New Year's Eve

The kids just went to bed. John is preparing the crepes for our NYE get together with his parents and sister.  I have curlers in my hair to look presentable for when they arrive.  But I won't be wearing shoes.  This Christmas was wonderful and spending it with the twins and our families made it that way.  It must have been tough for their mom, since she was without them.  Please keep her in your prayers.  Please keep another mother in your prayers who is carrying our (possible) niece.  She has chosen wonderful people to parent this little girl: John's sister and brother-in-law.  We eagerly await her arrival in mid-January.  Ellen and Kurt will drive from WI down to Louisiana for the birth. She will be our 9th godchild, an incredible honor for us.  This is a baby so precious and a pearl of great price to both her birth mother and her parents.

This beautiful and moving Christmas song about the Baby Jesus makes me think of all children, especially this little baby girl, who come to be in less than perfect circumstances, but who bring light and joy to our lives.  I challenge you not to tear up when you listen to the words.
 
God bless you all in 2011.  

Our Sugar Plums at Mere Mere and Pere Pere's house, Christmas night.

The Yule Blog

I have all but given up blogging this month.  Amid the activities, appointments, work, stomach virus with the twins, etc, the blog has been neglected. The twins have their first Christmas tree which Daddy cut down at a local tree farm.

Our Christmas celebrating will consist of Christmas Eve at my parents' house, taking the kids down Candy Cane Lane here in town to see the awesome lights; Christmas morning Mass, Christmas dinner with John's family; our annual Boxing Day Brunch at our house; a 2 day trip to Leavenworth with John's family and the twins. 

Photos and posts will be up at a later date, because, well, that's how I am these days.
If there are any readers still out there, Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

God bless!

November

Wow, November posting is all but non-existent.  To be honest, between my job, the kids' appointments and life in general, November kind of kicked my butt.  Here are some highlights:

-November 2: Cherub had a fever, and had to spend a day at home. My mom came over to watch him so I could get to work.  John's mom took Thumbelina to school for me.  I, on my way to work being distracted and frazzled, got pulled over for the first time in my life for failing to make a full stop at a stop sign.  $124 later,  I make full stops no matter how frazzled I am.  What about a friggin' warning?!  I've been driving for nearly 20 years with no traffic offenses. How's about cutting a sister a break?

--My brother and sister-in-law from Dallas and my sister, brother-in-law and their 3 children from the DC area came to town for Thanksgiving! It was the first time I got to hold our new baby nephew.  So cute and so sweet as all babies are.  Cherub and Thumbelina got to meet their aunts and uncles and cousins on my side and had a wonderful time.  The only ones missing were my sissy, Kate and her husband, Matt and two children, Nick and Lili.  Only downside to the family visit last week was that our area got hit by a snow storm and the roads were too icy to travel the 16 miles to my parents' house to see my sibs. :( They did get to our house for dinner on Wednesday, and then we went to my parents' house for Thanksgiving.

                 (Cherub and Thumbelina awaiting Thanksgiving dinner)

--John's brother and sister-in-law and their 5 children are moving to Chandler, AZ right after Christmas. Boo! Hiss!  But, we're happy for them, since John's brother's job is based there and our sister-in-law's family is there. Thankfully, they will be here in the summer for an extended visit.

--My sister and brother-in-law, nieces and nephew are moving to Brasilia next August. Double boo! Hiss! Sometimes I wish we still lived in times where you all lived 'round each other and your kids got to play with their cousins.  But I am glad for all the technological advances, vaccines and health care that make our lives longer and for the most part better!

--John's sister and brother-in-law were chosen by a birth mother to be the Mommy and Daddy for her daughter due in January.  O happy day when we can officially call her our niece and all the papers have been signed and she is home with two of the finest people around.  Many things can happen in the mean time, so your prayers are appreciated.

--Cherub tripped over his own two feet at school today and fell face first into a step stool.  His nose is swollen, scraped and bruised and just in time for his visit with his mother tomorrow and his visit with his father the next day!

--Advent has begun and we are enjoying sharing our faith traditions with the twins.  Happy Advent. everyone!

December will be wonderful. I just know it will. :)

Answer: I did!

Question: Who won the pumpkin weighing contest back in October?

For the fourth year in a row, poor John had to buy me a coffee after I won the contest.  That was the best tasting double tall mocha. 

Publish Post

Wordless Wednesday

Michaela is ONE!!!

Happy birthday to our youngest goddaughter, Michaela!! Can't believe that a whole year has gone by since she came into the world.  What a gift you are, little one.  We are so happy to be in your life and hope to spend more time with you this year.  Your chubby cheeks and ever-present smile light up the room and our hearts!

We are blessed to have such wonderful friends in your parents as well.  God bless you, Michaela!!

(Photo courtesy of The Hartsell House.)

Gifts of life

October is a busy month in our family.  As I posted earlier, my youngest sissy, Mary, turned the big 3-0 on 10/10/10!

Our niece, Claire, celebrates her birthday early in the month and turned 9 this year! She is our goddaughter, so she holds an extra special place in our hearts.

Today, there are three of us who have a birthday.  My brother-in-law, Kurt, and our nephew, Eddie who is a whopping 5! Happy, happy birthday to them!

Since Kurt has been in the family, I have enjoyed a call from him and Ellen where they serendade me and then we serenade Kurt. 

Kurt does not live in WA, but Eddie and I have a family birthday party together which has been fun.  Getting a new nephew on my birthday 5 years ago was an awesome gift!  This year is extra special because we have two little ones living with us and making our lives fuller.

Thank you, Lord, for my life and all of the people in it.  I am truly blessed.

Beg, Steal or Borrow

Wow, what a week.  There is too much for me to write now and too little time right now, so I'll leave you with one my favorite singer-songwriters.  His name is Ray LaMontagne.  He possesses an amazing raspy voice that's smooth at the same time.  He has a really interesting life story as well.  Sit back, listen for 4 minutes and enjoy Ray on this Friday afternoon. 

Wordless Wednesday (even though it's Thursday)

I forgot to post this yesterday.

