I'm grabbing a few minutes to myself to blog and write down what's going on around here.
I re-read my last entry and found myself shaking my head. I feel like I am a pretty good judge of character, but sometimes even *I* find myself shaking my head at my complete lack of judgment. That 'job' down there? Yeah, it didn't quite work out. Seems I was mislead - A LOT - about the position, the state of the company, the opportunity, and the staff. Sometimes a hot mess is just that, and you need to walk away from the smoldering ashes.
My kids came back from Arizona where they had a blast with their grandparents. Our good friends Scott and Jason came to visit us and we enjoyed spending the weekend with them. After that, Chris's brother Eric and his wife Misty came to visit for a few days. And Monday, my kids went back to school. Which means mommy has been waking up, making lunches, and getting them out the door.
I've actually been very busy, taking care of errands and small little projects that need to be done but could be put off while the kids were home.
Jordan is getting quite the reality check with her new junior high schedule. She changes classes, has an elective, and a locker. Wyatt loves his new teacher. So much so, that his math has VASTLY improved, over the less than stellar teacher he had last year. He WANTS to go to school, and she's amazing with him. It's wonderful what happens when you have a teacher that cares, and doesn't just constantly complain about having 27 students in her class.
And I'm back in the hunt for gainful, SANE employment. We'll see what happens.
This weekend is the last long weekend we get until October. So we decided to take the kids to California and head to Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor! We surprised them with it last night and they're very excited. Chris and I want our children to have the best possible childhood we can give them. Memories are way more important to us than things. We don't buy our children a lot of things, but we do a lot to make memories. We started behind the eight-ball with a very skeptical and cautious 9 (now 11) year old girl, and a shy and reserved 7 (almost 9) year old boy. They've since come to understand that this is their family, and we are it, like it or not. So while we missed some of their very formative years, we've been blessed in that we can do these things where we take trips and make memories. Our most recent proof of the love our children have for our travel bug was when Jordan told us, in no uncertain terms, that she wanted to go to the family reunion in October. We're most certainly going to try and make that happen.
So that's what's happening here in the Den. It's a lot, and keeping up with it has been daunting. So if you've called me, or emailed me, and I haven't responded, I apologize. It's been a bit crazy.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Friday, August 03, 2012
It's WAY too quiet around here...
I've been throwing out my resume here and there and not really expecting any rapid responses, considering the state of the unemployment rate. However, Wednesday I received a phone call and two hours after speaking with the recruiter, I was sitting in a conference room with the CEO of the company. The company is a large-format printer manufacturing company based in Shanghai, and the CEO is a woman. Which in and of itself is amazing, but when you consider that she is a woman in Shanghai, with a successful company that is about to go IPO in China, that's incredible, and admirable.
During the interview, we hit it off quite well. It was a little challenging with the language (although her English is great, there's still that accent and the differentiation in inflection that can sometimes throw you off), but I think I did well. And then it hit me. She just offered me the job. Right here, at the interview. Holy crap! I let her know I had to talk with my husband. She asked me to call her that night. I explained that I had a lot of upcoming commitments and she had no problem with that, or with the fact that I have two children I need to take care of.
Wednesday night we flew the kids to Arizona to drop them off with Memaw and Papaw, and turned around and flew back home in the space of about 4 hours. We fly for free, and it was cheaper than paying the UM fee.
Yesterday morning, while sitting and drinking my coffee and doing various things around the house, it almost caught me off guard as I thought, 'Gee, my kids are sleeping in really....oh. Whoops!' Yep, it had momentarily slipped my mind that they are in Arizona. We've had them home since December of 2010 and in that time, we haven't had any extended time together alone, without them, since then. Let me rephrase - Chris and I haven't had any alone adult time outside of a dinner date or two since December of 2010, or roughly 20 months. That's not to say we are resentful, or angry about our choice. This was our choice, and we embrace it gladly. It's just that the reality of not having to make lunches, or fix snacks, or approve television shows, or do laundry, or clean up messes, or referee fights, or listen to tweenage drama, or talk about disgusting boy things really hit me yesterday.
My Wyatt is a talker. He will talk from the time he wakes up until that noggin of his hits the pillow at night. He will talk about anything. He will give you a play-by-play of what just happened 2.7 seconds ago, even if it was YOU who was doing it. He will be in the middle of a conversation with you and then suddenly switch lanes and be off on another tangent. I've gotten used to it, staying home with them over the past ten months, but my poor husband has not. And Wyatt LOVES his daddy. So when he has daddy's undivided (or even sometimes divided) attention, he's off!! Chris will sometimes look at me and I just laugh. Welcome to my world, buddy!!
So to sit in an empty house, with just the sounds of the pool filter and the air conditioners running, is weird. I'm grateful that my kids have this opportunity to spend some time with Memaw and Papaw. I'm grateful that they are active and willing participants in my children's lives. I'm grateful that they love them, and always have, without hesitation, since the day we learned we were bringing them home. Adoption is not only tough on parents, who most certainly struggle with 'what if I don't love them like I would my own biological children', but it can be equally hard on grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even existing siblings. I have to say that our families have shown nothing but love for my kids, and for that I'm thankful.
Oh, and that job offer up there? I accepted and signed the official offer yesterday. My carefree days as an unemployed SAHM are over. Another thing I am grateful for is children who are old enough to come home after school and hang out for an hour and a half. And that we live in a neighborhood full of children that my kids have already met and started playing with. And the bus system. That's a plus as well!
Staying home with them over the last ten months was great, but it's time for this mama to go back to work. I'm not going to get into the debate of the SAHM vs. the WOHM, because quite honestly, it's not worth it. Everyone does what is best for their families. I did what was best for my family in California, and now I'm doing what is best for our family in Nevada.
Now if I could just convince my in-laws to move up here...
During the interview, we hit it off quite well. It was a little challenging with the language (although her English is great, there's still that accent and the differentiation in inflection that can sometimes throw you off), but I think I did well. And then it hit me. She just offered me the job. Right here, at the interview. Holy crap! I let her know I had to talk with my husband. She asked me to call her that night. I explained that I had a lot of upcoming commitments and she had no problem with that, or with the fact that I have two children I need to take care of.
Wednesday night we flew the kids to Arizona to drop them off with Memaw and Papaw, and turned around and flew back home in the space of about 4 hours. We fly for free, and it was cheaper than paying the UM fee.
