7 Quick Takes-Late Edition

1. G-Force left on April 4.  I took him to the CCS office that day.  I cried, kissed him goodbye, and drove home. Or was it back to work? I don't remember.  Since then, things have been ok.  We turned his room into the twins' play room.  I've been in contact a little bit with his mother, but we haven't gotten together yet.

2. The twins turned 4 on April 12!  They had a very fun birthday party with family and friends: PaPa (Mimi was working), Mere Mere, Pere Pere, and Aunt Miriam , Mr. Jason and Miss Erin and their kids, Angelica, Emma, Michaela and Brendan, and our neighbors, Miss Joyce and Mr. Bill.  These kids are so loved, and we thank those family and friends who acknowledged them on their birthday.

3. After 2 years (part time school, part time work) of pre-requisites for grad school, 3 years of graduate school in the Physical Therapy at U Dub, John will be graduating next weekend!!!!  He has worked so very hard these last years to accomplish his much planned out dream and on June 8 will officially be D.PT.  He'll take the boards on July 31 (please pray he passes. I know he will).  On August 13, he'll start his new job where 5 years  ago he worked part time as an aid.

4.  We're going to Maui!!!  This will be the first time we've ever left the twins for days.  Since they came to us, they've never gone to respite care.  We couldn't bear sending them to strangers for a weekend.  Thankfully, we have an awesome family who will care for them and jumped through the hoops to be able to have them stay.  Our parents have done background checks, fingerprints, CPR/First Aid classes, TB tests, and had their driving records sent to CCS.  It will be AWESOME to be able to relax in paradise for a week to reconnect, swim, snorkel, hike, relax and have one or three Tropical Itches.

5.  We go to court regarding the twins' case on August 6.  Your fervent prayers are very needed.  This court date may be extended to August 20, but in any event, it will decide if custody is restored to their mother.  They've been in foster care for 2 years as of June 10.  We fear for their safety and future should they go back to their mother.  Please, please pray.

6.  My sister, her husband and children (a fourth is due October 17) are visiting in August!  We cannot wait to see them!!! They moved to Brazil last September, and they'll be in the States for a family wedding and to visit.  We're planning fun activities but also down time to spend together.  The twins are really excited to finally meet their cousins that they've spoken to on the phone and seen in pictures. I think for them, it will be like meeting Prince William and Kate!

7.  John and I decided to get pretty healthy and eat Paleo.  It hasn't been hard at all.  Actually, it's been rather liberating, as I know exactly what to eat.  It's good stuff, too, and I feel a lot better. The only obstacle has been myself and not working out as I need to.  Since I heart lifting weights, it should be a fun and very challenging journey.  I will be posting some of the recipes we've been using on the Three Sisters blog.

PS-The kids went to a Family Appreciation Day hosted by their dental office. It was awesome! Here is a photo of Thumbelina on her pony "Sunny."

Happy Easter and Lenten Prayer Buddy Reveal

Happy Easter! Alleluia!!  We had a beautiful Easter Sunday with the twins and spent the evening at John's parents' home.  The photo below was taken on Holy Saturday.  The book is "The Easter Story" and is told from the perspective of the little donkey who carried Jesus into Jerusalem and then follows Him through the Passion and Death.  When our Lord is taken down from the cross, the little donkey carries Him to the tomb.  Beautiful artwork and a beautiful story. 

This Lent, I was honored to pray for Polkadot over at Making God Laugh. Holy Week this year was more poignant with G-Force leaving, and being able to offer up any and all suffering for my Prayer Buddy was wonderful and so helpful.  God bless you, Polkadot!

7 Quick Takes

1.) Yesterday, I went to a HUGE consigment sale. If I'd prepared better, I would have been one of the many consigners there, but I'll plan to do that at the October sale.  It's called "Just Between Friends."  After spending about two hours there, I left with tons of spring/summer clothes and shoes for the twins as well as summer clothes for my nieces living in Brazil. They, their little brother and my sister and brother-in-law will visit in August.

2.) On my way back home from the sale, our car broke down.  I got stuck in traffic on the west side of town.  A nice young auto student appeared seemingly out of nowhere right after I hung up with AAA.  The van broke down down the street from the community college auto school, and he said it could be the battery or alternator.  He got it to turn over, and I barely made it to our mechanic just across the bridge.  The whole time I was begging, "Please, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, don't let me break down on the bridge."  As I was nearing the auto shop, the wipers stopped, the lights turned off, and I couldn't really see where the driveway was.  Good news is that the car will be fixed today, and we have an emergency fund to cover the cost.  Grateful!!!

