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!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 07, 2011
Outdoor Ed
Today my baby girl left for Outdoor Ed along with 90 or so of her classmates! She is headed to the mountains for four days of learning about the environment, ecosystems, organisms, and the way life around her works. It's a great program, and I'm so excited for her, I can't wait to hear all about her experience.
Fall has made it's way to Northern California. The temps have been milder, chilly at night. The leaves are a beautiful red and yellow shade. People are bundled up more. The sun still shines most of the time, however, and that makes it quite bearable. Even when it rained the other day, it was still a beautiful day.
I'm learning my way around the peninsula. I've ventured further and further out, but there have been several days when I don't leave. There's no reason to! Foster City has the nickname of 'Wisteria Lane' for a reason. Everything is close, convenient, and safe. The longer I'm here, the more I like it!
Thanksgiving is approaching and I am so excited!! We're going to have a full house, and I can't wait!
The kids and I are going to make a countdown chain for our trip to Cabo in...33 days! We're all so excited and if there's anything we need, it's a vacation!! We're really excited to see some friends that are joining us as well. It should be a fantastic time.
Fall has made it's way to Northern California. The temps have been milder, chilly at night. The leaves are a beautiful red and yellow shade. People are bundled up more. The sun still shines most of the time, however, and that makes it quite bearable. Even when it rained the other day, it was still a beautiful day.
I'm learning my way around the peninsula. I've ventured further and further out, but there have been several days when I don't leave. There's no reason to! Foster City has the nickname of 'Wisteria Lane' for a reason. Everything is close, convenient, and safe. The longer I'm here, the more I like it!
Thanksgiving is approaching and I am so excited!! We're going to have a full house, and I can't wait!
The kids and I are going to make a countdown chain for our trip to Cabo in...33 days! We're all so excited and if there's anything we need, it's a vacation!! We're really excited to see some friends that are joining us as well. It should be a fantastic time.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What a Difference a Week Makes
Last Tuesday, we were watching some able-bodied men load all of our earthly possessions onto a moving trailer. Attached to a very large truck that was driven by a super nice guy named Dennis. Last Friday, he arrived in Foster City, CA to deliver our earthly possessions. We lost track of a TV for a minute, but we found it. Thank goodness.
The weather is beautiful, the neighborhood is friendly, and the schools are fantastic. I'm so very impressed with the caliber of the school the kids are in here compared to what they were forced to attend in Oregon. I see homework every day for my second grader. I was lucky to pry out of him what he learned in Oregon. I see vocabulary words from my 5th grader. That didn't happen in Oregon. They have PE three days a week! Hello?!! I see the reason our school has an over 900 API score.
I've unpacked, managed to get a few things accomplished, and casually started looking for a job. I'm not in a huge hurry, but if something comes along that I can't pass up, I am for sure going to jump on it.
And that's my update for now!
The weather is beautiful, the neighborhood is friendly, and the schools are fantastic. I'm so very impressed with the caliber of the school the kids are in here compared to what they were forced to attend in Oregon. I see homework every day for my second grader. I was lucky to pry out of him what he learned in Oregon. I see vocabulary words from my 5th grader. That didn't happen in Oregon. They have PE three days a week! Hello?!! I see the reason our school has an over 900 API score.
I've unpacked, managed to get a few things accomplished, and casually started looking for a job. I'm not in a huge hurry, but if something comes along that I can't pass up, I am for sure going to jump on it.
And that's my update for now!
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.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
6 Month Reports.
We had our 6 month visit on June 17th. I just received our reports in my email - and they are also being sent to the kids' social worker.
I've read through them, and the best line in both of them, is this one:
This author recommends immediate finalization of the adoption of J&W by Christopher and Christina.
It doesn't get any better than that.
I've read through them, and the best line in both of them, is this one:
This author recommends immediate finalization of the adoption of J&W by Christopher and Christina.
It doesn't get any better than that.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Hippo Birdie America!
Our nation celebrates its 235th year of freedom this weekend. She keeps pretty good care of herself because she doesn't look a day over 200!
To celebrate, we commandeered two lovely campsites along the Oregon Coast and we are taking our very best friends and their kids with us to whoop it up! We're all so excited we can barely get through this week!!
Today my husband and the husband of the other couple went to Washington to buy some celebratory items. To commemorate our nation's independence. And such as.
And also, there will be a negative tide on Saturday morning - which means CLAMS!
Enjoy your weekend - and our freedom and independence.
To celebrate, we commandeered two lovely campsites along the Oregon Coast and we are taking our very best friends and their kids with us to whoop it up! We're all so excited we can barely get through this week!!
Today my husband and the husband of the other couple went to Washington to buy some celebratory items. To commemorate our nation's independence. And such as.
And also, there will be a negative tide on Saturday morning - which means CLAMS!