Yesterday morning, while sitting and drinking my coffee and doing various things around the house, it almost caught me off guard as I thought, 'Gee, my kids are sleeping in really....oh. Whoops!' Yep, it had momentarily slipped my mind that they are in Arizona. We've had them home since December of 2010 and in that time, we haven't had any extended time together alone, without them, since then. Let me rephrase - Chris and I haven't had any alone adult time outside of a dinner date or two since December of 2010, or roughly 20 months. That's not to say we are resentful, or angry about our choice. This was our choice, and we embrace it gladly. It's just that the reality of not having to make lunches, or fix snacks, or approve television shows, or do laundry, or clean up messes, or referee fights, or listen to tweenage drama, or talk about disgusting boy things really hit me yesterday.
My Wyatt is a talker. He will talk from the time he wakes up until that noggin of his hits the pillow at night. He will talk about anything. He will give you a play-by-play of what just happened 2.7 seconds ago, even if it was YOU who was doing it. He will be in the middle of a conversation with you and then suddenly switch lanes and be off on another tangent. I've gotten used to it, staying home with them over the past ten months, but my poor husband has not. And Wyatt LOVES his daddy. So when he has daddy's undivided (or even sometimes divided) attention, he's off!! Chris will sometimes look at me and I just laugh. Welcome to my world, buddy!!
So to sit in an empty house, with just the sounds of the pool filter and the air conditioners running, is weird. I'm grateful that my kids have this opportunity to spend some time with Memaw and Papaw. I'm grateful that they are active and willing participants in my children's lives. I'm grateful that they love them, and always have, without hesitation, since the day we learned we were bringing them home. Adoption is not only tough on parents, who most certainly struggle with 'what if I don't love them like I would my own biological children', but it can be equally hard on grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even existing siblings. I have to say that our families have shown nothing but love for my kids, and for that I'm thankful.
Oh, and that job offer up there? I accepted and signed the official offer yesterday. My carefree days as an unemployed SAHM are over. Another thing I am grateful for is children who are old enough to come home after school and hang out for an hour and a half. And that we live in a neighborhood full of children that my kids have already met and started playing with. And the bus system. That's a plus as well!
Staying home with them over the last ten months was great, but it's time for this mama to go back to work. I'm not going to get into the debate of the SAHM vs. the WOHM, because quite honestly, it's not worth it. Everyone does what is best for their families. I did what was best for my family in California, and now I'm doing what is best for our family in Nevada.
Now if I could just convince my in-laws to move up here...
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sometimes, it's awkward.
I took the kids to the dentist today, to get a checkup so that it's something I won't have to worry about for a while after we move. This is only their second time at this dentist, and only their third appointment since they came home. Their medical records before this are a bit spotty (e.g. there is no record of their last dental appointment before we brought them home), and so I really don't have anything historical.
Their hygienist came out and asked me when Jordan's last panoramic x-rays were. I told her I wasn't sure. She looked at me a bit puzzled and, as if trying to nudge my memory, said 'they usually take them at around age 8.' Here's where it gets a bit awkward.
She was two months shy of 10 when she came home. Also, I don't just offer up that they are adopted to everyone I meet. It's their story, and I usually let them lead the way on whether or not they are ok with me sharing, especially if they are standing right there.
This time, however, I had to let the hygienist know that she was adopted, and she didn't come home until she was 9, and her previous dental visits were not consistent. She was very understanding, at least her face didn't reveal any sort of surprise or shock, which I was extremely grateful for.
I sat back after she left and thought to myself, a little bitterly I will admit, that it must be nice for other parents not to have to explain that. Not to have to explain that I'm not a bad parent who doesn't know what her medical history is, it's just that I don't have it.
I ran into this recently with Jordan and her softball team. A lot of the parents were shocked that this was her first year playing. Many times I was asked 'how come she didn't play before this?' Thankfully, Jordan was ok with me explaining that they were adopted. Once that explanation was made, it was no big deal.
It makes me wonder, though - how many times have I overheard a conversation and silently judged a parent for not knowing their child's medical history? Or judged because they may sidestep a question about that child's past? How many times have I assumed bad parenting, and in all reality, it may have been a situation such as ours? How many times have you?
Everyday I learn something. Everyday I am shown mercy and grace. I try very hard to show that mercy and grace back. And days like today make me realize I still have some growing to do.
Their hygienist came out and asked me when Jordan's last panoramic x-rays were. I told her I wasn't sure. She looked at me a bit puzzled and, as if trying to nudge my memory, said 'they usually take them at around age 8.' Here's where it gets a bit awkward.
She was two months shy of 10 when she came home. Also, I don't just offer up that they are adopted to everyone I meet. It's their story, and I usually let them lead the way on whether or not they are ok with me sharing, especially if they are standing right there.
This time, however, I had to let the hygienist know that she was adopted, and she didn't come home until she was 9, and her previous dental visits were not consistent. She was very understanding, at least her face didn't reveal any sort of surprise or shock, which I was extremely grateful for.
I sat back after she left and thought to myself, a little bitterly I will admit, that it must be nice for other parents not to have to explain that. Not to have to explain that I'm not a bad parent who doesn't know what her medical history is, it's just that I don't have it.
I ran into this recently with Jordan and her softball team. A lot of the parents were shocked that this was her first year playing. Many times I was asked 'how come she didn't play before this?' Thankfully, Jordan was ok with me explaining that they were adopted. Once that explanation was made, it was no big deal.
It makes me wonder, though - how many times have I overheard a conversation and silently judged a parent for not knowing their child's medical history? Or judged because they may sidestep a question about that child's past? How many times have I assumed bad parenting, and in all reality, it may have been a situation such as ours? How many times have you?
Everyday I learn something. Everyday I am shown mercy and grace. I try very hard to show that mercy and grace back. And days like today make me realize I still have some growing to do.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26...Almost Spring Break!
Wow!! I can't believe that the first quarter of 2012 is almost over. I also can't believe how much I've 'neglected' this blog. One would think that being a SAHM leaves me tons of time to blog, but sadly, no.
So...what's happened since my last bloggity.
I have a daughter who likes to brag about her mom playing softball in high school and college, and that landed me a free guilt trip to help coach her softball team. So I'm doing that.
I signed up to volunteer at the school for an hour two days a week during the lunch period. I handle Wyatt's lunch period on Mondays and Jordan's on Thursdays. The jury is still out on which group is harder work - 2nd or 5th graders.
Wyatt is super busy with soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are about to begin and those will be on Sundays. Jordan has had a couple of games but some have been rained out.
In addition, I've gotten back on the health wagon. I've been alternating between running 1.5 miles, doing the elliptical for 4 miles, biking for 6 miles, and Zumba! I've also been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories, fat, etc., and my cardio. I'm not doing too bad!
