The Weekend & Recovery

Jill still has a bit of a cough and awoke at 4:30am with an earache. We medicated and fell back asleep for a few hours only to wake up again in tears. Poor little girl. We came down to the couch, Motrin'd and have a heating pad in place. She is resting comfortably.

Jack got a touch of the goo but pulled through rather unscathed. Vitamins and a healthy diet have attributed to his ability to dodge the constant crud. Jill is much smaller and we struggle with weight gain and maintaining health. She'll just be more susceptible to everything until we can get her up to where she's supposed to be height and weight wise.

So today we ride the couch and it's a Jammie Day. Somehow the Cartoon Network got flipped on and it seems there's a Flapjack marathon running. Dagnabbit!! I've said it before and will say it again: Freaking Weird. I'm devising a plan to distract them long enough to change the channel...

More Pestilence..

Does it EVER END??

Little Jill has been coughing the last few days. It had been a dry cough so we weren't worried. Last night I went to check in on her while they were sleeping and discovered she had coughed so hard she threw up on her pillow. Eww. Poor thing. I had purchased the wrong children's medicine the last time I stocked up and was at the grocery store at 6am this morning.

That won't happen again.

She had a temperature this morning (and still felt like poo). Jack got to go to school solo for the first time (and he was a proud little messenger). All the kids ran up to see where Jill was and he proudly announced she was "vewy" sick but at home with Nantie getting better.

I swear I wince every time I hear a sneeze anymore.. another Mommy Rite of Passage, I presume..

T-Minus 3 Weeks..

.. and I'll be kissin' my 30's goodbye.

Fare thee well..
Arrivederci..
Adios..
Auf Wiedersehen..

***bottom lip quivering, blinky blinky blue eyes tearing***

It's not going to be pretty, people!

I'm compiling a list of gift hints for DH I thought I would share:

I could sure use this:

Would be totally okay with this:

Don't know which red carpet event I would wear these to but would be happy to work it out later:


WHUPS.. reality check..

Would be HAPPY for this:

Would totally go for this:

Oooooohhh and THIS:

Might grumble but would eventually come to appreciate this:

Honestly, I'm a low maintenance kinda gal and would be pleased as punch just to get some of this:


I've entered a warning (er, date reminder) in his Blackberry. We'll see..

A Bloggy Shout Out

Social workers have a really bad rap. All we ever hear about are the horrifying slackers in the news. Imagine that. No matter what the outcome is in our case I can say without hesitation we are blessed to have the absolute best team in place for Jack & Jill. From Mom's worker, to ours, to the G.A.L. and her C.A.S.A. All we have met are amazing. Overworked and overloaded? Yes. But they truly care and don't take their jobs lightly.

Although we are just one piece of the puzzle we feel we are valued.

Today's shout out is for a great blog I've recently discovered called Eyes Opened Wider written by Socialwrker24/7. She is a 20 something social worker that has a heart for the Lord and loves her work. She writes beautifully and is a total inspiration. I love finding awesome social workers that poopoo their stigma.

Surf on over and give her a big Full Circle, "Howdy Do!!"

:o)

(PS Hope ya'll have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day! Please take a moment to say a prayer for our troops!)

One Of My Claims To Fame... Totally O.T.

This is totally Off Topic but I don't care.. it's my blog and I'll brag if I want to
Brag if I want to..
Brag if I want to..

As many of you know, we have a herd of canines, one of which is darling Maxwell (aka- Maxie, Maximus, SillyHead, etc). Almost 11 years ago I went into the satellite Denver Dumb Friends League shelter to "visit" the dogs. I made a solemn promise NOT to get attached. I already had 2 other big dogs (a Husky and Shepard mutt mix). Three would be a crowd, right? RIGHT?!

I walked in and the first thing I saw was a HUGE head with the softest eyes attached to a skeleton body. Oh no. I had them bring him out to the waiting area so I could get a better look. Walking looked painful as he was all bones. He was only 6 months old but he meandered over like a senior dog. He slowly came to where I sat and put his big, doofy head in my lap.

Done. The mastiff lab/goofball mix came home forever.

Now for my brag..


I submitted the above picture to (the worlds greatest dog lover's magazine ever) Bark Magazine's smiling dogs section about a year ago. They contacted me this past January to let me know he was being considered for their book "DogJoy" due out in October. SHUT UP! They were whittling down 500 out of 15,000.

I got word today he's IN! WOOHOO!!

Congratulations to our Gentle Giant that makes great first impressions (yes, he peed on Bren the first time they met. In his defense, she's the only one he has ever done that to).

We love you, big boy!!

A Corner Turned..

From the get go, I was the least favorite in Jack's little world. In his eyes, my role as Big Mama was in direct competition with their own Mom and he was having none of it. The majority of his fits of anger, snide comments and naughty behaviour were directed solely at me.

Until recently..