Anniversary

Today would have been the 66th wedding anniversary of my Gram and Grampa Dolan.  They got married October 19, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri at St. Matthew's parish where they went to grade school together.  Gram (Mary Genevieve Maher Dolan) died 4 years ago, and her absence is still keenly felt in my life.  My grandpa (John Francis Dolan) is turning 92 on Christmas Day. I hope to talk to him on my lunch break and let him know that I love and miss him and am thinking of him and Gram today. They won't be apart forever.

TGIF

1.) Wednesday consisted of 3 things for the kids: Visit with their mom from 9am-11am (I pick up); meeting from 3-5pm with mom, social workers and therapists regarding the kids' ISSP; social worker's monthly home visit at 5:30pm.  Oh, and work in the middle. Thank you, Mom C, for picking up the kids at child care! She and Dodil (Dear Old Dad in Law) are truly godsends who have watched the kids for us and truly been grandparents to our twinkies.

2.) The last 6 weeks, I've been having some issues which have caused me to be really tired most of the time.  I did get a blood test and,  as a result, was prescribed some meds that are treating things, but I had just started them the day before.  So, my goal for Wednesday was to make it through.  Short term goals, right? There are bigger problems in the world, I know, but my husband, these kids, and my job ARE my world, and for the last 6 weeks, I have felt like I've been failing them due to my exhaustion, impatience from exhaustion and physical snafu.   Making a short story long, everything went well, and I'll have to do a post about Wednesday.  At 7:30pm, after the kids were tucked in, I was stretched out on the couch; we watched our favorite show, and I was in bed by 9:30.  The next morning, I felt like a new woman, and I'm finally in contact with my Creighton doctor who is about 4 hours' drive away.

2.) Cherub learned a new word tonight: cucumber.  Or Kyue-ma-ma, as he says. He was in the kitchen with me as I was cooking dinner, and he was eating the little survivor tomatoes from our garden.  I got it on video and wish I could post it, but with his status as a foster child, I can't. :( But, I did forward it to my family, so I hope they enjoy it.

3.) DQ called me "Mama" today! John said that she has called me that before, but this was the first time that, when John and our neighbor pointed to me and said, "Who is that?" she smiled and said in her tiny, high voice, "Mama". :) It's a new day in our relationship.

4.) Although I need to go into work tomorrow for a few hours, John and I are taking the kids to a local farm to get our pumpkin! He and I have been doing this every year for the last 3 or 4 years.  Each year we go, John and I have a contest.  We pick a large pumpkin to take home and guess the weight.  Whoever comes closest wins a coffee of his choice compliments of the other.   So far, I am undefeated.  Each year, John thinks he will win, the dear, sweet man.  I'm going to try to get the contest on video for your viewing enjoyment, plus photos of the kids. I don't think they've been to a pumpkin patch before.  I do think that they will be saying, "PUN-kin" the whole time, because they love saying it whenever a large, orange orb is in view.

5.)  Dog is my co-pilot.  Our dog, Jill,  (3/4 Golden Retriever, 1/4 English Mastiff) deserves and will receive a separate post.  She really is our dog-ter, and has been so good with the kids (5 so far) who have been in our home.  Each night she sleeps on our bed at our feet.  Last night, she wanted to sleep in the hall for a bit, which means that in the middle of the night, she'll either hear something and do her protective bark which sounds like "BOOF!" or she'll whine to come back in.  At 11:41, I heard her whining at the closed door.  With my eyes shut, I opened our bedroom door and let her back in.  This morning,  at the entry I found a baby toy which she brought to us as a 'gift.' Being the retriever that she is, she brings 'gifts' to anyone and everyone when they enter our house.  I love, love, love you, Jilly!

6.) This weekend in our parish ministry festival where all of the church's ministries have booths and sign people up.  The ministry that I'm involved with is "Martha Ministry" which my sister-in-law, Christina, started.  We make meals for maybe 1 or 2 weeks for families with new babies, illness, etc.  I love this much needed ministry.  So, after one of the Masses, I'll man our 'booth' with our current Martha Ministry leader and my close friend Erin, with whom the kids and I are going to the zoo on Sunday! She is a wonderful friend to me and her youngest daughter, Michaela, is our youngest goddaughter.  John will have a quiet house for part of Sunday to study. :)

7.) This week, we learned that my company is having our Christmas party at this really unique and fun place.  Each year, this is such a fun night for us.  My boss is great and so generous with his employees.  I'm looking forward to dancing with John to this band after dinner!

10\10\10 = THIRTY!

My sister, Mary, turned old yesterday!  She is now 30 and it happened on 10/10/10.  Happy birthday, Mary! We hope you had a wonderful weekend and a blessed year! You join illustrious people such as myself, Matt and Kate in the 30s club. :)

The Week in Review

1.) Cherub got moved up to the older tods class on Monday. Intellectually, he is on their level, but socially, he is a little behind. We and the teachers are hoping that being with the slightly older kids will help catch him up. So far, he loves it and is doing really well. When I take him to his classroom in the morning, he does a little squeal of excitement. It’s fun seeing him so happy about learning. He takes his shoes off all the time, but especially in the car. I think I will have him walk out to the car barefoot in the mornings because I end up putting his shoes back on him when we get to school.


2.) DQ had a good week at school, too, and is still in her same class. The director said that she is not ready to move up because she does not talk as much as Cherub. In my head, I was thinking, “Are you kidding me?!” In the car and at home, she doesn’t stop talking about something or other, even if it’s copying what I say. Now that she and her brother are in different classes, she is talking more in her classroom. When Cherub does his screech, he gets marched to his room for a short timeout. When we’re in the car, we try to ignore it, but yesterday I said what his teachers say to him, “What do you need? What?” A few minutes after I said that, DQ piped up, “What you want? What?!” And then, “No, man. No man!” When she’s whining, which is a lot, I say to her, “No, ma’am. No ma’am!” Great, I sound like a drill sergeant/Rapper.  I was laughing so hard in the car.