My eldest son turns 18 in 15 days. I'm refusing to deal with that right now, and putting it in a little corner. I'm not going to be able to do that for long, seeing as it's happening in 15 days, though. He also graduates high school in 58 days. And then can I breathe a sigh of relief? He's had a lot of support in getting to where he is today, and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. He amazes me in his quiet gentleness, his thoughtful wisdom, and his sense of humor.
We're leaving Thursday evening to go to AZ for a little Spring Break visit. I'm excited to see our good friends - and they are all excited we're coming for a little visit. I wish we could stay longer, but we're saving our vacation funds for a little visit to Puerto Vallarta we have planned the first week of July.
And as I now look at the clock, it's 2:35, and I need to go pick up my children from school. I will then rush home, get them through homework, get them changed, get one to soccer practice at 4, drop the other at softball at 4:30. Wyatt has soccer practice until 5:30 and then Jordan has a game at 5:30. Looks like snack shack hot dogs for dinner! Cheap, but tasty.
How's your world?
So...what's happened since my last bloggity.
I have a daughter who likes to brag about her mom playing softball in high school and college, and that landed me a free guilt trip to help coach her softball team. So I'm doing that.
I signed up to volunteer at the school for an hour two days a week during the lunch period. I handle Wyatt's lunch period on Mondays and Jordan's on Thursdays. The jury is still out on which group is harder work - 2nd or 5th graders.
Wyatt is super busy with soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are about to begin and those will be on Sundays. Jordan has had a couple of games but some have been rained out.
In addition, I've gotten back on the health wagon. I've been alternating between running 1.5 miles, doing the elliptical for 4 miles, biking for 6 miles, and Zumba! I've also been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories, fat, etc., and my cardio. I'm not doing too bad!
My eldest son turns 18 in 15 days. I'm refusing to deal with that right now, and putting it in a little corner. I'm not going to be able to do that for long, seeing as it's happening in 15 days, though. He also graduates high school in 58 days. And then can I breathe a sigh of relief? He's had a lot of support in getting to where he is today, and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. He amazes me in his quiet gentleness, his thoughtful wisdom, and his sense of humor.
We're leaving Thursday evening to go to AZ for a little Spring Break visit. I'm excited to see our good friends - and they are all excited we're coming for a little visit. I wish we could stay longer, but we're saving our vacation funds for a little visit to Puerto Vallarta we have planned the first week of July.
And as I now look at the clock, it's 2:35, and I need to go pick up my children from school. I will then rush home, get them through homework, get them changed, get one to soccer practice at 4, drop the other at softball at 4:30. Wyatt has soccer practice until 5:30 and then Jordan has a game at 5:30. Looks like snack shack hot dogs for dinner! Cheap, but tasty.
How's your world?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Reality Check Please!
We've been focusing a lot on little man lately. He's been going through some stuff and we've been getting some testing and help and so on... and throughout it all, I've checked in with my daughter to make sure she doesn't feel like she's being forgotten or pushed aside.
She assures us she doesn't feel that way, that she's fine. And I'm relatively assured that she is. Still, I can't help but feel guilty that there's so much energy being directed at one child.
It seems that, thankfully, our little man is finally getting to that light at the end of the tunnel. I've been able to take a breath and turn our focus a bit more to my daughter.
And just when I feel I've reached the tippy-top of my guilt, I get an email from her teacher that says this:
She assures us she doesn't feel that way, that she's fine. And I'm relatively assured that she is. Still, I can't help but feel guilty that there's so much energy being directed at one child.
It seems that, thankfully, our little man is finally getting to that light at the end of the tunnel. I've been able to take a breath and turn our focus a bit more to my daughter.
And just when I feel I've reached the tippy-top of my guilt, I get an email from her teacher that says this:
I wanted to let you know how wonderful Jordan is doing and what a great person she is. She knows how to have fun while still staying focused on the work. Always positive, always energetic; helping everyone. I've never seen a hint of discouragement from her. She constantly sets a great example for her classmates, because everyone loves her and falls in line with her focus on the assignment. Please have her cloned as soon as you can. Nice work!
There are times in a parent's life when your heart swells and you feel such pride at something that you had NO IDEA you were even doing. The immense pressure and guilt I've put on myself feeling like I've been pushing my daughter off in an effort to deal with the load I've had with my little one has been notably self-inflicted. Why are we so hard on ourselves as parents? Why are we so self-flagellating, questioning and scolding ourselves when we don't feel like we have made the right choices? I try very hard to be a laid-back parent, letting my kids navigate their way through choices and being there as a gently guiding hand.
And when I get to see the positive fruits of my labor, it makes my day.
Be assured, parents. You're doing a good job.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Top 10 Pros of Adopting Older Children
Sometimes something will happen in the course of our normal day together that will immediately cause Chris and I to look at each other and simultaneously blurt out 'pro!'.
When we do this, it can be during a meal at a restaurant when our kids are sitting properly and engaging and one table over is a family of spider monkeys hopped up on mountain dew. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging, I'm thankful. It's at that very moment when I think to myself 'thankful!'.
Or when we're traveling and our kids are keeping up while we expertly navigate the airport with our perfectly packed roller bags and get caught behind a family with two toddlers with a double stroller and all the accoutrements.
So with that background in mind, I (TIC) bring you the Top 10 Pros of Adopting Older Children. Here we go:
10: There is no need to wonder if you've packed enough diapers/wipes/snacks for the 3 minute drive to Target.
9: When trying to determine where to go for dinner, the restaurant that rhymes with 'Yucky Sneezes' never, ever gets a mention.
8: A trip to the zoo does not take 4 hours of prep work, three bottles, 6 bags of snacks, and a stroller.
7: Daycare costs are minimal if at all.
6: Guess who cleans their own room?
5: Four words: sleeping through the night.
4: The willingness to let mommy sleep in sometimes while they read or play quietly in their room.
3: Although not always properly, they always dress themselves.
2: I never fear turning my back and suddenly finding a ten pound bag of flour spread hither and yon across my living room.
And the number 1 pro of adopting older children? The absolute joy we all have in knowing we're a forever family.
Ok so that last one could be for all adoptive families.
When we do this, it can be during a meal at a restaurant when our kids are sitting properly and engaging and one table over is a family of spider monkeys hopped up on mountain dew. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging, I'm thankful. It's at that very moment when I think to myself 'thankful!'.
Or when we're traveling and our kids are keeping up while we expertly navigate the airport with our perfectly packed roller bags and get caught behind a family with two toddlers with a double stroller and all the accoutrements.
