a week "off"!

I have a bunch of vacation time so I took G's April vacation week off.

Can I start by saying, I picked a week with  nearly perfect weather.  Sunny every day (I think).  A few days were in the 80s - April. Maine.  Pretty GREAT!

The week started on Friday afternoon when I cashed in a Christmas gift:  A night off (no kids) in an Inn in York Harbor, ME.  Can I just say: LOVELY!?  I walked the beach at sunset. Took a nap. Ate a wonderful dinner including awesome lobster/corn chowder - best ever!, read a book, fell asleep.  Listened to the ocean in the night.  Just wonderful - and so refreshing!

Saturday - I rose early, met my Mom and traveled to Rhode Island (first time there) and attended a quilting class and convention.  I learned a new applique technique.  Finished early. and returned to pick Mom up. IKEA trip. Home.

Sunday - church. Low key.

Monday - Beach day with the fam.  A little hike on the rocks and K even found a kid-sized cave.  Amazed at the gross motor skills of 3.

Tuesday - ? (will have to check the photos)

Wednesday - Kids went to a day camp for gymnastics - First time I'd ever dropped all 4 kids off and LEFT.  I came home, ate breakfast and tried to relax for 20 mins!  Then started a series of errands which included some new underclothes for me, 2 pairs of shoes, some cool ethnic kid artwork and...2 new couches!  Ours are nearly wrecked.  Prepared 6 freezer to crock pot meals for when work resumes!

Thursday - Play date - run nonstop day.  2 appts in the morning followed by Z's play date with Zac; then G's with M.  1 hour break ended with us at the neighbor's checking out a new to us desk - nice! and home to prepare for friends and their 3 babies for dinner - McDonalds.  Fell into bed.

Friday - Home playing, out for errands and Japanese buffet!  Home for another play date for G with E.

Saturday - Had a FUN time in NH.  Stopped in Kittery and hit the Hanna sale, McD's, and then to the Children's Museum where we met up with 3 other moms and 5 other kids.  Played for 3 hours and then 2 on the playground.  The girls were soooo impressed watching bridal portraits in a nearby park.  Then, to a local hotel to swim and eat.  An mini baby shower for a friend awaiting "River". Late night drive home and kids were asleep in less than 30 seconds!

Favorite Quote when preparing for our NH trip:
"Mama, is it a good idea to take my pillow pet with us to Virginia?" - K
"I'm not sure if the pillow pet will do well in Virginia because we are going to New Hampshire." -me

!?!?!?

Sunday will include church and prep for our return to "normal".

Getting paid to stay home and be a Mom was wonderful.  I so wish it could happen more often - although trust me, I'm thankful for my wonderful job.

OK, night. :)

Times like this - singlehood?

So, it is nights like tonight that I miss being married.

I need to go out to the car and retrieve the Easter items and prepare them for the Easter morning/secular festivities.

I wish "we" could do this together.

On a positive note, we had a great time at the church's Easter Egg Hunt this morning.  The kids wore their Easter clothes and one of G's friends from school attended with her entire family! (yeah, good example of inviting friends to church events!)

Mom watched the kids this afternoon so I could run out and get Easter goodies.  They are to replace the items I already purchased that the kids found - Hoola hoops, etc.

We watched a movie tonight (Paupi came over too) - The Littlest Angel.  I cooked some veggies to make egg dyes for tomorrow.  We already did some eggs yesterday but more to come!

Tonight - bedtime didn't really happen until 901 pm.  I was ticked.  I wish that the Easter Bunny had a "coal" item like Santa cause these kids deserve the coal based on their behaviors around bedtime lately.

Life is good. Just sometimes...I wish there was a Mr.

They don't have an Auntie?!?!

3/11/12:

While watching TV with Auntie, the program highlighted each member of their family.  G-girl was disgusted that they family didn't have an Auntie.

G - "Their family doesn't have an AUNTIE?!"
J - "Nope, I guess not."
G -"That is SOO weird.
J - "Yup."
G - "We have the BEST family."

Note:  This was with facial expressions indicating her disbelief that a family wouldn't have an Auntie!

