And So Today We Give Thanks..

Last year we started celebrating our Thanksgiving on Saturday. There were several reasons but the main one was so Big Daddy could spend the actual holiday with his daughters. They both live here in CO (several hours away) and don't get to see him as often as they like. We all live within minutes of each other and get together frequently. To be fair we changed the days so they could spend it with both sides.

Come to find out, Saturday Thanksgiving was a blessing in and of itself this year. I was literally so sick on Thursday I couldn't get out of bed. I spent the day in and out of Nyquil hazes, waking to Macy's parade floats and episodes of Jon & Kate Plus 8. Scary, right?

SO, today is our Big Day and I'm at about 90% capacity (trust me that will not stop a bottle of Beringer 2006 Private Reserve Chardonnay to pop at around 11:30am). I worked yesterday but got off early so pies were made, 10 pounds of potatoes chopped and the table was set. Bless Missy and Nantie's hearts.. they showed up and spent 3 hours cleaning house for me so I wouldn't have to worry about it. How wonderful is MY family?! Dang, I have so much to be thankful for..


The taters are on the stove trying to boil and I've taken Tom out of the 'fridge. DH and Kiwi are supposed to golf later this morning (if the frost melts off). I cannot WAIT for the house to start smelling like turkey and get the holiday feel started.

I did, however, burn my toast this morning.. I sure hope it's not a sign...

Thanksgiving

Sorry Tom... NO CAN DO!!


Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!!!

Dagnabbit!

The Zicam failed me big time. My coworker said he's never seen me get so sick in an 8 hour period (and we've worked together for 12 years). I did a big ole shooter of Nyquil last night and was passed out in bed by 7pm.

The upside is we celebrate our family Thanksgiving here at the house on Saturday. On top of all the traditional yummy stuff, we're cooking up 40 lbs of turkey (so there's enough for everyone to have to-goers). So, I have a couple extra days to get better.

The downside is, tomorrow we're supposed to be going to Missy and My Kiwi's for surf and turf (and I had planned on doing a big house scrub for Saturday).

For crying out loud...

Uh Oh..

I awoke this morning with a tickle in my throat. Not an "I slept with my mouth gaping open" tickle, either. More like, "If you don't start popping the Zicam now you will be flat on your back tomorrow" tickle.

It never fails.. my little body always tries to do this the week of Thanksgiving..

Dagnabbit!

Perfect Moment Monday

You all may remember James from a previous Perfect Moment. He is the dear friend that was thought to of had leukemia and the day before treatments were to start, more tests came back as a false positive. He dodged the cancer bullet.

On Saturday night he proposed to his wonderful girlfriend, Katie. 34 of us met at a soccer field in Denver (where the Colorado Rapids play for all you locals) and he had us scatter and light 900 candles. In the middle we made a heart that said, "Marry Me?" with an arrow that pointed to him. A scavenger hunt she and her friends were on lead her to the field. We hid off to the side and came out cheering when he yelled, "WOOHOO!!" After tears of congratulations were shed, we headed to their house for a big ole party.

We love them both dearly and it was so cool to be a little part of their history.

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Awww..

A few nights ago I went over to a friend's house to give her a hand with her new babies. She and I are involved with the same min pin rescue group and one of her fosters has 14 day old puppies. We gave them their first pedicure (trimmed and filed their little talons.. er.. nails). Their eyes had only been open a couple days and they were beyond adorable. The two little chocolates are girls, the three boys are the black and tans and all are just starting to growl and play. Susan is going to have her hands FULL in the coming weeks!

Everyone together now, "Awwwwww!"

:o)

A Week In Review

Although it was a jam packed week, it still felt fairly uneventful. We had our group meeting on Tuesday night and it was great to be with everyone. No speaker again so it was just talking (venting) about daily happenings. It was a real mix.. one couple had just adopted, several are in the midst of court dealings and visitations with the bio families, one got a placement a week after certification, a fost/adopt couple just had their placement (of 10 months) return home and a handful of us were waiting for The Call. There was a wide range of emotions, for sure.

