthday was last weekend.

For his birthday, we took him out to eat to the restaurant of his choice.  He chose Primos, the all you can eat pizza buffet.  Afterwards, we went to the RV show and did some dreaming.  We had a good time.

I'm not sure what changes will come next.....hopefully our house selling!

For Sale

Okay, the not-so-secret secret is out.  We officially listed our house today.  Not too big of a deal to us.  Just entering a different time in our life.  It's a little depressing to admit, but we are headed for the teenage years, where our kids are wanting bigger, more expensive things like cell phones and cars!  That's right, Jake can take drivers ed next summer.  Man we're getting old. :(  I don't feel old but in order to accommodate these changes in our lives, we figure some changes financially are coming too.  And we want to be prepared for them.  So here's the first step...selling our house.

Some other upcoming changes in our lives will probably include me stopping foster care and getting a traditional job.  I have realized that my love for children and helping people cannot be forced onto my family.  They have been very supportive with the children we have taken in, but I can tell they don't love it like I do.  So I have been looking for a part time job where I can still be around/help people and children.  I have a couple of options out there and I'm waiting to hear back.  We still need to follow through with our foster care obligations and will help the X Factor as long as we need to, but he will probably be our last placement if I can secure a job in the meantime.

I have always welcomed change in our lives, but this time I'm struggling.  Working outside the home, in an actual workplace, with all new people, scares me.  It's not that I won't enjoy it, it's just not what I'm used to.  I have always found comfort in being at home with my children (and Julie's!).  I keep praying that the right job will come along that will give balance to what I want, what Wayne wants, and what we both need.

The Blur

As some of you may know, we got a new placement this last week.  It's a little boy that just turned 2.  Going from K-dub who was just starting to pull himself up on the furniture to a walking, talking boy is a bit of change for us. X Factor, as we will call him for the blog, is very energetic to say the least!  He's not the only one that needs a nap in the middle of the day.

Even though X Factor is on the go most of the day, he is super sweet.  His little please and thank you's will melt your heart.  He is adjusting well to our house and rules.  We definitely have our work cut out for us, but he is well worth the effort.  We also get the blessing of grandparents.  They are wonderful people and a great source for respite.

This is usually how I see him...a blur running across the room!

One in a Million!

Well I'm a little behind on posting.  The last couple of weeks have been very busy and with good reason.

The department began looking for a permanent home for K-dub a few weeks ago.  They read through lots and lots of home studies to find a great family.  They narrowed their list down and interviewed a family.  They were very impressed with them and gave them the opportunity to talk to me on the phone to find out more about K-dub.  I was very nervous.  I had some very specific ideas about the kind of family I wanted him to become part of.  I was scared that he wouldn't get everything I wanted for him.

The first time we talked, all my fears were put to rest.  I felt very good about them.  I am happy to say that they too liked what I had to tell them about K-dub and they wanted to pursue adoption.  A few days later, a meeting between all of use was set up and very busy days followed.  The O family is an amazing family.  We spent almost everyday together for two weeks and I can say without doubt the that Lord listens and answers prayers.  Not only mine, but theirs too.  I can't say enough good about them.  I am very blessed to have met them and to be apart of their life and K-dub's life. 

Last Friday, we made the official placement of K-dub in their home (the adoption won't be finalized for another 6 months).  While there, the O family gave us this gift.  I have no doubt that our friendship will continue forever.  A one in a million boy for a one in a million family!

New Little Guy

Last Sunday, we got a call from the department again.  We took in a 10 month old boy.  He is a fun, happy-go-lucky boy.  His smile lights up the room and is contagious.  We find ourselves all smiling.  He is such a joy to have.

The first week was crazy busy with appointments and phone calls.  At first, it looked like he was going to be moved to family, but on Friday morning we found out a move would be unlikely.  Yesterday, I attended a meeting where it was decided that he would stay with us for sure.

To make the last week even crazier, we went camping Friday for a long weekend and didn't get home until Tuesday afternoon.  It's been a while since we camped with a little one.  We didn't take the stroller, but quickly realized we really could have used one.

Wayne and the kids rode motorcycles and shot guns, while little guy and I hung out at the camper.  Little guy loved watching Ellie ride back and forth on her four wheeler.  He would bounce on my leg in excitement.  We also found time for a couple rounds of Skip-Bo.

Ellie liked shooting Jake's bb gun.  By the end of the trip, her aim was pretty good.