So with that background in mind, I (TIC) bring you the Top 10 Pros of Adopting Older Children. Here we go:
10: There is no need to wonder if you've packed enough diapers/wipes/snacks for the 3 minute drive to Target.
9: When trying to determine where to go for dinner, the restaurant that rhymes with 'Yucky Sneezes' never, ever gets a mention.
8: A trip to the zoo does not take 4 hours of prep work, three bottles, 6 bags of snacks, and a stroller.
7: Daycare costs are minimal if at all.
6: Guess who cleans their own room?
5: Four words: sleeping through the night.
4: The willingness to let mommy sleep in sometimes while they read or play quietly in their room.
3: Although not always properly, they always dress themselves.
2: I never fear turning my back and suddenly finding a ten pound bag of flour spread hither and yon across my living room.
And the number 1 pro of adopting older children? The absolute joy we all have in knowing we're a forever family.
Ok so that last one could be for all adoptive families.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
From my family to you and yours. Enjoy your day and may 2012 bring you the joys and blessings you so richly desire and deserve.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
I've Been Stalking
Our adoption agency, All God's Children International, put out a call on Facebook a few months ago to share your blog with others who had gone through or are going through adoption. I threw my blog address in there and promptly forgot about it with all the hecticness (is that a word? It's red underlined, so I'm going to say no) of us getting the house ready for sale, Chris commuting, and the move.
I routinely peruse any new followers I have, and link back to their blogs to read them and see what they are about. I love reading other adoptive mom's writing. I love immersing myself in their feelings and thoughts while they are going through what we are going through. I love getting those moments where I realize I am nodding my head and agreeing with everything they are saying. I want to reach out to them, tell them that the other side is so close, and that when they are standing where I am standing, it will all be SO incredibly worth it.
And then I feel like a stalker. Thoughts race through my head, letting in self-doubt, and insecurity. What if they think I am crazy? What if they don't like me? It's my junior high insecure self popping up and whispering in my ear and I need to give her a stern look and tell her to take stock of everything that's happened. I want to tell her to look at my beautiful children: one by birth and two by adoption, and let her decide if my insecurity has a place in this world. Let her decide if my passion for domestic adoption - especially of older children in the foster care system - is insecurity. And I am not surprised when she sits down and shuts the hell up.
I'm a 'tell it like it is' girl. Sometimes it's gotten me in trouble; other times, it's lost me friends. More often than not, I've been told it's refreshing because my friends always know where they stand with me. In the grand scheme of things, I won't change who I am. I would rather slap you with honesty than kiss you with a lie. I believe a large part of who I am comes from having to be honest. Honest with myself, and honest with others. And I won't change that now. And I won't apologize for it.
And here I stand, one year and four days after learning that I would, indeed, be a mother again. On November 23rd of 2010, we received a phone call that changed our world forever. I couldn't have been more happy for that phone call and yet honestly, at the time it scared the crap out of me.
On the other side, looking back, I can smile at how far we've come. And I just want to reach out and share that with everyone who's blogs I am now stalking who are going through the same process.
Is that weird?
I routinely peruse any new followers I have, and link back to their blogs to read them and see what they are about. I love reading other adoptive mom's writing. I love immersing myself in their feelings and thoughts while they are going through what we are going through. I love getting those moments where I realize I am nodding my head and agreeing with everything they are saying. I want to reach out to them, tell them that the other side is so close, and that when they are standing where I am standing, it will all be SO incredibly worth it.
And then I feel like a stalker. Thoughts race through my head, letting in self-doubt, and insecurity. What if they think I am crazy? What if they don't like me? It's my junior high insecure self popping up and whispering in my ear and I need to give her a stern look and tell her to take stock of everything that's happened. I want to tell her to look at my beautiful children: one by birth and two by adoption, and let her decide if my insecurity has a place in this world. Let her decide if my passion for domestic adoption - especially of older children in the foster care system - is insecurity. And I am not surprised when she sits down and shuts the hell up.
I'm a 'tell it like it is' girl. Sometimes it's gotten me in trouble; other times, it's lost me friends. More often than not, I've been told it's refreshing because my friends always know where they stand with me. In the grand scheme of things, I won't change who I am. I would rather slap you with honesty than kiss you with a lie. I believe a large part of who I am comes from having to be honest. Honest with myself, and honest with others. And I won't change that now. And I won't apologize for it.
And here I stand, one year and four days after learning that I would, indeed, be a mother again. On November 23rd of 2010, we received a phone call that changed our world forever. I couldn't have been more happy for that phone call and yet honestly, at the time it scared the crap out of me.
On the other side, looking back, I can smile at how far we've come. And I just want to reach out and share that with everyone who's blogs I am now stalking who are going through the same process.
Is that weird?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Time keeps on slippin.....
I can't believe it's November 23rd already!
I also can't believe how busy I am being a temporary SAHM. I told my husband the other day that I needed to get a job, because I'm way busier now than I was when I went to work every day, which to me is unexplainable. He laughed. I think secretly he would like me to stay home. The house is clean, laundry is done, errands are run, kids are taken care of, and dinner is on the table most nights when he gets home. (Sometimes he pushes me out of the kitchen, because he likes to cook as well).
This morning after I took the kids to school, I ran to Starbucks for a Caramel Brulee latte (YUM) and then off to the grocery store. What. A. Nightmare. I'm just thankful that I was able to get out of there in under an hour. Came home, straightened up the house, did a few chores, got laundry done, made a few phone calls, and sat down for a minute and remembered I hadn't posted here in quite some time.
Things are going very well for us here in Northern California. We all love it: the weather is mild, the people are genuine, and the community we live in is amazing.
Wyatt is settling in with his Tae Kwon Do classes. Master Herb Perez, who owns the gym he attends, is the only American to ever bring home a gold medal in TKD from the Olympics! He's a Gold Medal Olympian. It's very inspiring. He's also a no-nonsense guy who commands - and receives - respect from his students. The other teachers are also very good. It's a fun environment, and I like the philosophy that they have of partnering with parents to help teach life skills.
Jordan is registered for Spring softball and can't wait! She's made a couple of close friends, and they are good girls from good families. She's enjoying school; her teacher is amazing.
Today my kids are being filmed to be featured in a video for our adoption agency. The video will focus on the need for families that are willing to adopt older children. So many stigmas exist that older children are a 'lost cause', when in fact they want what any child wants: a good, nurturing, loving home. Our children have acclimated wonderfully, and I like to think that it is because they have an amazing support system. They have grandparents that love them to pieces, aunts and uncles and cousins who all made them feel so welcome when we took them to Alton to introduce them. They have an older brother who thinks that they are awesome. And they have parents who love them fiercely, and who keep them in line.