3.) John has been back to school for the second week, and I am missing my kitchen fairy. When he was off from classes in September, the kitchen was always clean, the dishes were done and I got lazy about it. So, now that he’s back to classes, the kitchen is not so clean. But I’m getting back in the groove of the schedule now, and things are looking up now that our dryer is repaired. Thanks for replacing the belt, John! The other night, I got home around 6:30pm, was late in getting the kids their dinner and the house was a wreck.  I had forgotten to plug in my cell phone, and missed a call from my sister-in-law asking if they could stop by to borrow some horseshoes.  If I had heard the call, I would have raced home (doing the speed limit, course),  thrown stuff in to different rooms and faked a 'clean' house.  No such luck. My sister-in-law and three of her kids arrived at the house and Jill was going nuts because she was so excited to see them.  Luckily, I have a nice family who understands that messy homes happen.  See? Good lessons  in humility for me this week.  However, I do want to have them over for dessert soon so that they can come over AND the house will be clean. :)

4.) On my lunch break, I went to the Super-Walmart to get some fruit and veggies with the kids’ WIC checks. My pride about using these is lessening as the months go by, and as I see how much they do help. Besides, it’s not about me, it’s about the littlies, and it’s for them. So, if people behind me in line are wondering why I’m using government checks, I need not care about it and not want to yell out, “I’m a foster mom and these are not my checks!” That would be the big ol’ bad ol’ pride talking, so this has been a nice lesson in humility for me.  And what would it matter if I did need them? It's meant to help people out, and right now, with my income and two kids, we can use the help.


5.) On the way to Wal-Mart, I heard this song. I really love the melody and words and the message of the video about small actions to help others. The song also reminded me that I’m happy to have John and be able to run to him and the Lord when craziness in the world and families is going on.

6.) Yesterday I had some blood drawn to figure some things out. I hope to hear the results today, but with the long weekend for some (my company works on Columbus Day), it may not be until Tuesday.

7.) The governor of Washington has made across the board cuts in staff and budgets---this includes private foster care agencies. Their budgets were also cut by 60%. We got a letter from the foster care director of our agency. Her office found out about the cuts on 10/1, and they are effective immediately. So, this will obviously affect visits and how much time can be spent on each case. I think the wonderful woman who is now supervising the visits is one of the staff to be laid off.

Here are 2 photos of DQ wearing another blouse and dress of mine circa 1977.
Also, one of Jill wearing glasses just because she is so sweet and cute.

Wordless Wednesday

I'd like to smother HER with a pillow...

...or at least her horrid and disgusting ideas.  Virginia Ironside is a British journalist who recently said that if she had a deeply suffering child, she would want to put a pillow over its face. Are you kidding me? I'm suffering just listening to hear her say that.  Perhaps she'd like to put a pillow over my face?  Check out her version of what a loving mother is here on Hot Air. Abortion, apparently, is sometimes the loving thing to do.

You can't spell the word 'smother' without 'mother!'

On the feast of St. Faustina, let's counter the evil of Virginia Ironside's so called loving thing to do with this prayer from the saint:

O My God,
When I look into the future, I am frightened,
But why plunge into the future?
Only the present moment is precious to me,
As the future may never enter my soul at all.
It is no longer in my power to change, correct or add to the past;
For neither sages nor prophets could do that.
And so what the past has embraced I must entrust to God.
O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.
I desire to use you as best I can.
And although I am weak and small,
You grant me the grace of Your omnipotence.
And so, trusting in Your mercy,
I walk through life like a little child,
Offering You each day this heart
Burning with love for Your greater Glory.

— From her Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul, Notebook 1 (1)

Mormon Blogs

The blogs that I check out everyday and which are linked in my favorite blogs are mostly Mormon, with a few Catholic ones sprinkled in here and there.  The Etsy shops I buy from are run by LDS women.  There is much to admire in the LDS community, and while I disagree with the theology, I highly admire their love of faith and family and their spirit of evangelism.  It is refreshing and something to be desired.  Reading NieNie and CJane everyday makes me want to go to Provo, UT and meet them and their beautiful families in person. :)

Friday

Dang, seven days and no post. I'm getting behind.  Right now, I'm a bit overwhelmed with work, home and family, so I'll just post this (courtesy c jane enjoy it) which helped me so much today.  Enjoy!

7 Quick Takes

1.) John is going on a back packing trip with his brother and dad. John loves backpacking and needs this break in the great outdoors before his life becomes crazy again with commuting to Seattle everyday for school.  It'll be the twins and me.  I'm hoping to see a relative at Mass, because I can't handle both on my own!

2.) I pulled my post on "Favoritism in Families."  I still have it, but I think blogging about it would cause me more problems.  That being said, thank you, Dr. Gianna and Colet for your input! I really appreciate it.

3.) We have lots of apples, and that means baking an apple pie on Sunday and making some applesauce.  Maybe that will be my project when the kids are napping.

4.) We're thinking of asking for a respite weekend.  Since we don't know any fostering families in our county, it will be interesting.  Actually, the only fostering family I have had contact with is the couple who took the twins in for 10 days before we got them.  She was very nice and was really good at assessing the kids and where they were developmentally.  It's a lesbian couple who have 5 other children.  Not what I would necessarily hope for, but beggars can't be choosers when it comes to finding someone willing to do respite for us.

5.)  This Saturday is supposed to be really nice.  The kids and I will head to a park to run off their energy.

6.) In the spring I was offered shares in my company.  We could only afford one, and I just got my first dividend check.  There are perks to being an 'owner,' even though I'm a very, very small owner. :)

7.) John's brother and his wife and their five kids are moving to AZ very soon.  It will be so strange to drive past their house (which is in our neighborhood) and know that they're not there.  Maybe we'll have to take a trip to AZ. :)

A Trip to the Doctor

This morning I took the twins to the doctor because Cherub had diarrhea for 3 days, even though he had no fever and was eating fairly normally.  A couple of other kids at daycare had it as well, so it was something going around.  Their daycare has a 3 runny diaper policy: if you have three, you have to stay home for 24 hours.  Thank goodness that John doesn't start back to school until next week, because he has been able to stay with Cherub while he was out on Tuesday.  Both kids are home today as well with him.

The kids' social worker was at the appointment with me since their mom had been invited to be there as well.  Only, their mom didn't show up.  So, that was interesting.  The good news is that the kids are fine and their bodies are just trying to get rid of the virus via diarrhea.  (That rhymes.) 

Feast of St. Matthew

Yesterday was the feast of St. Matthew.  One of my favorite names ever is Matthew.  Maybe it is because that is my brother's name and I'm very fond of my younger (by 13 months) brother.

Happy feast day, Matt!

Matt with our niece, Lili.