(Focus wasn't on why the family had a Daddy.  Nope, on why it didn't have an AUNTIE!  We love our Auntie.  It's going to be tough when she leaves in a week :(  )

Garden Boy

Z is the child who has expressed the most interest in gardening. He liked planting, tending and now harvesting.

We don't grow the largest veggies but...they taste good and this teaches the kids a lot. I wonder if he'll grow up to be like our neighbor, Mr. F (aka Mr. McGregor).

Firsts: College Visit and Theater Movie (Rio) and ...

5.10.11 - Mom (and Nanny Sue and Nikhil) came with the kids to visit me at school today.

We enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria and looking at some statues from the art museum. I really like that my kids have a Mom who works in higher ed and that they can be on college campuses nearly their entire life. Z & G were on a campus in their first month of life. It's taken M & K longer but hey - they are 3!

Lunch was good. Very well behaved. Messy. Lots of choices. Nice. Simple. Cheap.

On the way out the door, Kenz looks up at her Mem and says: "My pee-pee feel better now." Loudly. Sometimes, I roll my eyes. Of course, we understood why this was important but a stranger wouldn't have. Why? She slept in a poopy diaper all night the night before and woke up with a raw butt. I think she learned a lesson. But hello - why does hanging at Mama's work/in a cafeteria elicit that kind of announcement? Who knows. She's 3.

MOVIE: The day ended with our first family trip to the movie theater. Movie: Rio 3 of 4 kids enjoyed. The boy spent most of his time on my lap with his "blanklet" but he did have a chance to sit in a theater seat.

M spent most of her time playing with the chair and TALKING while G watched the entire movie and Kayla watched most of it (and held her baby doll).

They were thrilled to each get 3 peanut butter M-n-Ms. I was thrilled that the kid selling the tickets only sold us 3 tickets (vs. 5). I told him that I had 3-3 year olds (after he informed me that all patrons age 3 and older need tickets). I think it was his random act of kindness and I well, loved it! Thanks!

Tomorrow: parent/teacher conference for G Neurologist appt for M - first appt this week (of 2) Orthopedist for K - first appt ever Happy Hour - for my "assistant" at work - who is headed to grad school after Friday! Go Megan! and... a day "off" for this weary Mama

Other firsts:
"First" steal - see that excitement on Mem's face!
First weekend away in a cabin with all of the kids (well, just one night away):

First bouquet by K:

First "Mexican" in our front yard. Note, she recently told me that she wants to grow up to be a Mexican Indian?! Honey, you are German, Norweigan and African. No Mexican or Indian.

First Mother's Day gift from 4:

A "Family" Easter Basket

This year, the Easter Bunny went with a Family Easter Basket. As much as I could picture 4 cute little Easter Baskets on our front porch, the less looked forward to:

individual greed

junk in the house

toys that quickly turn into junk, that I hurt my foot stepping on and eventually throw away

So, the focus on toys as a FAMILY ended up being the concept. It really worked.

I'd meant to purchase a new soccer ball and a new scooter but honestly forgot. Other than that, we got horseshoes, a slide whistle, a couple of wooden things to hang artwork on, some candy, and some toys to share including sidewalk chalk.

It worked!

No crying.

Bonding.

Focus: Family. Love. Sharing.

Other items: New universal remote control, notecards and a new basket for Mama's new orange bedroom! All family members got something - including Mama and Memae!

Easter - 4/24/11: A Great Day to Accept Christ!

Easter 2011 resulted in two milestones. One is BIG. The other was "fun".

We traveled to my "brother's" house. We went to church on the way - at my Mom's former church. Z-man wore a suit for the first time. Girls wore matching flowery dresses and their dolls wore matching ones as well. Then it was time for Kelly, Kasey and Rylee. Easter Egg Hunt at their house (which is the same house that I used to help the EB with his egg duties when I was in high school/college and my 2 youngest siblings were young children). It was kind of neat to have a hunt where we'd had hunts before.

Cookout.

Met Kasey's family for the first time - Dad, step mom, brother, step brother and a girl friend.

Played. Talked.