This is not to say that every day in our house is puppies and rainbows. Oh no. Sometimes I joke that I wouldn't trade them for the world, but would sell them for a dollar. There are trials, and there are moments. At the end of the day, however, I look at those faces, and I know that they love us as much as we love them. I hear it in their prayers to God, I see it in their responses to us, and I feel it in the death-grip hugs and face-smooshing kisses that we receive.
Last night Wyatt said grace, and his prayer to God was 'thank you for my family, I love my family'.
Melt my heart why don't ya?? Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!
I also can't believe how busy I am being a temporary SAHM. I told my husband the other day that I needed to get a job, because I'm way busier now than I was when I went to work every day, which to me is unexplainable. He laughed. I think secretly he would like me to stay home. The house is clean, laundry is done, errands are run, kids are taken care of, and dinner is on the table most nights when he gets home. (Sometimes he pushes me out of the kitchen, because he likes to cook as well).
This morning after I took the kids to school, I ran to Starbucks for a Caramel Brulee latte (YUM) and then off to the grocery store. What. A. Nightmare. I'm just thankful that I was able to get out of there in under an hour. Came home, straightened up the house, did a few chores, got laundry done, made a few phone calls, and sat down for a minute and remembered I hadn't posted here in quite some time.
Things are going very well for us here in Northern California. We all love it: the weather is mild, the people are genuine, and the community we live in is amazing.
Wyatt is settling in with his Tae Kwon Do classes. Master Herb Perez, who owns the gym he attends, is the only American to ever bring home a gold medal in TKD from the Olympics! He's a Gold Medal Olympian. It's very inspiring. He's also a no-nonsense guy who commands - and receives - respect from his students. The other teachers are also very good. It's a fun environment, and I like the philosophy that they have of partnering with parents to help teach life skills.
Jordan is registered for Spring softball and can't wait! She's made a couple of close friends, and they are good girls from good families. She's enjoying school; her teacher is amazing.
Today my kids are being filmed to be featured in a video for our adoption agency. The video will focus on the need for families that are willing to adopt older children. So many stigmas exist that older children are a 'lost cause', when in fact they want what any child wants: a good, nurturing, loving home. Our children have acclimated wonderfully, and I like to think that it is because they have an amazing support system. They have grandparents that love them to pieces, aunts and uncles and cousins who all made them feel so welcome when we took them to Alton to introduce them. They have an older brother who thinks that they are awesome. And they have parents who love them fiercely, and who keep them in line.
This is not to say that every day in our house is puppies and rainbows. Oh no. Sometimes I joke that I wouldn't trade them for the world, but would sell them for a dollar. There are trials, and there are moments. At the end of the day, however, I look at those faces, and I know that they love us as much as we love them. I hear it in their prayers to God, I see it in their responses to us, and I feel it in the death-grip hugs and face-smooshing kisses that we receive.
Last night Wyatt said grace, and his prayer to God was 'thank you for my family, I love my family'.
Melt my heart why don't ya?? Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Winding Down
We got the kid's birth certificates in the mail and promptly headed off to City Hall to apply for their passports. They've cashed my check, so hopefully that means the passports are on their way!
In other news - we've decided on a date to move - October 18th! My last day of work will be October 14th. We've recruited and hired someone to replace me and she starts tomorrow. We leave Thursday for the annual family reunion in Illinois and we're all very excited to introduce the kids to the rest of the family! We'll be back late Monday.
We're having a small going away gathering on the 14th, Wyatt's 8th birthday party on the 15th, the packers come on the 17th and they load on the 18th. Once that last box/piece is loaded, we're on the road! We've found a fantastic townhome on the lake in Foster City to rent, and the school system is top-rated. The kids are excited to be finally all together with daddy again.
As is standard with a Type A personality, I have checklists and timelines of things that need to be done before we leave. I sometimes wish I could just hire someone to handle all of this; it seems so daunting at times. But it will get done, no matter what.
Almost home!
In other news - we've decided on a date to move - October 18th! My last day of work will be October 14th. We've recruited and hired someone to replace me and she starts tomorrow. We leave Thursday for the annual family reunion in Illinois and we're all very excited to introduce the kids to the rest of the family! We'll be back late Monday.
We're having a small going away gathering on the 14th, Wyatt's 8th birthday party on the 15th, the packers come on the 17th and they load on the 18th. Once that last box/piece is loaded, we're on the road! We've found a fantastic townhome on the lake in Foster City to rent, and the school system is top-rated. The kids are excited to be finally all together with daddy again.
As is standard with a Type A personality, I have checklists and timelines of things that need to be done before we leave. I sometimes wish I could just hire someone to handle all of this; it seems so daunting at times. But it will get done, no matter what.
Almost home!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Birth Certificates!!
Our birth certificates are finally on their way!! Our attorney emailed me a scanned copy and I'll be honest - they are the most beautiful pieces of paper I've seen since August 12th. ;-)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Oh California. I have missed you.
The Mister and I used to live in San Diego. For 18 glorious months, we basked in the SoCal coast, breathing in the salty crisp morning air, feeling the spray on our faces, laying on the beach getting sand in our..wha? Not really, but sometimes.
Anytime we tell people where we've lived, their eyes just get wider and wider. To recap - Phoenix to San Diego, to Hartford CT, to Phoenix, to Portland and on our way (albeit not soon enough) to San Francisco. Being that the Mister is in the airline industry, we aren't long for staying in one spot. Although, who knows how this will end up? HQ is in Burlingame, and that may very well be his next step.
So we've set our sights on October 18th as our move day. It's quite a relief to have a solid date. I've given notice at work, signed a separation agreement, and started the process of cleaning out and cleaning up. Yesterday I dropped off a large haul at Goodwill. This week sometime I'm hoping to make a large trash run. I want to get some things photographed and on Craigslist, clean out our chest freezer (we aren't taking that with us - it's going to have a new home with some friends of ours), and do another cleanout of the kid's wardrobes.
While I do that here, the Mister is busy running all over the peninsula and east bay looking at housing. It works like this: I scour craigslist, send him links, and he either calls and makes an appointment or does a drive-by. Today he had two to go look at. The first was a solid "NO". I'm hoping the second won't be.
Today also marks what is promised as a cool-down for the PNW. It's been ridiculously hot and humid over the last couple of weeks and quite honestly, I'm over it. As a general rule, the PNW doesn't normally get this hot for this long of a spell, so most homes do not have A/C, ours included. It's been a lot of eating out and finding things to do outside the house and in someone else's A/C (movies, the mall, etc.). That's not really great for the budget, so that will come to a grinding halt today. Thank the Lord.