Nantie actually met our new Placement Worker ("E") during training and LOVED her. E called me this week to officially introduce herself and was really nice. I'm volunteering for the Family Share Night at the beginning of next month and look forward to meeting her there. Speaking of Nantie, she has one last day of training tomorrow (an extra day has been added since we did ours) and then she'll be done. It will be interesting to hear what all when down.

That's about it.. oh yeah.. except..

TGIF!!

A Bloggy Shout Out!!

My newest DMR (Daily Must Read) is a wonderful blog called Passionate Chaos. It is written by a foster mommy named Mandie who lives in the Midwest with her hubby and son (whom she is homeschooling). She rocks!

Surf on over and give her a "Howdy Do!!"

:o)

What's In YOUR Closet!???

The lovely ladies over at The Classy Closet are going to feature my little ole blog on their talk radio show!!! CLICK HERE to tune in on Wednesday morning (9am PT and 11am CT!!). You can go over NOW and click on the reminder button. It'll send you an email prior to the show starting so you don't forget. Now don't you fret, if you do miss it you can replay the show later.. how cool is that?!

Note to self.. bring headphones to work..

Thank You Jen, Danielle and Kadi!!

Like Mother Like Daughter

Mama loved children. Drooling babies, unruly toddlers, screaming little girls, muddy little boys and everything in between. Her Baby Radar was always on and honing in on her next diapered subject. In the grocery store it would never fail. Within seconds she would making a bee line towards the itty bitty in the cart and ogle all over him or her. In church, if a little one was playing peek-a-boo over the pew in front of us, it was game on (on the flip side if I even thought of pulling a stunt like that during church ... not so cute).

As you can imagine when I saw that look in her eyes I would shrink back in horror. Could she be anymore embarrassing? Um, no. I was surely being tortured for reasons unknown.

I could of sworn that the parents of the accosted children were mortified over the assault by Mama. The reality was, they loved the attention their little ones were getting by the little crazy red head. However, I'm sure they were wondering what in the world was wrong with the snotty little curly haired, blue eyed girl.

I laugh every time my Baby Radar kicks in and I'm drawn to an itty bitty in a cart. Without a kiddo of my own, I can't swoop in like Mama used to (these days I could be mistaken for a whack job, baby stealer). I make sure to get an approving nod from the adult then do all I can to get smiles and giggles.

I'm adopted. I have never met someone I'm blood related to but I have grown up to be just like Mama. From my worry-wart mother hen ways to my really bad driving habits (yeah Bren, you're right). It makes me proud to be so much like the woman I admire and stive to make differences with my limited time on this big, spinning rock.

Love doesn't care about DNA.

Perfect Moment Monday

If I HAVE to be up this early at least it's stunning!

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Oh Meme Oh My!

This fine meme came courtesy of Kadi. The Mission.. as soon as you read this, drop everything, grab your camera and take pictures of where you blog from. NO CLEANING!!! THEN, tag some lucky ducks and spread the love. For the record, I read this last night and DID take the pics as soon as I read it. I didn't have time to post it (or figure out how to put cool arrows to point stuff out). Lucky for me, you can't see the dust.

The front room is where I blog from on weekend mornings. You'll find me splayed across the small white couch (typically with a min pin -or 3- vying for a spot on top of me).


The back room (where I am right now) is where I blog from at night. Note the Mic Ultra, my new baby (green laptop) and crazy cute doberman playing with his goosey.


NOW I TAG:
LORI
AMBER
KRISTIN
YO ADRIENNE

(Sorry, Ladies!!) ;o)

Nantie Goes To Training

There is no possible way explain how eye opening the county's training course is. It was, hands down, one of my most intense experiences ever and two days that changed our lives. The instructors have been in the program for years, truly love the children and want what's best for them. They pull no punches, answer the really tough questions and make it perfectly clear: reunification is their goal. They lay it all out there with the intention of arming us with information to decide whether to sign on or walk away.