Why I Can't Make Mom Friends

This video made me laugh and cringe at the same time.  Laugh because it really is funny and cringe because I know a couple of moms and dads who are like the mom in this video.  Too funny....and too realistic in a way.
Enjoy---and save me from the good (who try to be perfect) people!

Three months

Today marks 3 months that the twins have been with us.  Looking back and seeing the changes that have occurred in them (and us), I really find it hard to remember what our lives were like before.  Their smiles, laughs, hugs and funny words and actions brighten our days. 

Seeing their personalities come out and develop has been a lot of fun.  Thumbelina loves shoes and her little purse. She knows her numbers, letters and colors and loves songs and dancing.  Cherub loves cars and motorcycles, songs, and especially letters and numbers and colors.  He knows them so well and is only 2 and a half!

We cannot think about them leaving without us getting down and teary eyed, so we focus on each day with them.  First and foremost, they have a Heavenly Father who loves them even more than we and their mother do, and who knows what is best for them.  So, when they try to make the Sign of the Cross, I think about how pleased He must be at these little ones.

We love you, monkeys!

Birthday Catch Up

Where did September go?  I've missed posting the family birthdays in July and September, so here they are.

My nieces, Madeleine (affectionately known as Madge) and her sister Guadalupe aka Pita turned 4 and 2 respectively.  They also got the nice birthday gift of a baby brother, also born in July. Welcome Caleb Jr!
My mom also had a birthday at the end of July.  She was away in our hometown of St. Louis at the time, so we had a little celebration when she got back.

On the other side of the globe, my niece and goddaughter, Lili turned 4!

In September, my sister, Kate celebrated her birthday! She is so far away in Australia.  Her son, Nicholas, turned 6.  I can't believe he's in first grade already.  What the heck?! 

Kate looking stylishly 1940s at a party.  Nick ready for a school spirit race day.

Wrapping up the September birthdays are my father-in-law, Jim, and our nephew Daniel who turned the big 7!  We had a family birthday dinner last night to celebrate the birthday boys.  I could not ask for a better father-in-law.

                                 Dad C on a recent backpacking trip.

                               Daniel on the ferry headed to Orcas Island.

                                Happy (belated) birthdays to everyone!

Home again, home again, jiggiddy, jig

We got back from Montana last night about 9pm.  A couple of stops, two very compliant 2 year olds and 600+ miles later, our little family was back home.  There are lots of great photos (wish I could post some of the kids out in the huge field) and we had such a nice time with family, just reading, talking, fishing, playing games and cooking together.

Cherub and Thumbelina had a wonderful time and finally got to meet Aunt Ellen and Uncle Kurt who made the cabin arrangements.  The kids got so much play time and attention from Mere Mere and Pere Pere (John's parents) and their favorite, Aunty Miriam, as well as Kurt's wonderful parents.  At least for the time they are with us, they have a big family who loves them dearly.

Now, I need to finish my coffee and get things unpacked and cleaned up before work tomorrow.

A Good Conversation

Yesterday, the kids had a visit with their mom.  Since the whole 'accusation' and CPS situation, I have wanted to keep my conversation with their mom brief, to the point and only talk about the kids.  However, yesterday, when the social worker who supervises the visits left, their mom, whom I'll call Shayla, and I talked for nearly 35 minutes.

Mostly, we talked about the kids and how they are doing, and she talked to them while they were buckled in their car seats. Shayla told me that she never made an accusation against us, and when she saw that it was recorded in court documents that she did, she was shocked and upset.  I don't know if I really believe that, but it's water under the bridge at this point.

We touched on their alleged father and what may happen with him as far as visitation goes.  She was more at ease about the kids going with us on vacation and asked if they needed anything for the trip.  Again she thanked us for taking care of them and that she could see they were doing well. Shayla actually gave me a hug and wished me a nice vacation.

We will call her while we're away so that she can talk to the kids and get an update from us.  She'll give me a disposable camera to take pictures of the twins.  She mentioned something about her needing to grow up, and I thought, "Well, we're all working on something."  Maybe I'll tell her that next time.  Like my mom said recently, "But for the grace of God go I."

Good Explanation

I haven't posted anything on RC for a while.  I read this explanation of what "consecrated virgin" is according to Canon 604.  How women are 'consecrated' in Regnum Christi is different and can be misleading when RC and LC explain what they define as 'consecrated life.' 

As always, I'm open to discussion about this topic.  I think some members have not wanted to even bring up the subject with me, but that seems to just continue the confusion and lack of transparency, and that's not healthy.

My prayers go up for those young women 'consecrated' in RC--that they'll be protected.

7 Quick Takes

Happy Friday!
1.) The kids had their first visit to the dentist yesterday.  They did great, although Thumbelina cried and screamed while she was in the chair.  No cavities and all looked good!

2.)  Their mom said she was grateful that the kids are with us because she knows "they could be with weirdos." She said this after she told me that she would not fight the court motion happening on Monday for the kids to go on vacation with us.  Please pray that we'll have a safe trip and that their mom will not be so terribly worried that her kids are going on a long road trip out of state. 

3.) John is almost finished with his first clinical. Wow! He'll have the month of September off which means that the house will be clean and the yard will once again look good.

4.) My company picnic is today, and that means a half day of work. It is being held at a coworker's amazing gorgeous home on the water.  That's the nice thing about working for a small company--we can all fit at her incredible home, and I can play with her boxer, "Skeeter."  Really, you should see this house and the yard.  It is on a bay of Puget Sound and a few minutes from work. So nice....

5.) We'll plan out the road trip to Montana over the weekend, I'll get lists together.  I'm a list person. Thank goodness for the many tips on websites about roadtrips with 2 year olds. St. Christopher, pray for us!

6.) Thumbelina is up 3 or 4 pounds since she came to us 8 weeks ago! Maybe I won't be able to call her Thumbelina anymore. :)  She is seriously a monkey--climbing up me and flipping over.  Running and jumping and being crazy and hilarious.  She is not the same child she was 2 months ago that I had to keep pulling out from under the table as she stared into space and sucked her fingers.

7.) Cherub had a "phenomenal" week at daycare according to his teachers.  He's talking so much more, signing "please" and putting himself down for his nap at school.  These children make me want to be a better person. 