3.) Tonight, a group of moms is coming to our home to discuss the first two chapters of "Th 10 Habits of Happy Mothers."  Before the car broke down, I planned to clean in the afternoon, and make pumpkin muffins.  Instead, I didn't get home till 6:30pm with the twins, and realized too late that I was out of flour.  So, the scone mix from a care package that John's sister and brother-in-law sent us, came to the rescue!

4.) John started his last rotation for PT school. Each morning he takes the 4:50am ferry over to Seattle.  He'll work some weekends, but will have a few days off at a time.  This and his case study presentation are the last hurdles!!

5.) John and I will spend Tuesday with G-Force before he leaves our home on Wednesday for good. It will be strange to have that empty bedroom and still see the crib and the handmade cowboy curtains in the window.  We'll keep the space open for him the next few months in case he needs to come back into care.  In the meantime, it will become the twins' playroom, and the all the toys can go in there.  We had his second birthday party last Sunday and his CASA and first foster family came.  It was wonderful to see them!

6.)  We're planning a vacation to Maui in June after John graduates.  Eating well and exercise are getting me excited to go and enjoy a new swimsuit.  Can't wait for John to have a break.

7.)  My parents-in-law, for the record, are wonderful. John's mom picked me up so I could get our other car and race up to daycare to get the twins.  John's dad picked him up at 4:30am this morning to get him to the ferry so that we wouldn't have to put the kids in the car at that hour for me to take him. 

First Post by the Last Sister

Several months ago, my two sisters and I thought it would be fun to start a blog together that combined the 3 Fs: Faith, Family and Food.  My middle sister lives in Australia, and the youngest sister lives in Brazil.  She got the blog going with her first post here.    She has inspired me to get going on a post as well.

Enjoy!

A Lot

Much time has passed since I did an actual post about our goings on.  In a nutshell, we had an interesting Thanksgiving because all three kids got Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (it's not very serious, but very contagious).  Christmas was lovely for all of us with lots of celebrating and firsts. 

The biggest and saddest news for us now is that G-Force will be leaving us.  He is being returned to his mother. It's something that many involved in the case are mixed about, but under the law, that's what has to be done.  We are grateful to have had him with us for over 7 months.  If my Lenten Prayer Buddy reads this, would you please pray for him and his mom? We would appreciate a prayer as well.  This is something I hope to write more about later when the emotions are not so raw.

Wordless Wednesday

Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach

New Blog Coming!

Good morning! Bom Dia! G'day!

I'm very excited about a new fun project in the works with my sisters, Mary and Katie.  We are starting a blog about food, family and faith...oh, and about being on 3 different continents.


We hope to be up and running soon and look forward to your feedback and sharing our recipes and our lives across North America, South America and Australia!

Advice from Adoptive Parents

Dear Adoptive Parents out there in Blog-Land:

What can you tell me about the Adoption Home Study?

Many thanks,
J

Time with Emily

Last weekend, my dear friend Emily, came to visit. She and I were roommates for 2 years in college along with two other friends, and Em was a bridesmaid in our wedding. She is one of the smartest, loveliest people I know, and having her to myself for a weekend meant the world to me. The kids loved her as well, and Em read many books to them and played with them. Cherub brought book after book out of his room, and she read every book deposited on her lap. She held G-Force at Mass for me and he happily slept on her shoulder.

The beautiful, sunny and 70s weather gave Emily a break from the triple digit temps of Kansas City, and her presence gave me a boost of joy and good conversation. Dang, she’s a thinker, and I’ve not kept up my brain. She made me want to get more learnin’ and read more!

Thumbelina, Em and I took the ferry to Seattle and enjoyed lunch and a trip to Pike Place Market. That evening, John made salmon on the grill and the three of us ate outside and enjoyed the sunlight til about 9:30pm when we lit candles and talked while sipping Riesling.

Sunday night, John and I took her to our favorite local restaurant on the water. Funny how I’d been daydreaming for months about taking her there, and it was so much fun to share the time with her.