Nantie is actually getting 8 more hours of it than we did.

Friday was her first day of training and of course I called her at 5:02 PM to see how it went. She was exhausted (told ya so!) and echoed the overwhelming feelings she experienced throughout the day. Funny, they already knew her Nanny Auntie (Nantie) nickname. She assumed I made them aware of my blog.. I laughed and told her I had not. DOH!

As with us, that little perfect bubble world is forever popped. The effects that neglect and abuse have on the children at the hands of their families (or friends of the family) will forever haunt us. Her now, as well. She is inspired by what is possible and excited to be part of our journey (whether our placements return home or stay with us). We are so blessed she's moving in.

No doubt about it, Angels are watchin' over us.

The "I Am Fabulous" Movement Marches On!

Kadi the Innkeeper has proclaimed the following:

In order to promote greater self esteem in women (and bloggers,) I made a little button for those of you who are participating in the blogtivity.

Here is the chore:

Make a list of reasons why you rock! Take a minute to reflect on what makes you great. Appreciate yourself. Love yourself. Look in the mirror and say, "I am fabulous!" (Go ahead...I'll wait here.) .

Ok, now go and list those reasons on your blog and don't forget to grab the button . Bestow it upon yourself and three other bloggers who you think need to be told that they are fabulous too! Let's spread these self esteem boosters all over the blogosphere because we deserve a little praise, dammit!
~~~~~~~~~~
I was tagged by my fabulous girl Rubi so here we go:
I Am Fabulous Because:
*I am a hard worker
*I am a good friend
*I adore my husband & try to remember to show him how important he is to me
*I have a heart to help others
*I don't use my past as an excuse
*I can keep a secret
*I know my life is blessed and let other people know it
*The glass is half full (of water, wine.. whatever, it's all good)
*I know it's all in His hands.
~~~
I tag:

EVERYONE THAT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE!!! PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT SO I CAN READ ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU FABULOUS!!!!

Daydreaming...

I stepped into her room today
Knowing she’s not there
This waiting for referral
Is more than one can bear

But taking in the moment
I sit down on the floor
And dream of her here with me
When waiting is no more.

A little giggle fills the air
As I rub her feet
I place my hand upon her heart
To feel its every beat.

A song is sung so very soft
Her eyes begin to close
She’s meeting me in dream land
A place where love still grows.

My vision now is very blurred
The tears stream down my cheeks
I’ve dreamed of her quite often
Throughout these past few weeks.

Suddenly a sound is heard
The phone rings in the hall
Waking up I quickly pray
Please let it be “The Call”.

Tom Fisher
© July 19, 2005

The Happenings

It took us a total of 7 months to get certified. Longer than average because we had 2 trips scheduled (as did our Home Study Worker) and we had to fence in a area in the back. There is an irrigation ditch on the backside of our property (it doesn't run full all the time but there was concern that a little one could wander back). Pictured is it's construction in progress. That took some time to complete as DH did it himself (and did an amazing job as always).

Nantie is on the fast track. She already has her CPR certification, gotten her finger printing done and sent in. Her training class is tomorrow, Saturday then one more day next week. "D" is going to start her home study during breaks at training.

Remember the awesome Family Share Night dinner we attended last year that kicked off this journey? I'm excited to be volunteering for it this year. Nothing fancy.. just put up and tear down.

Things are moving right along.. now if the phone would just RING!!

More Cool Nat'l Adoption Month Info!

Click and watch these quick psa's from the National Adoption Day Website: Watch Me

Foster Care Adoption: Facts & Figures
Every year, more than 100,000 children in foster care are available for adoption. Many spend more than five years waiting for permanent, loving homes. Between 2000 and 2007, more than 20,000 children were joined together with their forever families as part of National Adoption Day activities.