Prayer Buddy

For the last six weeks, I have been praying for Joy Beyond the Cross.  Since coming across her blog a couple of months ago, I have been impressed by her insights into suffering and joy in light of the Cross.  Even though I don't post about infertility much, if at all, I have experienced or am experiencing what these good bloggers are going through.  So, it is not only comforting to read her blog, but it inspires and motivates me to continue the journey.

It was an honor to pray for you, JBTC! God bless you.

Busy Thursday

Several things are running through my mind, but I can't devote a whole post to each one right now.  We have 2 foster care meetings today: one this morning about services for the kids.  The second one is about questions the mom had.  All of our incident reports from the day care coincide with what the mother questions, so things will be fine.  However, I let the social workers know that my conversation with the mother will be minimal and to the point.  The social worker told me that unfortunately, this happens sometimes because the parents feel like nothing is in their control and this is their way of having control. 

In other news, John is finishing up his second week of his first clinical assignment.  He's doing great and learning a lot.  I am so proud of him and the great work he's doing with the patients.  I am also grateful that I can take advantage of getting PT help from him. Last week, he put together a fitness program for me.

To my prayer buddy--I'm offering up tonight's CPS meeting for your intentions! Even though the social worker told me that it will be easy and painless, I'll still be a bit nervous, so this is for you! :)

On an unrelated note--do any of you have a favorite tradition to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption? Please comment if you do!

On a note related to the Assumption, Cherub likes to touch our eyes, nose, mouth and ears and hair and say the names of them.  When we were in the back yard last week, I saw him climb up to the statue of Our Lady.  He started gently touching her eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hair. Then he went back to playing.  I wish I had the camera. It was so sweet and cute.  Surely, his heavenly mother is pleased with this little boy.

Sheep Meadow

This is the dress I chose. Thanks, John, for your help in choosing!

I Won!!!!

I won a Shabby Apple dress in Betty Beguiles give away!!!   Today brought some foster care news that was unexpected and unwelcome, so this bright spot in the day is most appreciated.

Check out Ms. Beguile's blog as well as Shabby Apple.  Still need to figure out what dress I'll pick.

Woo-hooooo!!!!!!!!!!

The bathroom

The bathroom is finally finished (minus hanging the vintage Hawaiian postcards).  I will post photos this week of the transformation.  As far as redecorating goes, it's not a huge project, but it did take us (John) more time to do it because of lack of time and buying things when we had cash.  That being said, it was worth the wait!

Dear Little Man,

I dreamed about you.  Somewhere between the tossings of early morning sleep and the alarm clock, you were back in my life again.  It was one of those dreams where everything and nothing made sense.  We were moving into an old friend's house for some reason.   As I drove onto her backyard grass, our car started sliding ever so slowly down the gentle slope of her yard and the brakes didn’t work. I pressed on the brakes to try to stop, but it was out of my control to get the car to stop moving--just as your leaving was out of my control.  With a soft thud, we came to a stop and got out.

 

You and I were cleaning up the back yard, and you were talking a lot and using sentences!  The big brown eyes were looking around the yard as you gave your opinion about various things.  I held you on my lap and felt that straight, short black head of hair against my face and breathed deeply in it, taking in the scent of little boy and baby shampoo. Too soon, the dream ended when I awoke with a start and realized that I had overslept.

 

Thoughts of you permeated my day, and I often wonder how you are back in your young mom's home country---a place you've never been to.  We worry about you and speak of you often.  We know that you won't remember us, but we hope that somehow you will know that you are loved by so many people, especially us. 

 

Que Dios te bendiga, amor, y que suenas con los angeles.

Love,

Mommy

Nuggle?

Most nights I give the twins their bath.  One of the bath time traditions we have is "Snuggle."  When I take Thumbelina out of the tub, I dry her off and wrap her up into the delicious burrito that she is, scoop her up and squeeze her and rock her saying, "Snuggle, snuggle, snuggle!!" She loves it and laughs her gruff laugh.  Then, we all march off to their room to get dressed.  They look like mini-naked royalty with towel capes.

A few nights ago, at some random part of the evening, Thumbelina came up to me and said in her little voice, "Nuggle?"  I was busy doing who knows what, but her question made me stop and pick her up to squeeze her and kiss her.  There will be a time coming soon when she and Cherub will not be in the house for me to scoop up.

So, tonight and each night, we'll get our nuggle on.

Quick Update

Not much going on here except work, school and getting ready for John's month long clinical rotation which is very near my office. I'm looking forward to a lunch date here and there.  We thought we'd be able to commute together, but he has to start work earlier and leave later, so no dice.

We had a lovely Sunday dinner at our place with John's parents and sister.  They are the best of people and so nice to sit and talk with. John's mom teaches NFP at our parish and recently attended an NFP conference in Marquette, WI.  She also got to spend time with her daughter and son-in-law in Madison.

On Saturday, we took the twins and three of the nephews to Emerald Downs to see the horse races and weiner dog races.  The dog races made standing in the heat with 5 kids worth it, as they were hilarious! The dogs had to run 100 feet and were cheered and coaxed at the finish line by their owners who madly squeaked rubber chickens and such trying to get them to cross.  A couple of dogs didn't get the memo that it was a competition and instead did the doggy meet and greet that is butt-sniffing.  The crowd roared seeing these tiny in body but big in spirit dogs run as fast as their stubby legs could carry them. It was really nice to spend time with our nephews for the day (their other two siblings were camping), since we don't get to see them much due to work/school, etc.

The twins are doing well despite getting sick AGAIN.  It's a cold-ish thing plus some runs, but they are eating and sleeping well and seem to be on the mend.  John and I are trying to stay healthy, especially John since he cannot be sick at his internship.  Here's to health! 

Cherub is making gains and surprised me when he both signed and said: "Cookie? More? Eat?" I wanted to give him a cookie just for verbalizing everything.  Thumbelina is getting some help building up her strength and coordination from Daddy John.  He makes a game of having her step up and over the little red footstool.  Speaking of footstools, if you haven't seen the footstool scene in "Waiting for Guffman," you're missing out.  She's getting better and stronger.  Most times, it's her stubborness that holds her back if she thinks something is going to be difficult.  She's learning that we can wait out her tantrums, and that she'll still have to do the task we asked her to do.  She's a trooper, though, and such a fun personality.