Wednesday marks my one-month countdown to leaving my job of three years. In all of the moving that the Mister and I have done over the past 7 years, this is the longest job I've held. I'm a bit sad over leaving, and I know that this is simply because I'm comfortable. I've told a few clients about my leaving and they've expressed sadness, but encouragement. That was nice. My boss wrote me a very impressive reference letter, and I've applied to a few jobs in SFO, but I'm not frantic. My main goal is to get through the next month, get my family relocated and situated, and then work on gainful employment.
One thing I have noticed is my anxiety about the change this time is not as high as it usually is. I usually have feelings of 'we can't leave! This is stupid! We're making a mistake!' a lot. This time, it's been there, but not so much at the forefront. I found a quote today, and I posted it on my Facebook, but I will requote it here:
Anytime we tell people where we've lived, their eyes just get wider and wider. To recap - Phoenix to San Diego, to Hartford CT, to Phoenix, to Portland and on our way (albeit not soon enough) to San Francisco. Being that the Mister is in the airline industry, we aren't long for staying in one spot. Although, who knows how this will end up? HQ is in Burlingame, and that may very well be his next step.
So we've set our sights on October 18th as our move day. It's quite a relief to have a solid date. I've given notice at work, signed a separation agreement, and started the process of cleaning out and cleaning up. Yesterday I dropped off a large haul at Goodwill. This week sometime I'm hoping to make a large trash run. I want to get some things photographed and on Craigslist, clean out our chest freezer (we aren't taking that with us - it's going to have a new home with some friends of ours), and do another cleanout of the kid's wardrobes.
While I do that here, the Mister is busy running all over the peninsula and east bay looking at housing. It works like this: I scour craigslist, send him links, and he either calls and makes an appointment or does a drive-by. Today he had two to go look at. The first was a solid "NO". I'm hoping the second won't be.
Today also marks what is promised as a cool-down for the PNW. It's been ridiculously hot and humid over the last couple of weeks and quite honestly, I'm over it. As a general rule, the PNW doesn't normally get this hot for this long of a spell, so most homes do not have A/C, ours included. It's been a lot of eating out and finding things to do outside the house and in someone else's A/C (movies, the mall, etc.). That's not really great for the budget, so that will come to a grinding halt today. Thank the Lord.
Wednesday marks my one-month countdown to leaving my job of three years. In all of the moving that the Mister and I have done over the past 7 years, this is the longest job I've held. I'm a bit sad over leaving, and I know that this is simply because I'm comfortable. I've told a few clients about my leaving and they've expressed sadness, but encouragement. That was nice. My boss wrote me a very impressive reference letter, and I've applied to a few jobs in SFO, but I'm not frantic. My main goal is to get through the next month, get my family relocated and situated, and then work on gainful employment.
One thing I have noticed is my anxiety about the change this time is not as high as it usually is. I usually have feelings of 'we can't leave! This is stupid! We're making a mistake!' a lot. This time, it's been there, but not so much at the forefront. I found a quote today, and I posted it on my Facebook, but I will requote it here:
Friday, September 09, 2011
Back to School: Week 1
My kids went back to school this week. There was much nervousing and gnashing of teeth, but overall, I would say it was successful. Wyatt is learning sign language and Jordan is learning some espanol. I'm pretty proud of both of them.
And also - daddy came home after 12 days of being gone. I know, I have no right to whine when military families do it all the time. 12 days is nothing - and at least I got to talk to him every day. But it was still painful. I can't wait until this commute is OVER. Soon, baby. Soon.
And also - daddy came home after 12 days of being gone. I know, I have no right to whine when military families do it all the time. 12 days is nothing - and at least I got to talk to him every day. But it was still painful. I can't wait until this commute is OVER. Soon, baby. Soon.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Do Not Be Fooled. The Paperwork Still Comes. And about our weekend.
Our Gotcha Day was almost two weeks ago and still, I deal with paperwork. Granted, this is the good stuff - getting the kids new social security cards, getting the new birth certificates, and finally, getting passports!! Have I mentioned that we've already booked our Mexico vacation in December? A combination 40th birthday fiestabration for me and a celebration of our family completion.
We took a short trip to San Francisco last weekend. Drove to Seattle, flew on Virgin to San Francisco on Thursday. Had dinner, took the kids swimming at the hotel, and then out! Friday we did the touristy thing and took the BART to the Embarcadero. Visited Pier 39 and ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Wandered through Fisherman's Wharf. Took a cab to Ghirardelli Square (they don't give tours anymore!). Then a trolley back to the BART and back to the hotel. The kids went swimming, and then we decided to walk over to Kincaids for a fabulous dinner.
Saturday we grabbed some breakfast and headed out to scope out some houses. Found a few that we liked up in Hayward Hills. Beautiful sweeping Canyon Views. Hopefully this house here sells SOONER rather than LATER. I just want to get down and get settled. At noon we went over to VX HQ and attended the company WOWBQ with Chris. The kids had a great time and all of his coworkers were amazingly nice. Later on, back to the hotel, took the kids swimming (are we seeing a pattern here?) and then early to bed.
Sunday we had to get up early, eat some breakfast, and head to the airport. Quick flight to Seattle. Had to sell a kidney to pay for parking, and then on to Tacoma where I met a couple of girlfriends for lunch! Yum! We got home around 4, tired, HOT (it was 89 in the house, yipes!) and just wanting to chill.
Yesterday it was back to the routine. Two more weeks until school starts. The kids didn't get back into the school they were in last year, so they have to go to our neighborhood school. No biggie, and actually it works out better with my work schedule.
Tonight - The Help with my BFF while her hubby watches The Heathens. And for that, I thank him. *wink*
We took a short trip to San Francisco last weekend. Drove to Seattle, flew on Virgin to San Francisco on Thursday. Had dinner, took the kids swimming at the hotel, and then out! Friday we did the touristy thing and took the BART to the Embarcadero. Visited Pier 39 and ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Wandered through Fisherman's Wharf. Took a cab to Ghirardelli Square (they don't give tours anymore!). Then a trolley back to the BART and back to the hotel. The kids went swimming, and then we decided to walk over to Kincaids for a fabulous dinner.