Who are these waiting children?
• There are an estimated 510,000 children in foster care in the United States, and more than 129,000 of them are waiting to be adopted.
• Through no fault of their own, these children enter foster care as a result of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment.
• The average child waits for an adoptive family for more than two years.
• 19 percent spend 5 years or more waiting for a family (24,300 children).
• The average age of children waiting for an adoptive family is 8.

What happens to them?
• 51,000 children are adopted from foster care.
• More than 26,000 children reach the age of 18 without ever finding a forever family.

Who adopts from foster care?
• Children in foster care are adopted by three types of families: former foster parents (59 percent), relatives (26 percent) and non-relatives (15 percent).
• Of the families who adopt children from foster care, 69 percent are married couples, 26 percent are single females, 3 percent are single males, and 2 percent are unmarried couples.
• A national survey in 2007 revealed that 48 million Americans have considered adoption from foster care – more so than any other form of adoption, including private adoption of an infant or international adoption. (National Foster Care Adoption Attitudes Survey, November 2007. Commissioned by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and conducted by Harris Interactive.)

To find out more about adopting a child in the United States, please visit
www.nationaladoptionday.org or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA.

~~~~
Imagine you are turning 18 soon and know you are aging out of the system. Who will guide you? Who will love you? Who will show you the ropes and teach you to be self sufficient? Who will you share holidays with? Birthdays? Life's milestones?

When I was 18 I was no where near ready for the real world. Especially on my own.



(Unless otherwise indicated, statistics are provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children; Interim Estimates for FY 2006.)
~~~

My Toot I hand over to two humble and amazing veterans. How fortunate was I to get to wish my boss (one that I adore who also gave me away at our wedding) and a customer of ours (that came in unexpectedly) a happy Veteran's Day today? Both served in World War II and were taken aback when I thanked them. They are gracious gentleman that consider it an honor to have served our great nation.

No one deserves a "Toot" more than our greatest generation.

Thank You

God Bless our soldiers (active and inactive), their families and friends. Your sacrifices never cease to amaze me.

Perfect Moment Monday

My Perfect Moment will last for at least a month. It happens every time I open the pantry door.. O.R.G.A.N.I.Z.A.T.I.O.N!! It had gotten so bad I would cringe anytime someone would open it. Mind you, I've got a crazy work schedule and it's hard to keep up with everything (I'm not complaining.. I'm so thankful for my great job.. this is me justifying!).

Sunday was cleaning day.

In the process I also had to look my addiction to grocery shopping square in the eye. The very fact I have 8 (EIGHT) cans of baked beans is a huge red flag. What the?!? If anyone is having a late season bbq and is in a panic over a couple cans, give me a jingle. For the record, I am also a Rice a Roni and Pasta Roni fanatic (10 for $10? I'm all over it!).

SO, my Perfect Moment came on Sunday when the ooky task was done AND now every time I open the pantry door. Sadly it's true.. I get all jazzed over little things like that..

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Guessing Game Giveaway Winners!

And the winners of the $25 gift cards to Target are....

...drum roll please...


Kendra at Three Scurvy Dogs (And Their Mamas)

AND

Holly at Snow Mommy

Congratulations, Ladies!! Please email me at myfullcircle@gmail.com with your addresses so we can get you shopping!!

Thank you EVERYONE for participating and for your wonderful comments!!! If The Call does not come in a couple weeks, by golly, we'll play the game again!

Guessing Game Giveaway is CLOSED!

The 2 winners will be announced in a few minutes.. Stay Tuned!!

Just 16-ish Hours Left To Enter To Win!!

No, "The Call" has not yet come and it's doubtful it will happen over the weekend. Two posts will be picked AT RANDOM Sunday, November 9th at 12:00 pm (MST) for the 2 (two) $25 gift cards (one per person) TO TARGET!!! You don't need to guess a date and time at this point, just give me a nice ole "Howdy Do!" to enter. :o)

Thank You, MomDot!!!

The wonderful ladies over at MomDot have bestowed the honor of being a featured blogger this month.. surf on over and check it out!

Thank You, MomDot!!!