I have been thinking about my prayer buddy and wondering how she's doing.  I'm off to check on her blog.

Have a great week!

You and Me

A couple of weeks ago, I was driving over the bridge connecting one side of our city to the other. It was a perfect weather day here—sun, no clouds, no humidity, breezy and 75, Mount Rainier on the left, the Olympics on the right, windows open, kids in the car seats watching the water and birds go by.

“You and Me” was playing on the radio. I hadn’t listened to the lyrics before, but now I heard and loved it. This is the song for John and me these days. Things have been a bit overwhelming and very busy with John's classes, my job, and the kids' various foster care appointments, but with God’s help, we’re doin’ the damn thing.

So, enjoy the song and maybe play it thinking of your sweetheart when you feel down or overwhelmed.

You and me together, we can do anything, baby. You and me together, yeah, yeah.

Baby Cal and the Big Sissies

Here are the big sisters and their new little bro! More photos are here.

Novena to St. Anne

Thank you to TCIE for reminding me to start the Novena to St. Anne. I am late in starting! :(  I have it on my calendar at home, but promptly forgot over the weekend.  This novena will be offered for my Prayer Buddy's intentions, in thanksgiving for the safe arrival of my new nephew, and for some things I've been worried and thinking about a lot.

Please join me in praying and asking Jesus' grandma to help us all.

Novena To St. Anne

Welcome, Baby Caleb!

This morning at 9:33am EDT, Caleb, Jr. arrived! He is 6 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 inches long.  He's the third child and first son of my sister Mary and her husband, Caleb.  We're so happy you got here safely and can't wait to meet you. God bless you, Little Mister.

Bryce Daniel

A friend had this posted on her Facebook page, and I watched it tonight.  Beautiful, amazing, will make you cry with joy.  Please watch.

In Defense of Daycare

I never thought I'd be writing a post about defending daycare. That was before I was dealing with the reality that I cannot be a stay at home for another couple of years.  Before, I was very judgmental about putting children in daycare for any reason.  Too much listening to Dr. Laura, perhaps. But that naivete has passed. 

While I still think that two parents working to maintain a certain lifestyle and putting their kids in daycare is not good, I see that child care is necessary for some parents, John and I being some of them.
John is in school full time for the next two years (He is nearing the end of his first year).  That means someone has to earn a living to pay the mortgage, bills, etc.  That's me. 

However, we did not want to put off being foster parents for another three years. Kids need homes now.  The children who are currently in our home attend day care full time very near my office.  For many kids in foster care, the structure and social time with teachers and other children is necessary and a very important aspect in their development.  That is the case with the kids with us. 

The ladies at the daycare are godsends, because they care deeply for these children and have been instrumental in their healing and growth and development.  Because of what they do, it allows me to do what I do and need to do: be a foster mom and work full time to take care of our family. 

Not everyone can stay home with their kids. I will when we are able to, but in the mean time, the children we foster are in a safe, happy and stable world--something they didn't have before.

There are no perfect families, no matter how perfect some seem on the outside.  We're striving for perfection. 

7 Quick Takes

I haven't done these before, but I need to do a summary of things going on here.
1.) We've had the children for 17 days now.  Cherub ran a fever on Tuesday, so he couldn't go back to daycare on Wednesday, which meant I couldn't go to work.  However, we had a nice day at home and the kids visited with their mom.  She gave me their car seats, lots of diapers, some clothes and shoes, and toys to use.

2.) I joined the summer Prayer Buddy list.  You can read about it here. I am inspired by these ladies whose blogs I read daily and learn from, identify with, and laugh with via cyberspace. Thank you to my prayer buddy.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated!!!  I had planned to do a Holy Hour for my prayer buddy while the kids were at visitation, but got called by the social worker about 10 minutes in.  So, I had to leave, but I did get to do 10 holy minutes for my summer prayer friend. 

3.) Miracle of miracles--it is HOT here! As 50 Cent says, "It's gettin' hot in hurrr so take off..." Well, nevermind what he says.  The kids went in the sprinkler yesterday and the house stayed cool till about 6pm, thanks to our attic fan.  It has been a godsend during the summer, since most homes here do not have AC.

4.)  Cherub and Thumbelina are blossoming.  We're seeing such progress, especially in Thumbelina.  She's gaining weight, chatting up a storm, is hilarious, eating a lot, and getting tons of veggies in, although she doesn't realize it.  I bought a Juicer at Good Will for $8 and have been juicing her greens.  She gulps them down and gets mad when I don't bring her sippy cup to her fast enough.  Cherub was singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and doing the hand motions as well.  He will need additional help, because a lot of the time he's in his own little world, but my gosh, he's doing well. 

5.) We spent Independence Day weekend around home and had a bbq at both John's parents' house and my parents' house on Sat/Sunday.  They have been wonderful at stepping in as grandparents to the kids and have helped us out immensely.

6.) On June 26, John, our friend, Jason and I ran the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  It was Jason's first one, John's second and my third--it was also my slowest time.  But, I had two bum feet and was hobbling after crossing the finish line.  We've all agreed to do a few a year so that we'll stay in running form. John had an awesome time--1:45.  I hope to break 2 hours at the next one, but that wasn't in the cards this time around.  Because we needed to be on the road to Seattle at 3:30am, John's mom (God love her) was at our house at 3am.  His dad and sister also came over to help watch the kids and gave up most of their Saturday to do so.  John's dad also fixed the light over the oven and repaired some blinds. After the 1/2 mary, John and I got to meet Meb Keflezighi, perseverance personified. He was so nice and took time to speak to everyone in line.  We hadn't ever planned to do a full marathon, but Meb suggested that we run one at least once in our lifetime.  So, now we say, "Well, Meb said we should."

7.) John has a few more weeks of school in his fourth quarter and first year of PT school and then an internship all of August.  Best part of this news is that his assignment is down the road from my office! We all can commute to work, internship and daycare together! And John and I can meet for lunch.  This is such a treat, because he's usually in Seattle all day everyday.  August will be nice. :)

Happy 4th birthday, Lili Girl!!

My niece, Lili Pea, is 4 on the 4th! She is way over in Australia and celebrated her birthday with family and friends.  She is a doll and a tomboy wrapped in one cute package. I remember getting the call from her mom, Kate, and telling me that a Yankee Doodle baby had arrived.  A week or so later, I was flying to Australia to meet you.