Good friends truly are treasures, and I am so happy to know beautiful Emily.

Lots

So much going on here, and I'm hoping to get a post up tonight or tomorrow. G-Force moved in on Saturday and started daycare on Monday.  The teachers love him as he is so happy and easygoing.  I felt bad that he had to be in daycare, but I trust the ladies there, and right now, while John is in school, I have to work.  The twins have been so good with the little guy, and Thumbelina is such a little mother to him.  She got him laughing very hard yesterday when she would sniff his hand and exclaim, "Pee-UUUUU!!!" Cherub has been trying to teach him the signs for 'more,' 'eat,' and 'please,' since G-Force doesn't use words yet.  So cute.

Thumbelina no longer calls me 'mommy.' I'm "Mom" now.  "Um, hey Mom? Um, I need my white flip flops." "Um, hey Mom? Look what I drew! It's a dinosaur foot." "Did you HEAR dat, Mom?! It's a airpwane!"

Cherub and I spent the morning together yesterday since he had to stay home from school.  It was really nice to have him with me and get to take him to my office when I picked up some work.  People who had not seen him for a long time were amazed at the changes in him.  We're really proud of the twins and what amazing and fun little people they have become...especially that they are nearly potty trained!

We're expecting

a fifteen month old boy!

The opportunity to possibly foster to adopt a little boy came to us when the twins’ caseworker told us about him one day when we were at a court hearing.  His foster care case is possibly coming to an end, and his foster family (wonderful people) have decided that due to their age and the fact that they have three young adopted children who need a lot of attention, they cannot adopt G.  John and I met G and his foster siblings and parents at a park midway between our homes.  At once I was struck by their love for their children and the great care they take of G.  John and G’s foster father are about the same height and both have good senses of humor.  The foster parents’ children (9, 8 and 4) were very nice and adored G as much as he adored them.  This is very bittersweet for his foster family, especially “R” his foster mother, who had tears in her eyes when they arrived at the park, and when we were leaving.  She did, however, feel really good about where G is going, and saw that G liked us and was very comfortable. John was playing with and holding G about 2/3 of the time, and they seemed like old friends. 

The funny part:  His birth name begins with “J” but his birth mom wants him to be called by his third name which begins with “G” but sounds like “J.”  G’s caseworkers name also starts with “J” and is the same name as the twins’ caseworker! So, 2 more J names in the mix.  This is what I get for hating name patterns! 

To prepare for our new arrival, we are required to have an amended foster license.  Currently, we are licensed for two children.  The home office has been moved to the family room, which is now the media/family room. John and his dad painted G’s room and John’s mom and sister brought dinner and bought material we picked out to make curtains!  

For the last two weeks, we’ve talked to the twins about Baby G coming to visit and then coming to stay with us.  Every night, they pray, “God bwess Baby G.” 

He is not legally free for adoption yet, but we will be considered his permanent home when he is, and we will find out how this will go at the end of October at a hearing.  As this is foster care, anything can and does happen. Your prayers are appreciated not only for us and G –Force, but for his foster parents and siblings who have raised him since he was 4 days old.  R & R, the foster parents, will have broken hearts for a good while. 

We have received so much help and support from our families, especially our parents and John’s sister Miriam who have watched the kids for us, brought dinner, painted, made curtains, and countless other things.  In our case, and I think in most families, it does take a (family) village.

Announcement coming...

Stay tuned for Friday night or Saturday morning. Prayers please. :) Thanks in advance!

So What?

So what if I didn't get everything done on the list I made today at work?
So what if the twins went to bed an hour later if it meant taking Cherub in the jogging stroller for some QT with him and a family (foster though it may be) dinner with John and the twins, and they enjoyed a beautiful WA spring evening in the backyard with Jill while John grilled?
So what if I'm going to bed later than I planned if it meant watching "The Office" with John?

What matters is that we had a lovely evening with happy twins. Let the madness of their case swirl around us.  Their lives will be peaceful and happy.

"To love is to burn - to be on fire"

Tonight, I'm sitting at the kitchen table on John's mac and enjoying a glass of red wine while thinking about the events of the day.  John has just left with a gradeschool/highschool friend to see "Thor." Um, no thank you.  :)

We got the kids up 15 minutes early so that they could have breakfast before we got ready for their all day visit with their father.  Their daycare was closed today for a training session, so I asked both the caseworker and their father that if at all possible, could the visit be today since I had to be at work and child care was closed.  Both agreed.