Enjoy your weekend - and our freedom and independence.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Bass Ackwards.
Captain Sassy Pants has a problem with wearing his clothes backwards. It doesn't matter what it is, he will inevitably put something on backwards. He doesn't care to look at the label. It's too much work.
Tonight at the dinner table I look over and he has his basketball shorts on backwards. I could only tell because I could see the pocket. Unless that kid was trying to store things in the pocket of his tutkus, he had them on backwards.
I sighed, and said "W! WHY do you have your shorts on backwards? You're a wreck!" He just smiles. I explain for the eleventieth time how he needs to look for the tag. "And where does the tag go?" He smiles an says "In FRONT! No, wait. In BACK!" It's always 'No, wait.' I say to him "Child. You test me. You exhaust me. You are a wreck!" He just grins and laughs.
So we're clearing the table and the kids are heading back outside to play some more (it's the last week of school and I am uber super relaxed about bedtime this week).
W tells dad "I fixed my shorts."
Dad tells W "Good job bud."
W tells dad "Yeah, I didn't want mom to go all 'Boom goes the dynamite' to me!"
HA! That kid.
Tonight at the dinner table I look over and he has his basketball shorts on backwards. I could only tell because I could see the pocket. Unless that kid was trying to store things in the pocket of his tutkus, he had them on backwards.
I sighed, and said "W! WHY do you have your shorts on backwards? You're a wreck!" He just smiles. I explain for the eleventieth time how he needs to look for the tag. "And where does the tag go?" He smiles an says "In FRONT! No, wait. In BACK!" It's always 'No, wait.' I say to him "Child. You test me. You exhaust me. You are a wreck!" He just grins and laughs.
So we're clearing the table and the kids are heading back outside to play some more (it's the last week of school and I am uber super relaxed about bedtime this week).
W tells dad "I fixed my shorts."
Dad tells W "Good job bud."
W tells dad "Yeah, I didn't want mom to go all 'Boom goes the dynamite' to me!"
HA! That kid.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
It's All Coming Together...and I Can Hardly Stand It!
For the past week, we've been receiving mail almost every day from DHS (Department of Human Services) here in Oregon. One day it's the kid's new medical cards (they are entitled to secondary insurance through the state - which is nice because it will back up our insurance). The next it's another agreement we need to sign and send back. Or some information. Or something! The good news is, it's all starting to flow. We're in the home stretch. Our adoption is coming down the straightaway - the white flag has been waved and we're putting pedal to the metal.
It's an amazing look back at what we've accomplished in these last 6 months. We brought home two children who had been through SO much. Who had been promised SO much in their short little lives. They had been ripped from their parents - the only people they ever felt truly loved them, through no fault of their own, and bounced around from place to place. They were summarily handed back to their bio-mom a few times, and when they were, she would pack them up and move them to another state, all with the intent of trying to hide them from the CPS in the previous state. And inevitably, the cycle would start all over again.
I am thankful that Washington and Oregon work together, and did work together to bring these children out of the unfortunate situation that they were in, and find them a family that would take care of them and love them the way they deserve to be loved.
I am thankful that my tough little nut, my 10 year old daughter, has softened. I am thankful that she has seen that we love her, fiercely, and that we will always be there to protect her and guide her. I am thankful that she has finally opened up, little by little, and allowed us to hold her heart, if even for a moment. I am thankful that she is honest, and accepts responsibility for her actions. I am thankful that she sends me little emails each day to tell me how much she loves me. I am thankful that she no longer feels the need to worry about or watch over her brother out of necessity, rather, she does it because she wants to. I am thankful that she has let go - and that she is able to be a child right now, when it's most important.
I am thankful that my sassy pants boy, my 7 year old, has matured and become comfortable. I am thankful that he doesn't keep his room clean with military precision anymore. I am happy when I see clothes strewn about and toys not put away. I am happy that I have to remind him to clean his room, and that he grunts about it. I am thankful that he no longer looks to his sister to provide him with answers, or guidance. I am thankful that he is blossoming on his own, and developing his own little sense of self. I am thankful that he is so helpful, and that he enjoys teasing mama about her love of the Yankees, all the while clinging to his papa and cheering for the Cardinals.
We have introduced them to sushi, late-night get togethers with great friends, independence, personal responsibility, Wii tournaments, Just Dance, rock music, Bon Jovi, family game nights, and road trips.
We have instilled in them that THIS.IS.IT. And I think they are finally getting it.
It's an amazing look back at what we've accomplished in these last 6 months. We brought home two children who had been through SO much. Who had been promised SO much in their short little lives. They had been ripped from their parents - the only people they ever felt truly loved them, through no fault of their own, and bounced around from place to place. They were summarily handed back to their bio-mom a few times, and when they were, she would pack them up and move them to another state, all with the intent of trying to hide them from the CPS in the previous state. And inevitably, the cycle would start all over again.