Decided to spend the night - in a local motel. And then came our two milestones:

#1: The big one. Went to church. It was a musical event = no nursery. Note, that was with 5 kids, no naps, all up early. NIGHTMARE. Except, my niece, Miss Rylee, accepted Jesus! Our former neighboer (and still friend) asked her if she had every prayed to tell Jesus she loved Him. Nope. Then yup. Then talked with the pastor's wife and yup - she's going to HEAVEN! woohooo! First in the next generation!

#2: We stayed in a hotel. K screamed every 50-65 mins. I ended up sleeping with her on the floor from 2 am on. Kids had fun. We jumped on beds. Minimal sleep for the adults (mom stayed with me). This marked the first night since the girls arrived that they did not sleep in OUR HOUSE!

Holidays always remind us that we are missing family members. This year: Johnna (and David), Rob and Baby A.

Monday: Took the kids to south end beach - where I grew up. Learned about tidal pools (just like my Mom had taught me), travel rocks into the ocean, watched a boat, "hiked", explored and LOVED it. And now, the twins have been "home" - to my childhood home.

Then the playground.

Then ice cream - to celebrate Uncle's 27th birthday - in bumpy town. black raspberry, 2 vanilla, strawberry and a mint chocolate chip.

End of an Era

My sister came to live with me in Arizona (for the 2nd time) on 2/11/08. Zade was an infant. I remember 2/14 that year because I had a Valentine date - with my son and sister at Elephant Bar in Scottsdale. (G was with her Daddy). Little did I know that the twins had been born earlier that day. The twins I wouldn't meet for 2 years, 5 months and 27 days.

My sister was a God-send then. She decided to move to AZ within hours of hearing that I was going to be a single mom of two babies. Two children under 2 years and one barely 6 months old when she arrived. It took her a while to move and that is how we got to February 11, 2008.

Life was different in AZ. With two kids, we went out. G went to her Dad's on Sunday afternoons for an overnight and Johnna and I did things with Z-man. We laughed. We ate out. We went horseback riding (without him!). We cooked. We liked preparing and serving food and working to have the best food presentations. We went to movies. We hung out.

We did this through 2008 and half of 2009. Then, I moved to Maine for a new job. Johnna stayed in AZ without us for less than 6 months. Then, she moved to ME and lived with us again. It felt like she'd never been gone. We were together. We were family.

When she moved to Maine, we knew it would be for ~ a year.

The year ended today.

I'm sooooooooooooooooooo sad. I can't stop weaping.

This year has been different. We lived together with 2 kids and our Mom. It was a different dynamic. I traveled a lot for work. I welcomed the twins home on 8.11.10. Life was a zoo. 4 kids is so much different than 2. These two girls needed a lot as does Zade. Finding sitters for 4 kids is so much different than finding one for 2 kids or even 1 baby.

We spent less time together. BUT...I still loved my sister just like before. We laughed. We ate out some. We cooked - some. She helped me so much. I'm not sure I helped her as much.

Zade can't remember life before Auntie lived with him and I don't think Gianna can either. The twins have only ever lived with Auntie since they've been here. They love her! This morning, M imitated Auntie getting out of the shower by wrapping herself in a towel (over her PJs). She was so cute. Wish I'd had the energy to climb the stairs just one more time to get a camera to capture it. Now, Auntie is on her way to living in another state. Not here.

Today, she moved to California to start her life with her fiance, David. He'll be home from the Middle East in a few weeks. Mom is driving to CA with her. That means I'm here with the 4 kids in this great big house. Alone. I miss her so much.

I love you, J-Babey. I wish you well. I wish you health and happiness and may you understand teh meaning of joy. Come back soon.

Of course, I'm going to San Diego in a month. I'll see her then. But, it'll be different. The end of an era. 2/11/08 - 2/11/11.

(What are the odds that she'd move in and out on the same date 3 years apart?)

Changes in our World

How can I possibly be the mother of a 5 year old - already? Today is G's 5th birthday. She's been waiting to be 5 for a while - so she can ride the school bus! Today is the day. This day always makes me sad. I'm happy but I'm sad - that so much time has gone by already and that she is growing up. On the other hand, I'm happy that she is such a kind hearted little girl.

Now, if I could only get her to stop sitting on her siblings! GROSS!

I love you Sweet, Sweet, G!