Wouldn't you know it that 30 minutes before I drove 40 minutes to take the bubs to the ferry, I picked up my phone.  On it was a text from bio-dad from 4:25 am saying that his boss had a medical emergency and he was at the ER with him. "We may have to change plans."  I admit that I saw red.

He canceled last Friday because it was raining and he had planned all outdoor things. (The children may not go to his place until the caseworker approves it.)  So, he asked if Saturday would work.  Yes, that would be great. I could go to work to make up some time and get the house cleaned for the Mother's Day brunch we were hosting. Wouldn't you know that he called 20 minutes before the kids and I left for the ferry that his public transit card was empty because DSHS hadn't reloaded it.  This being the case, it cut too much into his visit budget to have the kids that day.


So, I should not have been surprised that a boss (whose health problems are bad) takes precedence over this birth father's own children.  Thank God for my mom (Mimi to her grand kids) and staying with them so that I could get to work.  The dad said he didn't remember my email saying that today the kids' daycare was closed because he had a 'busy week.'  Join the club, dude.


John and I were talking about the children's parents tonight. They love their children, but not like a parent should. It reminded us of that scene in "Sense and Sensibility" where Eleanor is comforting Marianne when Willoughby leaves her for a woman of fortune.  She tells her, "Whatever his past actions, whatever his present course... at least you may be certain that he loved you."  Marianne replies, "But not enough. Not enough."

March Madness

Lest March pass with no post, here are a few things going on in our lives.

1.)   John had a week and a half off between quarters.  That means that the kitchen is clean, weeding has started and the kids get to play “Daddy Monster” with him when we get home from work and school.  He has gotten them ready in the morning for me as well which has been such a big help.  Oh, and he makes me a coffee in a travel mug. I will miss this when he goes back to his school schedule.

2.) Each morning and evening, I put ‘lotion’ on the kids’ cheeks and lips. It’s Vaseline, but they call it wo-shun.  And they tell me where to apply it:  “And on my foah-head? And on the cheek? And on duh uddah cheek? And on my wip?”  This morning, Thumbelina added one, “And on  my boogers?” 

3.) On March 14, we had a permanency plan hearing for the twins.  Along with the caseworkers and the parents’ lawyers,  the kids’ teacher and the director of the center they attend were there.  It was really nice of them to go.  The judge went along with the DSHS plan of ‘return to parent’ in this case the father.  We, along with one of the case workers, have concerns and worries about him being a good choice, but we’ll see. We just don’t want the case be rushed and the kids given to him and then he does something stupid. Prayers, please.

4.) The twins will turn 3 next month! We’re having a little family party, and we’ll take treats to child care and playgroup.  They finish their therapeutic playgroup the week they turn three.  Seeing the progress they’ve made has been amazing.  I really wish I’d videotaped them when they first came to us.  What a difference!  They are so much fun, so funny and drive us crazy at the same time. But we would not trade any of it if it meant never having met them.  Thumbelina has been saying “My Mommy!! My Mommy!” whenever she wants me to hold her or she thinks I’m leaving.  Cherub has been saying, “My two Daddies!” since he has John and bio-dad.  If reminds me of the line, “Rhapsody has two mommies…” from Best in Show.
 

5.) For the first time in 9 months (since the twins arrived), we have been working on the yard again.  The weekend was gorgeous, so we got a lot of weeding done, and I bought some more spring flowers.  The kids picked out a primrose each. Thumbelina chose a red one with a yellow center, and Cherub picked a purply-blue one.  I think it would be nice to plant a primrose for each child who comes to our home.  They are hardy little flowers who bloom under less than ideal circumstances.

6.) We had a surprise visit from the kids’ case worker who lives one street over from us.  She had gotten a phone message from us that Cherub had bonked his nose earlier in the day, so she stopped by to see how he was doing.  The CW has a female pit bull who is very laid back and friendly.  Well, the CW was out walking her when she stopped by the house.  The dog poked her head in the house and we invited the CW in.  Thank God Jill was in the back yard! That could have been an ugly confrontation.  Both dogs are very friendly, but if Jill would have seen a strange dog in her home I think it would not have been good at all.  Long story short, the house was clean, the kitchen spotless (thanks to John) and the kids were happy and getting PJs on.  Nothing like a drop in from a CW to make you thank your lucky stars that the CW saw happy children and a pleasant home.