Things should slow down now.  The kids start school on the 25th.  I'm very excited about this.  They are getting the "end of summer boredom syndrome".  Most of you parents know what that is.  Symptoms include fighting with siblings for no apparent reason and laziness!

"Monita"

I know it's been a while since I posted, but Monita, as we call her, had her days and nights mixed up.  I was getting very little sleep and fell way behind on more than just my blog.  Monita (I hope I spelled that correctly) means "little monkey" in Spanish.  She got this name because she is covered with hair, and lots of it!  She is a sweet baby.  She loves to cuddle.

Last week, Monita got placed with a family member.  Ellie was very sad to see her go, but she understood it since she went to family.  To help Ellie's transition out, we had our little respite baby boy come back for a few nights, Little D.  He can make us smile like no other can.

Little D is making good progress.  We have kept in touch with him and his foster mom since we did respite the first time.  He has grown tons.  He can make good eye contact now and lots of cooing noises.  He is gaining better control over his movements too. His physical therapist says this is big news for him since his doctor said he would never be able to walk or feed himself.  The pt says her past experiences indicate he will!!  It looks like he will be coming up for adoption eventually.  I hope that he gets an amazing family that will help him succeed.  We love him very much and want the best for him.

So, I'm baby free this week and getting lots done around my house.  Not to mention, I got caught back up on sleep!!  We have a busy month, so I've asked the department not to give us another placement until after we are back from our Oregon coast trip in a couple of weeks.  When I talked with them, they indicated that there are few stay at home moms with a schedule like mine that want to take infants.  They said they could keep me plenty busy if I was willing.  I said yes!

The stork came again!

The stork came again yesterday bringing me a brand new baby girl!  She was born on Monday and weighed in at 7lbs 1oz.  I picked her up straight from the hospital.  She is adorable.  She has a head full of dark hair.  I think she has more than Wayne!

Our first night together went okay.  Just about how I remember it with my kids.  I had forgotten all the little grunts and growns newborn babys make.  I will admit, since I did not physically give birth, it is much easy to handle.

We are headed to town today to finish buying all the things we need for her.  I had actually got the call about her on Wednesday and was able to get diapers and formula before I brought her home.  That first 24 hours really reminds you of what you are lacking!

I will try to get some pictures of her hair up soon.  I won't be able to show her face, so if you want to see all of her, you'll have to come see in person!

20 Things I Love About Babies!

My all time favorite thing about babies are their fingers and toes!  They are sooooo cute to me.  I love all the little creases, the tiny little nails, and the cute way they curl and tuck.  I love it when they hold their own hands or clasp them together.  The way they hold your fingers when they eat or accidentally fold their arms.  And I obviously can't stop myself from taking pictures of them! 

For the last week, we have gotten to enjoy a wonderful little boy.  We were doing respite care for another foster parent.  This little guy was adorable.  His smiles and cuddling are just what I needed. The most memorable moment was when the little guy discovered that his fist could reach his mouth!  His tongue would barely touch his fist and his head would jerk back and he would throw his fist forward like it was the most bitter tasting thing he had ever had.  He did this several times.  Wayne and I couldn't help but laugh.  What a sweet moment to share with this special boy.

This experience just reaffirms my thoughts and reasons behind doing foster care.  It was easy for me not to become too attached in this situation.  Don't get me wrong, I definitely bonded with him, but because I knew he would only be in our home a week, I was able to hold my heart back.  Ellie on the other hand, couldn't distinguish between bonding and attaching.  She did both.  I was very hard for her to say goodbye, even knowing she could see him again soon.  She kept asking if he could just stay with us permanently.  I hope this gets easier for her.

So now we wait for the next call!

Initiation Over

Wow!  What a day.  Let me catch my breath . . .

I didn't know so much could happen in one day.  We headed off to the store to buy our necessities.  While there.  We received some phone calls.  One was from the assigned social worker.  She indicated that a family member had come forward saying they would take the kids.  They were doing the required background check and would know more later today.  A few minutes later, I got a call from the placement worker saying she had made an appointment for the boys for in a couple of hours.  I then got a third phone call saying that the family members would be meeting us at the department to take placement of the boys.

We quickly finished our shopping, went back home, had 20 minutes to feed them & grab their belongings, then headed back into Boise for the appointment.  I met the family, exchanged the boys' stuff, and drove home.