Today also marks our last day as a house of 7. Today is my sister's last day of living with us. She moved home for the year while her fiance was deployed. She leaves on Friday to journey to CA where they will begin the next phase of their lives.

J (my sister) has lived with me off and on since she went to college. She'll be 25 in a few weeks.
She's lived with us most of the time since Z-man was 6 months old. Her leaving is going to be a big loss for me. I LOVE her and want her nearby. But, those are my wants and my desires. Her leaving will be an even bigger loss for the kids - especially Z-man and M. She's taking G for a princess pedicure later today - a happy birthday present but also a good bye, I love you niece. My eyes are teary as I type this.

Yesterday marked the last day of:
4, 3, 2, 2.
Today marks the first of 4 days of:
5, 3, 2, 2.
Monday marks the first day of: 5, 3, 3, 3 as the twins will turn 3. This will last until Z's birthday in July when we'll move on to 5, 4, 3, 3.

2 years, 4 days.
3 women, no 4, no 5, no 6.
3 birth mothers
1 mom
1 auntie
1 memae

All significant in the lives of 4 children. 3 girls and a boy.

At lunch today, my sister said: You know, if you go for #5 you'll seal the "staying single" deal. Seriously, you have really pushed it with 4. A man walking into a family with 5 very young kids is very unlikely. Do you honstly think you are going to find a husband with 4 kids - let alone 5?

No. I'm not going to find a husband. A Daddy for my kids. A friend. A lover. A missionary/ministry partner. A husband. You are right! The only way that I will find that person is if God brings him to me! He works miracles - not me!

(If anyone wants to pray about that, prayers are being encouraged in this department. I'm at the point where I think I've "healed" and I'm ready to move on. Now...it's God's timing. Wait - it has always been His timing!)

5. She's FIVE! She'll go to school this year. She'll ride a school bus. She'll be exposed to new germs and get new sicknesses. She'll leave her friends. She'll make new friends. She'll grow. She'll change. What happened to that little 8 pound (perfectly 8 pounds!) package that used to fit on my shoulder with her butt in the palm of my hand? Where is she? What is His plan for her life?

Lord, please bless our family of 7 as we become a home of 6. Please keep Johnna healthy and safe and may she know how very much she is loved as she transitions to wifehood. I continue to pray for your hand in the preparation of my future husband (if that is your will). May your timing be perfect and may I accept your special gift, guidance and timing in this matter. Prepare all of our hearts. Please give me strength as I parents 4 small children. Please also, heal my friend Tammy as she recovers from her 3 surgeries and prepares for a 4th (and hopefully, final).

I pray for wisdom and guidance for court next week. May your will be done in the twins' lives. Protect their hearts. Provide wisdom and perserverence for me in caring for their complex needs.

Please protect Z-man's heart as he continues to ask me about his Daddy including when he can meet his Daddy. Thank you for some progress in his behaviors Please help those to continue and for the selfish, uncontrolled behaviors to GO AWAY!

Lord, I know that change is inevitable. Protect us as we go through these changes.

I love you!

Halloween Fun!

After out trip to the ER last night, we had sleepy kids all day Sunday. Zade slept until almost 10 am - no church for us! An extended PJ time is always good (and I got to sew a little bit!).

Story from Paupi's time with the kids:

Z found a new use for the string on his flashlight. This happened as he was undressing to get into his PJs. That meant, no underwear. Yes, he hung the flashlight on his pe*)s... Paupi said it was one of the funniest things he'd ever seen and he almost couldn't stop laughing. He wasn't sure how Z-man got it to hang there. He couldn't repeat it. I thought: How are boys made???

Anyway, Sunday:

1. Cooked with Auntie and Nichole - cupcakes and a cake.

2. Went to the neighborhood Halloween Party - at Charlie's house (and his parents and brother!). Z wouldn't go unless we drove. He lost it. So, he stayed home and napped for about 4 hours (with Mem and Auntie at home). The girls and I went. They had fun in the leaves, on a parade and eating. G did really well on the Ghost Toss game. She refused to play hot potato. A great time. Cold but good.

3. Trick or Treating. COLD night. Paupi came and helped us get around the neighborhood while getting in and out of his car - much warmer!