I am thankful that Washington and Oregon work together, and did work together to bring these children out of the unfortunate situation that they were in, and find them a family that would take care of them and love them the way they deserve to be loved.
I am thankful that my tough little nut, my 10 year old daughter, has softened. I am thankful that she has seen that we love her, fiercely, and that we will always be there to protect her and guide her. I am thankful that she has finally opened up, little by little, and allowed us to hold her heart, if even for a moment. I am thankful that she is honest, and accepts responsibility for her actions. I am thankful that she sends me little emails each day to tell me how much she loves me. I am thankful that she no longer feels the need to worry about or watch over her brother out of necessity, rather, she does it because she wants to. I am thankful that she has let go - and that she is able to be a child right now, when it's most important.
I am thankful that my sassy pants boy, my 7 year old, has matured and become comfortable. I am thankful that he doesn't keep his room clean with military precision anymore. I am happy when I see clothes strewn about and toys not put away. I am happy that I have to remind him to clean his room, and that he grunts about it. I am thankful that he no longer looks to his sister to provide him with answers, or guidance. I am thankful that he is blossoming on his own, and developing his own little sense of self. I am thankful that he is so helpful, and that he enjoys teasing mama about her love of the Yankees, all the while clinging to his papa and cheering for the Cardinals.
We have introduced them to sushi, late-night get togethers with great friends, independence, personal responsibility, Wii tournaments, Just Dance, rock music, Bon Jovi, family game nights, and road trips.
We have instilled in them that THIS.IS.IT. And I think they are finally getting it.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
A Damn Good Cause
I know someone who holds foster adoption as dear to her heart as I do. She's a foster mom, and also the adoptive mom of a foster child. She loves her son and is currently looking for a sibling for him.
Foster children have what are called 'Life Books' that contain stories and photographs of their lives as they go through the foster care system. Since their lives are so uprooted, it's a way for them to record their memories. This way, they have something that they can own, and be proud of, and look back on. It is usually passed on to the adoptive parents, or in some cases, back to the biological parents if it is deemed that they are to go back home.
Sometimes the children are so nomadic, living out of cardboard boxes, and constantly moving, that these Lifebooks are lost. Or they aren't kept up well by their foster parents. It's understandable, but not acceptable.
Enter Andrea. She has a plan to make these Life Books digital, so that all of their information is readily accessible and available, no matter where they go. This service is free to foster children and their families. It is in the upstart stages, but I see this idea taking off and becoming the new norm. How wonderful that these children always have access to their memories. How wonderful that no matter where they end up, they will always be able to look back on their lives, and never lose these memories.
Recently, Digital Lifebooks entered the Pepsi Refresh Everything contest to win a $50,00 grant towards the cost of implementing this idea. PLEASE, go to Digital LifeBooks - Pepsi Contest and vote for them to win!! You can vote once per day. It's a great cause, one that is near and dear to our hearts, and it would mean the world to a child.
Be the change - and vote!
Much Love!
Foster children have what are called 'Life Books' that contain stories and photographs of their lives as they go through the foster care system. Since their lives are so uprooted, it's a way for them to record their memories. This way, they have something that they can own, and be proud of, and look back on. It is usually passed on to the adoptive parents, or in some cases, back to the biological parents if it is deemed that they are to go back home.
Sometimes the children are so nomadic, living out of cardboard boxes, and constantly moving, that these Lifebooks are lost. Or they aren't kept up well by their foster parents. It's understandable, but not acceptable.
Enter Andrea. She has a plan to make these Life Books digital, so that all of their information is readily accessible and available, no matter where they go. This service is free to foster children and their families. It is in the upstart stages, but I see this idea taking off and becoming the new norm. How wonderful that these children always have access to their memories. How wonderful that no matter where they end up, they will always be able to look back on their lives, and never lose these memories.
Recently, Digital Lifebooks entered the Pepsi Refresh Everything contest to win a $50,00 grant towards the cost of implementing this idea. PLEASE, go to Digital LifeBooks - Pepsi Contest and vote for them to win!! You can vote once per day. It's a great cause, one that is near and dear to our hearts, and it would mean the world to a child.
Be the change - and vote!
Much Love!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Making Me Smile
You should know by now that I am a huge proponent of foster adoption. As such, I am in touch with others who are interested in foster adoption, or who happen to be going through it.
One of those internet friends posted today that her paperwork is all in to her adoption agency, and they are getting into their Home Study phase! I was so excited for her - it really made my day to read that.
It's been a tough few days for me. And I think that God knew I needed to read some good news.
One of those internet friends posted today that her paperwork is all in to her adoption agency, and they are getting into their Home Study phase! I was so excited for her - it really made my day to read that.
It's been a tough few days for me. And I think that God knew I needed to read some good news.
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