Since our little breakthrough (the night he melted my heart with his first, "Wissa, I wuv you"), it's like a shift has taken place inside him. Although we snuggled and giggled before, it now feels very loving and true. We all see it. He has no qualms showing me affection and saying he loves me in front of everyone (even our social workers that were visiting this week). I'm even requested to help him dress on occasion.

Most excellent!

A boy that was once very quiet now can be described in one word as, "Joyful". He loves to sing, dance and entertain. The kid is a downright comic (undoubtedly the next George Lopez-minus the swear words, of course). Even the workers that knew him since the beginning of their case have described him as "a new child."

My friends, it makes our hearts sing!

Little Jill (the former boss of the two) has had to make some adjustments of her own. We think it's a little confusing for her that Jack now has opinions of his own and doesn't allow her to speak for him all the time. She'll just have to get used to that. On the flip side, since she no longer needs to be the one in charge (think Little Mommy) we believe she is relieved. All Jill needs to focus on is learning to just be a kid and not carry the weight of the world on her little shoulders.

This is the one of the hardest times in the case (even our worker has said so). We're in total limbo. The thought of them going home is unfathomable but totally possible. Court is in a few weeks and it's a biggie. I've been advised to go (I plan on sitting in back with my Jackie O's and scarf over my head so I'm not noticed-ah HA). It's two days after my Mortieth Birthday so it's totally blowing all the excitement over that big event.

Okay, not really. More like another excuse to hit the Hagen Daz that week.

Perfect Moment Monday

My Perfect Moment: Watching them watch the circus. Auntie MooMoo actually captured this PMM.. THANKS, SISTER!

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Girls Night & Jack's Beanstalk

Even before the kiddos came, DH and I weren't much for painting the town red. Our work weeks can be brutal and we're pretty much homebodies. Yard work, housework and some golf here and there. It's all about recharging.

I am sooo glad I used one of my rare occasions for going outandabout on Girls Only.. It was awesome. Auntie MooMoo and I High 5'ed and laughed until we cried. A shout out to all the Denver Ladies (and along the Front Range) grab your sister, BFF or fav Mama and GO! It's adult but quite innocent (if that makes sense). I only have one regret.. Gramsie and Nantie weren't with us. I'm thinking we're going to have to take them.

That night I had the great pleasure of meeting Amber, Lori and other Mile High Mamas. Darling Amber was our Mule and transported her hubby's most excellent pumpkin to the function. I'm fairly certain ours was the only table at the show with plant life (pictured above). Thank You, Jamie!! We'll take good care of him and keep you posted!

I'm proud to report my Mommy instincts kicked in and I pulled the ole switcharoo. As Jack and Jill slept I pitched one of the several non growing pumpkins for Monstro. The kids FLIPPED OUT.
This week we did have a couple little ones pop up.. Gee, I wonder which will be BIGGEST!?

It's Girls Night Out, Baby!!

That's it.. we can't take it anymore. We're strapping on the stilettos, digging out the Lycra zebra-stripped mini dress from the Poison concert in '89 and hitting the town.

Okay, maybe not. Although I know at least one person that snorted morning coffee out her nose at the thought of me in warbling around in heels (*Bren*). By the way, I have yet to part with that dress as it very well could come back into fashion (cue Stacy and Clinton from stage right to whisk me off to New York now).

I digress..

So, it might not be as trashy as all that, but dang it we ARE doing a GNO just the same!! Thanks to our totally cool friends at Mile High Mamas, a bunch of us silly bloggin' chickies (and my bestest girl Auntie MooMoo) are headed to Denver tonight to catch Girls Only: The Secret Comedy of Women . Afterwards we also get to attend a Q&A with the stars and creators, Linda and Barbara. How cool is that?

But wait, there's more..

To top it off, two of my mostest favoriteist** blogging heros Amber and Lori will be there. I follow (er, cyber stalk) them on a regular basis and now they have to deal with me in person. Hopefully no one throws out conversations that end in "... restraining order..."

Alas, there will be no belly shots or bail money but I have no doubt it'll be a rockin' time just the same. Hey, I'm easy.. if it gets me out of doing dishes for a night I'm a happy camper..

;o)



**It's my blog, I can make up any darn word I wish and use it however I choose...

"Drama Free.. That's The Life For Me.."

That was my mantra when I gave my ex the boot for the very last time. For you newer readers ... prior to meeting, both DH and I had been in relationships with addicts (we were trying to "save" them and found out the hard way, you can't). After 6 years of my ex's insane life, I finally put my foot down. I was exhausted, nearly broke and had given him his last second chance (for the hundred thousandth time). Enough was enough.

Months later when the divorce was final and the shock and awe of being single in my 30's finally wore off, I dipped my toe into the dating pool again. What fun (not). Older and wiser, this time I was going into it with a list in my head of what I would and wouldn't put up with. Right up there in the Top 5 was NO DRAMA.

