Friday, July 31, 2009

A Whole Lotta Nuttin'

So the week came and went without much info from anyone. The big 9-1-1 about the meeting happening asap was all for not. I did hear it's not even scheduled yet.

What the??

All we are asking for is some type of timeline to prepare our hearts but there just isn't one yet. We're all in total limbo. The upside is it means more time with the kiddos..

Stay tuned..

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Table Talk

This morning.. Nantie & Jack:

N: How did you sleep, buddy?

J: Good. But my toe stayed up.

N: Your toe?

J: Yeah. It wouldn't go to sleep.

N: Why? Was it dancing a jig?

J: No. It just couldn't fall asleep..

N: Oh dear. I bet it's pretty tired now, huh?

J: Yeah.

Nothing worse that suffering from Tired Toe... hate when that happens..

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Happy Anniversary, Honey!!

I can't imagine growing old with anyone else. You are amazing and I don't thank you nearly enough for all you do.**

I love you dearly.. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

**Thank you for scrubbing the bathroom on Sunday--YOU ROCK! :o)

Love Your Wife,

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Scenes From The Zoo

With the crazy that has become our lives, I totally spaced sharing some memories from our trip to the zoo a couple weeks back. Uncle JoeJoe, Auntie D and Princess A had flown in that very day and we met up with them, Auntie MooMoo and GramPapa for a wonderful afternoon.

Jack only knew Uncle JoeJoe through pictures and stories but was his biggest fan just the same. He was on Uncle J like white on rice. This shot was taken within moments of meeting..

Jack and Jill both love (and look up to) their totally cool cousin, Princess A.

Melissa who?..

There were cool tigers..

Nosy neighbors..

And boy howdy, was it hot..

It was a most excellent day!

Jack and Jill might return home but no one can take away our good times. No way, no how.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Calm Before The Storm

At the end of this coming week, the staffing meeting will take place and paperwork will be filed in court. The transition to return home will begin.

We have been advised not to say a word about it to Jack and Jill until everything is set in stone. Mom is obviously chatting up the move during visits because they keep bringing it up and their behaviours are starting to show signs of turmoil. Her nightmares have started up again and both are manic-hyper after visits. Jack keeps asking Nantie if she still loves him and, as you can imagine, the conversations bring her to tears.

We're going to start the packing process soon so we're not scrambling the night before the move. Nantie picked up brightly colored boxes that will work great for the tons of toys and clothes that will be going. The transport workers had better rent a Ryder truck for the load.

No joke.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Just Grieve

I liken this part of our journey to the death of a loved one. An emotional, exhausting roller coaster of loss, grief and even anger. It's much the same as when I lost Mama to cancer. Sometimes I can talk about it very matter of factly and other times the rush of tears comes from nowhere. Everything is out of our control and it's just a matter of time.

We knew this could happen from the get go and are very aware the county's number one priority is to reunite families. I can say without hesitation there is no amount of training that can prepare you fully for what is about to take place. We pray for their sakes mom will keep it together this time. We also cry a lot in private and keep the smiles-on for the kids.

No easy task.

A meeting will be held at the end of the month for all the workers assigned to our case. Social workers, the GAL and therapists. Jack and Jill's mom has done what has been asked by the court and there are no barriers to sending them home. All involved will be in agreement it's time.

The transition will begin.

Since they are so young things will happen rapidly. Longer visits, unsupervised visits, overnight visits then home. Two weeks tops. They will be gone forever as quickly as they came.

We will be asking mom for contact after the move and the ball will be in her court. We have no doubt she'll say no but will ask just the same.

Jill has more of a grasp of the impending change and showing signs of turmoil. Jack doesn't quite seem to get it. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around what lies ahead and pray with all my might it goes as smoothly as possible. It's going to rock their world.

Ours, too.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Surgeon General's Latest..

Warning: Be advised that overloading on hot dogs, chips, lemonade, cake and ice cream then bouncing like a maniac has been proven to be hazardous to your health. Side effects include (but are not limited to) googly eyes and puffy lips that whistle.