All I could do after that was take a deep breath.  Wayne and I debriefed and talked about what we learned, which is definitely a lot!

So now it's the waiting game again.  We have been asked to provide respite care in May.  We are excited about that and look forward to that experience.

"The Call" Came

"The Call" came yesterday.  We accepted placement of a 2 & 3 year old boys.

The entire process took longer than I expected.  We first got a call just before 5:00 and they asked us if we could place them.  A worker had not been assigned yet or gone to get them.  So they new very little.  I was told they would call back when it was time for me to meet them at the department to pick up the boys.  Since I was in the middle of making dinner, I told them that would work out perfect.  I finished making dinner and headed up stairs to rearrange the room (it was setup for younger crib aged kids).  All I can say is thank you Julie!  I am prepared for boys.  The next call came about 6:45.  I was told I need to buy carseats on the way in for them because they would not be coming with some.  I arrived at the department around 7:30 to find to very energetic boys waiting for me to arrive.  It's a good thing they have lots of toys there to keep kids entertained.

The boys are very sweet.  Busy and curious, but sweet. Their first night was as good as could be expected for kids sleeping at a strangers house.  They are still sleeping this morning, that's how I'm able to find a minute to blog.  The department gave us vouchers, so we are off to the store soon to buy them clothes and diapers.

Waiting for the Stork to come!

Yes, we are waiting for the stock to come to our house.  Let's just clear the air up right away.  I do not have a uterus.  It is impossible for me to have babies.  And just in case your mind is really wandering to it's limit, let me put a stop to that.  No, Wayne did not get anyone else pregnant!  We are happily married.

So remember I mentioned I had been cleaning like a mad woman over spring break, it's because we were having our foster care home study done that week.  That's right foster care.  We have signed up to be foster parents with the Department of Health and Welfare.  We took our 27 hours of training classes in March (Wayne too!) and are currently awaiting our first placement.  We have signed up to take 1-2 children at a time, ages 0-3.  We picked this age range hoping that we could ease into it a little bit.  And we picked 1-2 children because Wayne so kindly pointed out to me that's all we can fit into our car! (Note: They could have licensed us for up to 6 if we wanted to broaden our age range! But I'm not that crazy!)

Since we have known this was going to be happening, over the last few weeks I have been buying some essentials.  I bought a crib, a toddler bed, and a stroller.  We are also asked by the department to have on hand or access to things like diapers, formula, and clothes since placements often don't happen during store hours.  And children often only come with what is currently in the diaper bag, if they have one.  So I thought it would be important to grab a couple of outfits in each size to keep on hand.  I grabbed a few thing at a DI swap at church and stumbled upon a 25 cent sale at a thrift store.  I thought I was doing good.  Julie mentioned she still had clothes from her boys and was willing to pass them on to me.  Of course I said yes.

My pile of clothes before Julie:

My pile of clothes after Julie:

I have been knee deep in plaid button ups and striped polos for the last 3 days!!!  I've decided Julie has a weird obsession for those things!  I finally got them all put away into boxes yesterday afternoon.  We are completely prepared for boys.  I'm guessing that means our first placement will be a girl!

Now it's just the waiting for "the call".  I think this will be are hardest part for me. I'll admit, patience is not my finest attribute. But I'll deal with it.  Every time the phone rings my heart skips a beat.

Ellie is super excited!  When the worker came to do our home study, Ellie was very quick to tell her that she wanted a baby.  When the worker asked about a 3 year old, Ellie told her "That won't work!"  The worker then asked, "What about a 3 year old and a baby?"  Ellie replied, "That will do."  I wouldn't describe Jake as excited, but maybe interested is a better word.  He is more concerned with the changes in general.  Like the other day, he mentioned something about us having to cancel some of our camping trips this summer since we will have extra kids, which he was perfectly fine with.  When I explained that we could just take them with us, he was delighted.  We have tried to prepare our children with the changes that might take place but we simply can't.  Every situation is so different.

Wayne is very quite about the whole thing.  He's not much of a talker in general.  He is definitely supportive and on board with it.  We wouldn't be this far into if he wasn't.  Remember, he's already invested 27 hours of classes.  I think he will love the children that come into our home just as much as I will. 

So with that said, YES the stork is coming!  Hopefully with many children!  Our first placement will definitely be blog worthy. But I need to mention, I will not be able use the foster children's names or give out any info about them.  I'm not legally able to. You will probably just get a letter (like J for Jake) instead of a name.