4. Home to "help" Mem and Auntie pass out candy (and toothpaste and Vote YES on 2 cards!).

Bedtime went well - with Auntie's help.

What are people thinking? Pie holes.

On Sunday, the kids and I were out and about. We hit a few late yard sales and then we went grocery shopping. What else can you do with 3 kids with rip-roaring colds? Expose everyone in the grocery store (not church) of course.

I'm pushing the "car" carriage. 4 kids IN the cart piled with food and supplies (note, I always get the 2 cases of diapers last as they pose a HUGE balancing act). I'm headed toward the check out when some nice lady stops and says:

"Wow. Please don't tell me that you have like 2 more at home or something. That's it, right?"

I paused and said: "Nope. Four blessings for me. That is it!"

I should have said other things. I refrained.

What if I had 10 more at home? OK, so I'd be nuts BUT still. Come on.

Yes, we take up a lot of space and we're kind of loud BUT we are a loving family and they were all behaved (at that moment). And what will happen when they really understand what people are saying about them? Think about your words and what the little ears hear and can understand. Shutting your pie hole is also a good option sometimes. (Sorry if that was offensive....well, kind of).

Oh what a night...discipline?!?!

So tonight I had to just run to the store and pick up trash bags and bandaids. It is had just been bandaids, I'd have skipped it but trash bags around here are kind of important. Nearly an hour later, the five of us arrived home. It was 650 and waaay past time for dinner. I'd already planned to do my last minute emergency dinner option - frozen pizza (yes, I know it is an unhealthy option but it happens every 6-8 weeks and nobody is dead...yet). But I changed my mind and it would be a quick bowl of cereal night. With milk. Maybe a piece of fruit.

G had a meltdown because I gave her the wrong bowl - at least not the pink bowl. I'm so tired of pink bowls, cups, plates and utensils. Why? They cause conflict. We either need every one to be pink or I need to get rid of the pink ones. Seriously.

I warned her to stop. I told her the consequence would be no dinner. She didn't listen. She spiraled. She yelled - "I don't want that bowl."

I calmly picked it up, carried the bowl of cereal and milk to the garbage disposal and dumped it down the sink. She lost it. I turned and said: "Be careful what you say, G. You told me you didn't want the pink bowl. I took care of that. Your dinner is now over. Got up stairs for bed."

Can you imagine the response? Yeah, it was bad.

I stuck to my guns. I put my daughter to bed without dinner for the first time ever. It was appropriate. I REALLY hope she learns from this.

I nearly caved. I almost want to wake her up and give her some crackers because I know her tummy is so very hungry.
____

The other lovely (not) thing that happened tonight was:
After we got home with the stuff from the store, they all wanted to help, not listen, be crazy kids. Not a single one listened to the simple directions: Put on an apron. Get in a chair.

Finally, I'd had enough and broke my no swearing at/around the kids rule and raised my voice with this: "Damn It! Listen!" G turns and sweetly and calmly says: "I'm not Damn-it-listen, Mama." To witch I responded, No you aren't honey. That was a bad word that Mama said. Please don't say it again. I'm so so sorry.

aaaaaahhhh....One of my finest parenting evenings.

I'm a big fan of natural consequences. I think this approach can teach so many important lessons. Well, I experienced on that just seemed so odd in the end. "K" dropped her spoon intentionally at dinner. I warned her. She did it anyway. Then she looked at me. I told her she'd have to eat her cereal without a spoon. Eat with your hands. She did. She finished her food. Calmly. Quietly.

However, it was painful. Why? I have a feeling that in her 2.5 years before landing here, she ate many meals with those hands - meals that should have had utensils but...just didn't. The natural consequence didn't mean anything to her. Why? It was normal - typical - A-OK to her to eat without a spoon. I guess it wasn't discipline. It was encouraging an ingrained poor behavior/experience she'd already had. Bummer.

_____________
On another note, fostering children can bring so many dynamics. Today, I had the opportunity to demonstrate love to the little girls' mother. She has dental needs and will age out of the state Medicaid program shortly. I was able to get her into a clinic and she had her first appointment today. She's going to need a series of appointments. I'm happy that she is getting this taken care of and I think she is happy to have someone care about HER needs - I don't think that happens very often.