Participate at your own risk.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Perfect Moment Monday

One of the many Perfect Moments captured this weekend unfolded (literally) a couple hours before Jack and Jill's birthday party began. Some delivery guy showed up at the door.. What in the world was he putting up in the side yard??



Why, a Dalmatian Bounce house with a slide, of course! What you can't actually see are the 2 little Perfect Moments happening as they bounce (and slide and screetch in delight) inside the house.





And did I mention they were still in their jammies?


I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

A Scene From Our Saturday



Squealing Twins & Their Dobersitter.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Under Where?

What happens when you don't use the laundry shoot and toss the dirties down from the second floor?



Hysterics ensue, of course.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Acceptance

Definition: the act of assenting or believing

We had a visit tonight from one of our workers and our suspicions were confirmed. Since court in June mom has kicked it up a notch and is actually on track to getting Jack and Jill back. A lot still needs to happen but there's every indication she will keep it all together long enough to appease the courts. I pray for the kids' sake it's not a dog and pony show.

The rest of the summer is really just a long goodbye. Our hearts ache but we cling to the fact we've done our very best by them. They are not the same children they were when they first came. Jack arrived sullen and fairly nonverbal now stands up for himself and refuses to let Jill talk over him. He's clever and an absolute ham. Jill still tries to be the center of the universe but allows brother to steal her thunder. Sometimes. They declare McDonald's breakfast, "JUNK FOOD!" and have tried (and even liked) all sorts of new food (including veggies and fruit).

Time will pass and their memories of us will undoubtedly fade. Their little souls, however, will never forget.

I have faith in that.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tuesday Toot



My Tuesday Toot is for not completely losing my mind when I got yet more news today that things aren't going our way (case wise). Nantie and I discussed and firmly believe we need to start preparing our hearts (and souls) for their departure. Both our gut feelings are they will be returned home.

DH, on the other hand, says he'll believe it when he sees it.

I'm praying hard for peace and have remained pretty darn calm (for me, anyway). I gotta admit I'm not as tough as I would like to be and yes, the tears have come.

I just can't help it.

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Monday, July 13, 2009

Perfect Moment Monday


Uncle JoeJoe, Jack and DH on the boat chatting with a man at the marina. The kiddos officially love camping and boating and can't wait to go again.


I Capture
Perfect Moments.


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Sunday, July 12, 2009

All Home.. Alive and Well!!

Had a blast.. Postings and pictures coming soon!

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Thursday, July 9, 2009

Big Day ~ Quickie Update

Uncle JoeJoe, Auntie D and Princess A fly in this morning. After Jack and Jill's visit with Mom at The Office we're meeting up with them, Auntie MooMoo and GramPapa at the Denver Zoo. YAY! The really awesome part is for 25 years GramPapa was the curator of the zoo and has some totally cool stories and insights.

When DH arrives home this evening we're loading up the motorhome and boat and off to the campsite. It's literally 15 minutes up into the mountains on a beautiful lake. Close enough to home I can run back if I've forgotten something (or shower! LOVE IT!). Staycations rock!

As Chevy once said, "Gotta thing gotta go.."

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Monday, July 6, 2009

Radio Silence

Sorry I've been such a bloggy slacker here lately. Work and life are so busy I'm just spinning. Upcoming Blog Fodder will include (but is not limited to):

**Uncle JoeJoe coming to town (DH's younger brother along with his family). They are a laugh riot.

**Jack and Jill's first trip to the zoo.

**My big 40th blowout (belated) at a couple campsites we have reserved. It will be the things legends are made of.

**Jack and Jill's first ride in our boat..

... and much much more! Did I mention all this will happen this coming weekend!?? Oy!

Stay Tuned!!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Graco Rocks!

I was having a TerribleHorribleNoGoodVeryBad WEEK (work and regular life related.. nothing to do with fost/adopt believe it or not!).

Then I got this: Click here to check it out!!!!!
Alas, the week is finally looking up..

I am truly humbled. Thank you again, Karen and Lindsay!!!
 

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