 I love you so much, Liliana, and wish we could be there to celebrate with you and give you big hugs and kisses.  Aunty Lou and Uncle Third send our love and prayers for a wonderful year and life for you.

Happy birthday, Peach!!

Today my niece, Pita, (aka Peach, birthname Guadalupe) is 2 years old! Even though you're on the other side of the country, you are in my heart and thoughts, little girl. You are such a fun, goofy, sweet kiddo and I love how you march to the beat of your own drum. And now you're a big sister to your little brother who is arriving in a couple of weeks!

We hope that you have a wonderful new year of life and know that you are loved beyond measure.

Aunty Lou and Uncle Third love you bundles and bundles! (and we're sorry that you're gift is late!) :)

All's Well in J-Town

A whole week has gone by since the kiddies have been with us. Since then, we’ve seen some changes and improvements in them. Cherub is making a lot more eye contact with us and sometimes responds to his name. Thumbelina is getting around on her own, sometimes with a fuss, but she’s doing great. She has also gained 10 ounces. This is a girl who would only eat crunchy things like graham crackers. Now she will eat eggs, sundried tomatoes, and protein drinks with fresh fruit. Both kids are sleeping well at night.



It will be a slow process of growth and development for them, and we’re very hopeful that they’ll make great strides once they’re assessed and get services. We were told that Thumbelina didn’t like men, but she seems to be a daddy’s girl with John. She really responds to him, and he seems pretty smitten with her. Cherub always has a pleasant expression on his face and is a gorgeous child. He will have nothing to do with being fed with a fork, but that will come later. He eats really well and loves fruit. Thumbelina has blond hair, blue eyes and makes the funniest expressions. When I put her wispy hair into a little elastic on the top of her head, she looks like Cindy Lou Who.



In an hour or so, I’ll go pick them up from their visit with mom. We met her on Friday and things went well. Please pray for her and the kids.

News

We've had some additions to our home.  On Friday, we agreed to have twins placed with us. On Saturday and Sunday, we got the house ready for them.  We needed another crib, which our friends Jason and Erin graciously loaned us.  I bought a double stroller on Craigslist and we also got some furniture sold on it as well.  On Monday, I picked up the twins, got child care arranged for Wednesday, and spent Monday and Tuesday with them at home, getting them used to us and settled in.  Jill, our doggy and first baby, has been great and just rolling with it.  She's very good with kids and greeted us at the door today with her 'happy growl' and a matchbox car in her mouth as a welcome home gift.


The little girl is very tiny for 2, so I'll call her Thumbelina.  The little boy has beautiful long curly hair and the face of a Renaissance child in a painting.  He's Cherub.  Please pray for them, that they will feel safe and loved and get the help that they need.  Please also pray for their mom, that she will get things together and see that her children need some intervention and help.  I may meet her on Friday at visitation.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Lili Pea

Recently, my nearly four year old niece, Lili, was diagnosed with Epilepsy.  After a few scary seizures, trips to doctors who said nothing was wrong with her, my sister Kate and her husband Matt were able to get in to see a great neurologist who confirmed what Matt and Kate suspected.

This was Kate's update for us:

Just wanted to update you all on the review we had today with Lili's Neurologist. Going from what we've told her and Lili's EEG, she seems to think Lili's epilepsy is Panayiotopoulous Syndrome.


http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/panayio.html
She will change her diagnosis if the MRI shows a structural lesion, but at the moment she is confident with her diagnosis. Because Lili's EEG showed extreme activity in the occipital and parietal lobes, her diagnosis is still of the Idiopathic Benign Genetic childhood epilepsy. Lili will be on Eplim (sodium valproate) till she is re-evaluated and /or outgrows epilepsy, which can happen around the age of 13. We also are in the Epilepsy research study, and Matt and I had to get blood drawn today to give our DNA for the study. Anyway, as the professor said, if her child was going to have epilepsy then she would choose this one for her child since they can outgrow it and the outcome is good, so that is great news. Thank you for all your prayers. Lili has lots to say about her "fessor"as she calls her. :)
 
 

Now, I love all of my nieces and nephews a lot, but when one is my godchild, they are just that much more special.  Almost 4 years ago, I got to be in Australia shortly after Lili was born and be there for her baptism.  So, little Lili Pea has a special place in Aunty Lou's heart, and I know that God will protect and lead her and her her parents through this. 

Still Crazy After All These Years

Today marks 10 years since John asked me to marry him. A decade! That warm DC summer night is one of my favorite memories, and as the years go by, it becomes better and more cherished.  We have no photos of that afternoon and evening.  At first, I was a little sad that we didn't have any  Now, though, I don't mind since we talk about it, and the night will stay in our memories along with the scents, the dinner, the words, the Yes, the love, until our time here on earth fades.

This is the dinner that John made for me that night.  I had no idea of what was to come later in the evening at the back of the Lincoln Memorial.

Ten years later, we're a little (ok, a lot) older, a little wiser and very much in love with each other and our lives together.

Shabby Apple

For anyone who loves pretty dresses and finds it difficult to locate pretty AND modest dresses that drip with style, check out Shabby Apple.  They have a new line out called Skyscraper.  It is hard not to drool over these dresses....and the shoes that the models wear.  I really like this one. I really like all of them.

I promised myself that if I keep up my exercise and healthy eating and get through the 1/2 marathon, I can get a pair of Mary Jane high heels--green, preferrably. Or maybe a pair of beige heels.

It's funny how things get done (running wise) when I have the motivation of a new pair of shoes (TJ Maxx, here I come.).  My rule is  that when I buy a new pair, I have to get rid of a pair in my closet.  I know just which ones, too.  There will be lots of shopping in my closet this summer--wearing cute summer clothes (hence, lots of running and weights so that I actually CAN wear them) that I haven't worn in a couple of years, and having a dress shortened so that it doesn't scream 1998, but rather classy chic and always in style.

Foster Family Picnic

A couple of weeks ago, we attended a foster family picnic sponsored by CCS. It was held at a beautiful park about 50 miles away from our house.  We are the only family in our area who is licensed through CCS, so we have a long drive to meetings, pick ups, etc.