7.) The twins may be leaving us within 6 months or earlier depending on how things go with their father’s progress.  Most days I don’t want to think about that and just focus on the present.  But we must prepare them and ourselves for it.  We are trying to establish a good relationship with the father as well, and hope that if the kids do go to him that he would allow us to be in their lives in some way.   This Lent is a good time to take a step back and reflect on all of this.  Hope you all are having a good Lent!

A Tale of Two Cities and Two Sacraments

Our family has been blessed to have celebrated two sacraments within a week of each other. First was Zelie who is the newest member of our family and is now a member of the family of God.  She was baptized at her new home parish on January 30! John was able to be present as her godfather.   From the photos I’ve seen it looked like such a happy and peaceful event.  I’ve been showing the twins the photos from that weekend, and every time I point to the baby, they say, “Bay-bee SAY-lee!”  She looked so sweet and beautiful in her baptismal gown, quietly sleeping as her happy parents, friends and relatives gazed down upon the little girl who has brought such joy to us all since we learned of her existence and the possibility of her joining our family.  God bless you, Zelie Yvonne.

                          Newly baptized Zelie with Mommy and Daddy.

            Zelie with Uncle Jeff, Uncle John, Mommy and Daddy (Missing are Aunt Miriam and Uncle Joe)

         Pere Pere (pronounced "Pay Pay") with his youngest granddaughter.

                        Mere Mere (pronounced "May May")

A week or so later, John’s sister, Miriam (Confirmation name Gianna) was confirmed at our beautiful parish by Bishop Eusebio Elizondo along with several other teenagers and a few adults.  Her sister Ellen, was her sponsor, but due to her new status as mom of a newborn in another state,  I honored to be Miriam’s proxy sponsor.  Miriam’s mom stood in for me at the baptism since I was home with the twins.  The family that proxies together….

Standing behind Miriam and seeing the young woman she has become made it difficult for me not to tear up. Where have the years gone?? She is a lovely, responsible, talented, fun person much beloved by her nieces and nephews, especially by two of them who melted down an hour and fifteen minutes into the confirmation Mass. Thank you, Mere Mere and Pere Pere for helping Daddy so much with the kids!

"Gianna" and the Confirmati.  She is on the far left standing next to our pastor.

                              "Gianna" (middle) and friends.

Our family now has a baby Catholic and a fully adult Catholic.  God is good.

All Done with M.aybe Days

This morning as we were getting ready for the day, from the bathroom I spied Thumbelina in her room.  She was picking up a book and sitting down on the red toy box (of John's childhood) which is now their shoe box.  She was dressed in her little purple skirt, off white tights and brown boots with the flowers on them.  As she maneuvered herself to sit down on the red box, she picked up a book and said, "I read "M.aybe Days."

This is a book written for children in foster care.  Our twinks are only 2.5, and don't understand the gist of the book.  They enjoy the pictures and being read to.  But the book is geared toward school age kids whose questions  to their foster parents are often answered with "Maybe."

-Will I go back to my parents?
-Maybe.
-Will I stay with my foster parents?
-Maybe.


However, John and I find ourselves using the word "maybe" in our own conversations with each other.  
Maybe if the kids are still with us in March, we can get their 3 year portraits done."  
Maybe if they are with us in April, we can have their birthday party.
Maybe if we can adopt them, we should move.

So many maybes. All of these thoughts passed through my head as I finished cleaning up the bathroom and focused on the day about to start.  In my heart, I don't want their parents to fail, but also in my heart, I don't want our dearests to leave.

Then I heard Thumbelina say out loud to herself as she stood up, "All done with M.aybe Days."

Baby Girl, we are, too.

Oh Happy Day!

E & K's baby was born this morning! They are on their way to the baby's birth state right now. Please pray for their safe arrival, and please join me in giving thanks for the baby's safe arrival.  Birth mom and baby are doing well.  Little girl, we can't wait to see your beautiful face.

Precious one,

So small,

So sweet

Dancing in

on angel feet

Straight from Heaven's 

brightest star

What a miracle

you are!

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. :)

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.