Realistically, by a certain age we all come to the table with baggage. Some worse than others. I myself had at least a clutch (er, and a duffel bag, 2 steamer chests and a small carry on). No one is perfect but we can still shoot for the stars, right? All I really wanted was a quiet happily ever after.

Fast forward 8 years..

If the phone rings at midnight, it's an emergency. A wild Saturday night is staying up for the 2nd song played by the band on SNL. My husband comes home after work every night. Checkbooks no longer disappear. Drama Free..

Until now..

Now we're foster parents and once again, livin' on the edge. You never know what is going to happen from one day to the next. From the kids to the case itself.. don't even try to guess what's around the next bend because you never will. Crazy stress over reporting scratches and bruises. Sleepless nights before meetings. Trying to parent and flying by the seat of our pants on occasion. Never a dull moment.

Doing this is not for the faint of heart. On top of dealing with everything being thrown at you, you're also working with the government. SA--WEET! I thank God our workers DO care and DO go to bat for the kids. I shudder at the thought of having slacker workers. It should be against the law.

This week was better than the last and we relish our small victories while we have them.

Tonight is Drama Free. I'll happily take that, thankyouverymuch.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

To All You Amazing Mom's:
Whether by natural child birth, adoption, marriage or just self proclaimed, I wish you a wonderful, pampered and relaxing day. Thank you Mommys for taking me under your wings..

To Mama: I love you and miss you dearly.

Happy Mother's Day, Ya'll!!!

Germs 1.. Germination 0

DH went down hard last Friday with a nasty bout of bronchitis and didn't go back to work until today. Jack and Jill have been coughing and boogery all week and Nantie is trying to fend something off, as well. Thanks to Bren's nagging (er, kind words of advice) I started taking my prenatal vitamins after my last huge knock down and have yet to have a full blown cold (thank God!).

Germs win round 1...

Auntie MooMoo came over 2 weeks ago and helped the kiddos plant PUMPKIN SEEDS!! WOOHOO!! They looked like this:
Visions of monstrous jack o lanterns danced in their heads. Jack and Jill check them every day (swearing they see something coming up, of course). The package promised we would see some sprouting in just a few days.

Did I mention it has been 2 weeks? They look like this:
How wrong is THAT?? Do you see the giant pumpkin on the package? Or is that just a really small child?!?? How do these people sleep at night knowing they are going to let down adults (er, little kids) everywhere!??!

Germination-A Big Fat Zilch.




(This post is dedicated to Amber, who is married to the Lord of the Gourds)

Happy (You're-Not-My-Mom-I-Don't-Love-You-Yes-I-Do) Mother's Day

Riddle me this Hallmark, got a card line for a girl like me?

I didn't think so..

This has been a tough week. We had a meeting at DSS a few days ago and got news I didn't want to hear. Nothing is set in stone but the writing is on the wall. In this situation I was more of an observer and it wasn't my place to speak unless spoken to. Obviously I can't go into detail but I can say that it took everything in me to keep quiet.

EVERYTHING.

This Sunday will be bittersweet. I'm not a mom but I have joined the legions that has been up all night soothing crying, scared children out of nightmares. I've gotten sick along with them, kissed owies, practiced numbers, made dinners, taught manners, played, giggled and laughed with, survived massive melt downs and gone to church. I don't have stretch marks but do sport dark circles under my eyes after particularly rough nights.

That's gotta account for something.

"Expect The Unexpected.."

Fridays can be a bear and yesterday was no exception. The kids have visits on Thursday that typically rile them up at night and carry into the next day. Nantie had her hands full with defiance amongst other naughty behaviours. Not the kids' usual M.O. just how they cope with the overload sometimes.

After hearing of the day's shenanigans I braced myself for a rockus evening:

Expect: Meltdowns? More defiance? Super Nanny Episode Take 2? Oh Lord, please.. no! I mentally prepared myself for the worst (and poured a glass of Merlot).

Bring it on..

The Unexpected: We had none of it. The kids were absolutely perfect and we had a delightful evening. What the? DH has been sick and we enjoyed a very mellow, fun pizza and movie night. There were no issues putting on p.j.s or brushing teeth (which is totally flabbergasting because getting Jack to brush is drama to the nth degree). We snuggled on the couch, stayed up late watching The Bee Movie and went to bed without incident. What could possibly top that, you ask?

Hold on to your hats..

I had tucked our sleepy eyed children into bed and got huggies and sugah from both. As I stood at their door blowing the last of the night's kisses, Jack stops me and says,

"Wissa?"

"Yes, baby."

"Wissa, I wuv you."

*Blink*

"Oh darling, I love you and Jill, too.. Angels bless you and goodnight..."

(Insta tears, heart melting.. I turned to goo standing outside their closed bedroom door).

As much as he struggles with his feelings and the ways he tries to test me, that was beyond huge. It is a priceless gift that I will cherish forever.

For once that's my kind of unexpected!