We got to see Little Man briefly, as his foster family and mom were there.  We sat and talked for a while with his foster mom who related more things that bio mom has been through.  She's really suffered so much in her 18 years.  I am glad that we heard these things, because it gave perspective to my indignation, idealism and naivete, which I guess is normal for a new foster parent. 

On a fun note, they had door prizes and I won two of them:  a gift card to Cold Stone Creamers (we used it when we got back home) and 5 yoga classes! I'm really looking forward to the classes.  Before anyone does a "tsk, tsk" that I'm taking yoga classes, check out this devout Catholic (I know her) who teaches yoga.

Over Father's Day weekend, we'll have Little Man with us.  Should be fun.

Birth Stories

Over the last few months, I've read with interest several women's birth stories.  Many of them came from Design Mom, who had her 6th child in May.  Readers sent in their birth stories, and one was posted each day.  As someone who has never given birth, I read all of them with great interest, noting that each story was unique but so linked with the others because they all brought forth a baby one way or another.  Some involved epidurals; some were natural; one was about adoption; one was a water birth.  Some women were vocal, some were not. Some women lost their tempers, which I found extremely refreshing to hear.  I mean, like someone said on an episode of 'Friends." "Have you ever pushed a pot roast out your nostril??!!"

My brother-in-law posted on his family's blog my sister's opinion and experience on being vocal during her births.  She finds that it takes too much energy for her. They are expecting their third child and first son in July. :)  Other friends of mine have found it so helpful and energizing--they've called out instructions to those assisting her during labor, prayed out loud, called on the Lord during a painful contraction, etc. (Side note: when I heard one of my friends say that she called out, "Oh Goooooodddd!!!!" in a loud prayer, it made me think of Jesus on the cross calling out to His Father.) My other sister had two C-sections and endured painful recoveries.

I think all women who have given birth would agree that it really is to each her own. What works for one is fine for her, but another woman can be completely different.    Again, as someone who has not given birth, I see the need for realizing that one size does not fit all.  I find neither being vocal or being silent during a birth more heroic than the other. Getting an epidural when needed does not make a mother any less strong. 

Each story is beautiful, painful, sacrificial, monumental---it's a love story.

Every Child Is Wanted

I came across this short video a while ago.  Please pass along to friends and/or family who think abortion is a legitimate choice for unwanted pregnancies and 'products of rape.'  Every child is wanted by someone.

Ryan Scott Bomberger's story is inspiring and life-affirming.

It makes me happy and hopeful to be involved in foster care and adoption.

Spring Flowers

Here are some flowers from the yards.  I wish I had taken photos of all of the rhodies.  We have 7 in both the back and front yards.  Washington is the "Rhody State." They are beautiful flowers and the bushes can grow quite large.  Come visit us to see them at their peak!

St. Jude

Today I am beginning a novena for Little Man to St. Jude, Patron of Desperate and Hopeless Cases.  Feel free to join me in this novena, or if you have any special intentions feel free to post them in the comment section or email them to me.

Hope you all have a good Friday!

Obituary for Anson Martin

Anson Martin's obituary can be found here.  God bless him and his family. I hope to go to the public viewing on my lunch break on Friday.

Hump Day

Last week we got news of a possible placement. It was an emergency request for a home for a 9 month old baby girl.  After not hearing anything all weekend, I finally found out that they had found a home for her in California.  So, we'll wait.  We're at the top of the list for the little kids, though.

This Saturday is the foster parent picnic which we will attend.  It will be nice to meet some of the other foster parents whom I've seen at meetings.  Don't know if Little Man will be there because his foster mom has a cold.

In other news, we're back to working on our bathroom.  This project was started last year, and time and money (or lackthereof) stalled us.  I never did post the 'after' photos.  We just painted the walls white till we saved up for the rest of the project.

The 'remodeling' will include new flooring, paint, wainscoting, sink, toilet seat, shelving, lighting, decor, and towels.  Thanks to our tax return, we can get this done. Actually, we have things priced out so that it will not be expensive at all, and we will pay cash. The bathroom will look completely different and hopefully, lovely.

Anson Martin

A young husband and father by the name of Anson Martin passed away on Memorial Day, yesterday.  He had valiantly and courageously fought Stage IV colon cancer for a year and beat the survival odds given to him by his doctors. 

Anson was a soldier who served in Iraq.  The fact that he went to be with the Father on Memorial Day has such a deep meaning.

Please pray for his wife Laurie and their three young children.  His funeral will be held next week in Port Orchard, WA.

Rest in peace.

Vaya con Dios

Little Man and I will drive to meet his mother and foster mother for the transistion this afternoon.  I'm glad to have a good relationship with his first foster mom.  When I told her to forgive me when I cried, because I know that I will, she understood. She has been through this before. 

There are unknowns about his future back in his mother's home country and the knowns leave me little hope. But he is in His hands.  The words that are in my mind today are these:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?


Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?


Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.


 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?


So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'


All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Please pray for us and especially for Little Man and his mother.

Nervous

We'll find out today what the longterm plan is for Little Man. Your prayers are appreciated. Would you also pray for a baby we got a call about? Don't know if she'll stay with us or if we'll have mom and Little Man with us. Who knows.

Someone I know has a sign in her kitchen that says, "God bless my whatever." That 'whatever' is my mantra nowadays. :)

Wild Wednesday

Nothing much new here with the Misters and me and Jilly. Although, John is learning massage in his modalities class, and I am selflessly helping him get some practice time in. His teacher was a massage therapist for 14 years before becoming a PT. In fact, two of John's classmates were massage therapists. They learned some Swedish massage techniques, so last night, my sore legs got some much kneaded (yuk, yuk, get it?) help. The night before I had done some heavy weight lifting for my hamstrings and quads, so the massage helped a lot.

Wednesdays are busy for me because I leave work early to drive to Tacoma to pick up Little Man from his visit. Besides falling behind on the house, I do not have dinner planned. Thankfully, the dinner fairy (aka my mom/Mimi to Little Man) is bringing us Papa Murphy's tonight!

John has a patient evalulation today, so this is a busy/stressful day for him. It is really cool to hear him talk about what he's learning and how he interacts with the patients. I'm so proud of him.

My goal tonight (after meeting up with two friends at this great coffee place) is to get both bathrooms cleaned and lunches made. Accomplishing little goals has become a goal in itself.