Of course, other things happened today in the case (that I can't discuss). Things might get messy for a while. I can't believe we are losing our case worker in a week and 1 day! Right when things are getting messy!!! :(

Recent Days - kid activities

We;;. a family with 4 kids...I must admit, I've been a little hesitant to go out and about with 4 kids and haven't braved the grocery/box stores yet. Gianna had her last day of swim and Z-man and I went to watch and celebrate as she received her first certificate of completion - ever.






On Saturday morning I got all of the carseats (4) loaded and reloaded. The kids were so excited that they wanted to go for a ride. We did - around the block - well, maybe 2 blocks.

When we came back, our neighbor (Ray) was running his mini train in his yard. We went to watch. K was SCARED and clung to me. M was interested and Z and G were SUPER excited. It got noisy. Neighbor Joan came over and got all excited about the girls' arrival (she's an adoptive mom to a grown daughter). We walked home and played outside for a while until it was time for swim, snack and to get ready for the afternoon.

Middle seat: K & G
Back seat: Z & M
Front seat: Mama (and nobody else!)

Saturday, we ventured to Boothbay, ME where we enjoyed A Day Out with Thomas the Train. What a great first outing. It went well. It wasn't overly crowded which was a gift. Everyone loved the jumpy train, and the hay maze. We ate a subway sandwich for a late day snack (that worked REALLY well). They also rode on the tractor pulled train.

Now the ride on Thomas was VERY, very exciting for Z-man. G complained that there weren't princesses?!?! M was observant and quiet. K was excited UNTIL the train's horn blew. I encouraged her to clap and say "yeah!" which she did everytime along with concerned eyes shot in my direction.

Observations:

M will wander away easily. Boundaries for both are limited and will need to be set. Either will go with about anyone. They could be easily stolen.

A great day was had by all.

From a family of 2 to 4 kids

Well, today is the day that our family grew - 8.11.10 ~5pm. It's a placement through social services. Twin girls, aged 2.5 years.

So I don't forget:
M's first diaper (and 2nd) = poopy

K- ate first, a cracker; and smiled first.
M - ate a bear cracker and liked riding the pink stick horse inside the house.

I saw M first but touched K first - a brush onto the arm/hand.

Today was not as crazy as I'd anticipated. God answers prayers in funny ways and this was one of those times.

(It's 5 am and everyone is still asleep - amazingly - so here is the story):

Got a call ~1050 am while I was at my desk at work. Sounded like a good situation. Then, I heard their names and one of them has "that name" - you know the one when you were a girl that you wrote over and over and over because that was going to be your child's name. Yup, one of the girls has the name I'd always planned to name MY daughter but then when "G" was born I just didn't use it. I literally choked up and the social services worker could tell.

I had 2 more work meetings that I finished and then spoke multiple times to my licensing worker, the previous foster mother and foster father (for all of 6 days) and the foster mother of the sibling (and later in the evening, the sibling's foster father even called to see if I needed anything at the store!)

I was trying to figure out how to secure an additional toddler bed as I have 2 but would need 3 (DS is still in one). Then, the phone rings and the licensing worker says: Don't get beds! They are coming with beds that were purchased last week along with brand new carseats and a case of diapers! Prayer answered AND they were delivered to my house AHEAD of the girls.

I finished up at work (in between numerous calls) but never to the girls' case worker until later in the day. She filled me in on things with the bio family.

You know, when it feels right, it feels right. :)

I accepted the situation on the phone and went home at 4pm to tell my kids. My son was THRILLED and DD was her typical analytical self with a little excitement.

My (former) step father happened to stop by 5 mins later and helped me move a bureau. I quickly kicked (literally) DS's random toys into his closet. Showed him that he's be sleeping with his sister. Gave my kids hugs and stood back and admired them as I knew their lives were about to change - maybe for forever.

We went outside to play.
The beds arrived along with some clothes, cups, spoons, bowls, etc. (Note, in all of the trainings, I'd been told that most foster kids come with nothing. I got freshly bathed, hair kind of done girls with Beds, carseats, diapers and some clothes!!?!?! Thank you, Lord!)