Saturday we grabbed some breakfast and headed out to scope out some houses. Found a few that we liked up in Hayward Hills. Beautiful sweeping Canyon Views. Hopefully this house here sells SOONER rather than LATER. I just want to get down and get settled. At noon we went over to VX HQ and attended the company WOWBQ with Chris. The kids had a great time and all of his coworkers were amazingly nice. Later on, back to the hotel, took the kids swimming (are we seeing a pattern here?) and then early to bed.
Sunday we had to get up early, eat some breakfast, and head to the airport. Quick flight to Seattle. Had to sell a kidney to pay for parking, and then on to Tacoma where I met a couple of girlfriends for lunch! Yum! We got home around 4, tired, HOT (it was 89 in the house, yipes!) and just wanting to chill.
Yesterday it was back to the routine. Two more weeks until school starts. The kids didn't get back into the school they were in last year, so they have to go to our neighborhood school. No biggie, and actually it works out better with my work schedule.
Tonight - The Help with my BFF while her hubby watches The Heathens. And for that, I thank him. *wink*
Friday, August 12, 2011
Today was our GOTCHA day!
We woke up early this morning. Got dressed, and headed down to Eugene. 16 months after we started this process, we found ourselves sitting in a courtroom, before a judge who took great delight in signing a piece of paper that would forever bind us with our kids, Jordan and Wyatt. Their names were legally changed, and from this day forward, we are legally a family.
There is much celebration in this house today. There is much rejoicing. A long road, from decision to completion.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that has supported us on this journey. And to my friends who are going through this journey now, I say to you - keep going. When you are mired in paperwork, and home visits, and background checks, and sometimes disappointment, remember this: it's not the journey, it's the destination.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at ours. And now we begin a new journey. One of guidance, and discipline, teaching and encouragement, love and laughter.
Today, we are a complete family.
There is much celebration in this house today. There is much rejoicing. A long road, from decision to completion.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that has supported us on this journey. And to my friends who are going through this journey now, I say to you - keep going. When you are mired in paperwork, and home visits, and background checks, and sometimes disappointment, remember this: it's not the journey, it's the destination.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at ours. And now we begin a new journey. One of guidance, and discipline, teaching and encouragement, love and laughter.
Today, we are a complete family.
Friday, August 05, 2011
August 12, 2011. 11:00 a.m.
That's our date. For court. To finalize the adoption. To grow our family by two. To give two awesome wonderful children who we have been lucky enough to be chosen as parents to, our last name.
It's all legality, because from the moment we saw those kids, they were ours.
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. ~ 1 Samuel 1:27
It's all legality, because from the moment we saw those kids, they were ours.
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. ~ 1 Samuel 1:27
Monday, August 01, 2011
A Letter to my kids...
Dear W & J:
Today I took you to sleep away camp. We packed your clothes, loaded up the truck, and away we went. We stopped for gas, drinks and snacks, because we had an hour drive to make. We sang songs and we were silly the whole way.
When we pulled into camp, you were both so excited! We unloaded the car and headed to registration. Along the way, every counselor welcomed you to camp.
After handing in the paperwork, and getting your cabin assignments, we were on our way. J, we took you to your cabin first, and I helped you unpack your sleeping bag and pillow, and set up your bunk. I met your counselor, and took a couple of photos. You were so confident standing outside that cabin. I was so proud of you. I hugged you tight and told you how much fun you would have. I reassured you that you would make TONS of friends, and that you were a great girl, so it wouldn't be hard. I talked to your counselor about how happy I was that you had this opportunity. You hugged your brother and I again, and we left you to get settled in.
After we left J, W and I made our way to his cabin. He skipped down the trail, so excited about finding out where he was staying. We came up to your cabin, W, and you picked out your bunk: top! We unpacked your sleeping bag and pillow, and carefully placed your clothes on your shelves. You went outside to make your bunk tag with your name on it. I talked to your counselor about what a wonderful little boy you are, and I went outside to check on you and get a picture. You hugged me tight, almost not wanting to let go. I told you how much fun you would have, and how daddy and I would be there on Saturday to pick you up. You hugged me even tighter.
I left quickly, trying hard not to cry at the fact that I was leaving my little ones for the first time. I looked back down the trail at you, and your little head was down, working hard on your bunk tag. I am so proud of you.
I drove home with moments of sadness, missing you both already. I've had to fight back tears a couple of times today, missing you SO much, yet knowing you are making memories that will last a lifetime.
I love you both so very much, and I am so happy that you have this amazing opportunity.
Can I call out sick this week and join you?
Love,
Mommy.
Today I took you to sleep away camp. We packed your clothes, loaded up the truck, and away we went. We stopped for gas, drinks and snacks, because we had an hour drive to make. We sang songs and we were silly the whole way.
When we pulled into camp, you were both so excited! We unloaded the car and headed to registration. Along the way, every counselor welcomed you to camp.
After handing in the paperwork, and getting your cabin assignments, we were on our way. J, we took you to your cabin first, and I helped you unpack your sleeping bag and pillow, and set up your bunk. I met your counselor, and took a couple of photos. You were so confident standing outside that cabin. I was so proud of you. I hugged you tight and told you how much fun you would have. I reassured you that you would make TONS of friends, and that you were a great girl, so it wouldn't be hard. I talked to your counselor about how happy I was that you had this opportunity. You hugged your brother and I again, and we left you to get settled in.
After we left J, W and I made our way to his cabin. He skipped down the trail, so excited about finding out where he was staying. We came up to your cabin, W, and you picked out your bunk: top! We unpacked your sleeping bag and pillow, and carefully placed your clothes on your shelves. You went outside to make your bunk tag with your name on it. I talked to your counselor about what a wonderful little boy you are, and I went outside to check on you and get a picture. You hugged me tight, almost not wanting to let go. I told you how much fun you would have, and how daddy and I would be there on Saturday to pick you up. You hugged me even tighter.
I left quickly, trying hard not to cry at the fact that I was leaving my little ones for the first time. I looked back down the trail at you, and your little head was down, working hard on your bunk tag. I am so proud of you.
I drove home with moments of sadness, missing you both already. I've had to fight back tears a couple of times today, missing you SO much, yet knowing you are making memories that will last a lifetime.
I love you both so very much, and I am so happy that you have this amazing opportunity.
Can I call out sick this week and join you?
Love,
Mommy.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Please Review.
Those are the two words that my attorney put in his email this afternoon. Please review. He also said, and I quote:
"Have fun. You have to mail the originals back to me, then I'll send them to Eugene & request a hearing date, OK? I'll coordinate all the way through to getting your birth certificates, but you have to go get the social security information changed after that. Heh."
Heh? WTF? Heh? OH! Cause he's talking about me having to deal with SS. Heh.