Then, the case worker and the girls arrived (while the former foster mom and her daughter were still in my driveway from delivering beds). The girls were so sweet and happy. (They thought they were coming to play). I'll call them M & K (one has a nickname so that will make her "K" instead of a 2nd M).

They got out of the car, we all played, talked, etc. One let me touch her arm/hand while the other pulled away (M). More play. The case worker and I tried to figure out how we know each other. We grew up in the same town! Small world.

She came inside to show the girls their new beds. Then, the girls "knew" and things went downhill. Case worker gave them BIG hugs, they cried and we all went inside (note as the neighbor watched all of this).

It was sad. They cried for nearly an hour standing at the front door (two side windows - one girl on each side). I finally got one to the couch. No snuggles but away from the window. Then the other (they were together on the couch). More tears. TV on. More tears. Finally, things started to calm down.

I fed G and Z. G, Z and I danced to music. They watched but didn't eat or dance.
Eventually K went to check out the playroom but back to the couch. Then, M. Then, the "where are you" started that I think will continue for some time - 4 kids! wow!

My Mom came in with some extra groceries (milk, etc.). She is WONDERFUL with kids and just sat and on stood beside her and my Mom rubbed her hair which she liked (K). M started rubbing my Mom's foot and made a connection.

I was told that they are fabulous during the day but as soon as PJs come out at night things spiral, eventually into night terrors.

So, ~830 pm (the girls normally go to bed at 11!), I put DS to bed in his "new" room." At 9 pm, all 3 girls headed upstairs, M and K with tears and fear. I sent G to her room and told her I'd be in. She OBEYED! (I later went back to brush her teeth and tuck her in.)

First to bed was M. Then K. TEARS. Note, I put them to bed in their clothes (eliminated the whole PJ thing for one night). Gave them toys, etc. Total fear in their eyes. Then, I decided to leave the light on. People...I think that is it! They went to sleep. No real tears. I did hear them 2X in the night and I can tell that at least M has been out of bed to get a toy but they are sleeping in their beds. No night terrors, at least last night.

Long term - who knows BUT they appear to be a long term placement that is likely to end in an adoption plan. They will/could have long term contact with their sibling (which I'm in favor of!).

Today is the weekly visit with BM. Friday is an unsupervised visit with another relative and then we head to the weekend.

Details:
M and K are identical twin girls (although one is a whole size larger than the other so I can easily tell them apart!). They are biracial and even the case worker mentioned as we watched all 4 kids in the driveway: Wow! They look like they all belong together. Visually, it all works. Seriously, one looks a lot like DD.

Lord, please give us all strength and peace. Also, keep my work load lighter for a couple of weeks so we can adjust.

Zade cut his hair & an Evening Adventure

6/14/10 - with FOUR adults in the house. One watching him from the living room while he was doing a Flag Day project at the island (alongside G).



He announced that he wanted hair for his flag. Whatever, kid!


I'm just thankful that he didn't reach over and clip one of Gianna's braids - ahhhh.


So, he got an immediate haircut by moi. Clippers are usually set to #5. Today they were #3. They should have been #1 but I just couldn't.


Z's Finished Project & G's nearly finished project - Quite Different!

Tonight...we went for an 'adventure' near SMCC/the ocean. It was a nice excursion - Didn't really have a plan or know where we were going but found a nice Fort - Prebble and Willard Beach.

FYI - a picture of his hair last week (beach in FL) and two of him this week (raincoats):

Happy Memorial Day!

Remembering my grandfather - a military man. I miss him and it's been since 1991!

Coming from this family, nothing surprises me. Diaper Hats created at nap time: ?!?!

Today was a very emotional day. We learned last night that a woman in our home town was killed in a car accident. That means that 3 little children are going to grow up without a mother (twin boys who are finishing kindergarten and a little girl who is almost 2). It has hit me. I've cried.

Then...The parade today got me thinking about all of the men and women who didn't/aren't coming home. Again, I was sad.

Then, this day also reminds me of the people we've lost including my niece and the daughter who was but never was mine.... Then I think, I should have extended my vacation one more day! Emotions.

Here are some happy pictures from Z's first parade/G's second:

(They had so much fun decorating their flag wand and "bikes"):