We are thisclose to being able to post pictures and introduce the world to our new littles.
As I was reviewing the paperwork, J came in crying about some tween angst. She's fighting with her BFF. *sigh* I told her to go back out there and figure it out, that life was too short. I got the eyeroll, which loosely translated means 'like you have ANY clue what the heck I'm going through right now, moooooooooom.' Depending on the day, my name either has one or eleventy syllables. Good times.
So the good news is that we are inching towards the finish line. I feel like those people who race in a triathlon and are totally not prepared and have to literally crawl across the finish line because their legs are all 'right. Not anymore' and their bodies are all 'kiss my ass with your 26.2 after the swim and the bike, jackass'. It's THERE, that finish line, I can see it. I just can't get my legs to cooperate.
In other news - my husband is coming home early this week! Yay!!
"Have fun. You have to mail the originals back to me, then I'll send them to Eugene & request a hearing date, OK? I'll coordinate all the way through to getting your birth certificates, but you have to go get the social security information changed after that. Heh."
Heh? WTF? Heh? OH! Cause he's talking about me having to deal with SS. Heh.
We are thisclose to being able to post pictures and introduce the world to our new littles.
As I was reviewing the paperwork, J came in crying about some tween angst. She's fighting with her BFF. *sigh* I told her to go back out there and figure it out, that life was too short. I got the eyeroll, which loosely translated means 'like you have ANY clue what the heck I'm going through right now, moooooooooom.' Depending on the day, my name either has one or eleventy syllables. Good times.
So the good news is that we are inching towards the finish line. I feel like those people who race in a triathlon and are totally not prepared and have to literally crawl across the finish line because their legs are all 'right. Not anymore' and their bodies are all 'kiss my ass with your 26.2 after the swim and the bike, jackass'. It's THERE, that finish line, I can see it. I just can't get my legs to cooperate.
In other news - my husband is coming home early this week! Yay!!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Your documents are in...
I'm not going to lie, I haven't been getting my hopes up on the fastidious movement of the State when it comes to our adoption finalizing. It is what it is. Social Workers are overwhelmed, they're over budget, they take furlough days.
Today, however, I got an email from my attorney "I have your DHS documents in hand, and will be mailing them to you for signature!"
What the what? Today is July 21. You have our DHS docs? Are you kidding me?
Someone up above loves this family.
Today, however, I got an email from my attorney "I have your DHS documents in hand, and will be mailing them to you for signature!"
What the what? Today is July 21. You have our DHS docs? Are you kidding me?
Someone up above loves this family.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Secret Is Out
Now that we've informed everyone we need to about our Big! New! Adventure!, I can talk about it here.
In the immortal words of the late, great Notorious B.I.G., we're going (going) back (back) to Cali (Cali). (Please do not confuse this song with the one by LL Cool J.)
Chris has been offered an amazing opportunity with another airline - and since that's his passion and complete expertise, after much thought, talk, and prayer, we jumped on it.
This is so completely unlike any other move we've done in the past. Before, it was easy-breezy. We set a date, put the house up for sale, and moved. Now, we've got this little chapter in the 'Life Handbook' known as 'The Adoption is NOT Quite Final Yet'. So there's that.
Chris started his new job on the 11th, and will be commuting between San Francisco and Portland for a few months. We've met with a real estate agent and we'll be putting the house on the market on Saturday.
**Side note: Anyone interested in a completely remodeled gorgeous split-level in a quiet, established neighborhood that will be a freaking STEAL? Call me.**
Our kids are very excited for the new adventure, and mostly because it's close to Disneyland. But of course. And the fact that they will now have flight benefits - they think that's cool as all get out. Yeah, just wait until they get stuck at the Vegas airport because all of the hungover people missed their early flights and decided to roll. Not that I've ever had that happen. Twice.
So now I'm playing single mom five days a week, and running quite the tight ship. Menu plans, chore charts and a couple of pretty cooperative kids makes for a relatively easy go of it. Of course, they're 10 and 7, and of all the pros in THAT list, it's that they only mutiny every once in a great while. Usually it's the Boy.
I'm proud of my husband - he's making sacrifices of time right now with his children to provide them with a better opportunity in the future. And we both know that looking back on this when we are at Mile Marker 58, and living together daily again, we will see that this was a blip on the radar, a drop in the bucket, a molehill on a mountain. And any other metaphorical nonsense you can insert here.
To assist with the transition of daddy being gone, I've been taking two days off a week and will do so through the end of the month. The kids go to camp for a week the first of August, and then we're getting back to our routine. I want this to be as painless as possible for them, and so far they're on board and handling it like we always do - as a team.
In the immortal words of the late, great Notorious B.I.G., we're going (going) back (back) to Cali (Cali). (Please do not confuse this song with the one by LL Cool J.)
Chris has been offered an amazing opportunity with another airline - and since that's his passion and complete expertise, after much thought, talk, and prayer, we jumped on it.
This is so completely unlike any other move we've done in the past. Before, it was easy-breezy. We set a date, put the house up for sale, and moved. Now, we've got this little chapter in the 'Life Handbook' known as 'The Adoption is NOT Quite Final Yet'. So there's that.
Chris started his new job on the 11th, and will be commuting between San Francisco and Portland for a few months. We've met with a real estate agent and we'll be putting the house on the market on Saturday.
**Side note: Anyone interested in a completely remodeled gorgeous split-level in a quiet, established neighborhood that will be a freaking STEAL? Call me.**
Our kids are very excited for the new adventure, and mostly because it's close to Disneyland. But of course. And the fact that they will now have flight benefits - they think that's cool as all get out. Yeah, just wait until they get stuck at the Vegas airport because all of the hungover people missed their early flights and decided to roll. Not that I've ever had that happen. Twice.
So now I'm playing single mom five days a week, and running quite the tight ship. Menu plans, chore charts and a couple of pretty cooperative kids makes for a relatively easy go of it. Of course, they're 10 and 7, and of all the pros in THAT list, it's that they only mutiny every once in a great while. Usually it's the Boy.
I'm proud of my husband - he's making sacrifices of time right now with his children to provide them with a better opportunity in the future. And we both know that looking back on this when we are at Mile Marker 58, and living together daily again, we will see that this was a blip on the radar, a drop in the bucket, a molehill on a mountain. And any other metaphorical nonsense you can insert here.
To assist with the transition of daddy being gone, I've been taking two days off a week and will do so through the end of the month. The kids go to camp for a week the first of August, and then we're getting back to our routine. I want this to be as painless as possible for them, and so far they're on board and handling it like we always do - as a team.
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