Update.

This past week has been a whirlwind, so hang on, and I will try to catch you up on the details!

Giggle is gone. We had requested her to be moved more than a month ago. Her worker was finally able to locate a relative who agreed to accept her. She moved last Tuesday. It was very emotional for all of us. Of course, we being the foster parents, always feel as though sending a child away makes US the failure. It is just that guilt-trip that we put ourselves on...did we do enough? did we expect too much? did we set the standards too high? was she really able to keep on the straight path? ... and all of those other thoughts that whirl around in your head.



Anyway, she is gone. We had a celebration for her the night before she left. It was more of a birthday party since her birthday was only 2 days away. I don't do well with "going away" type things, so we tried to keep it in a birthday mode. She was very emotional and cried a lot. But she also knew that we had made up our minds this time, and that she was really going to leave.

She went to uncle's on Tuesday, and this is Sunday. She has called every day, multiple times, and has texted us multiple times on the cell phone that Uncle got her on Day #2. ( she is homesick, missing everyone, etc.) She starts school at a new school tomorrow, and we wish her only the best.

On Wed. our family all went to CHICAGO to enjoy the Thanksgiving Day parade. Our boy, Musicman, marched in the parade with his college band. IT WAS AWESOME!
They did a great performance, and looked & sounded AMAZING. Oh, he makes us so proud. Yes, we all shed a few tears at the excitement of it all. No one noticed however, since we stood in the rain for several hours! we were protected with lots of layers and rain ponchos, still...


We then headed back to the hotel and made our Thanksgiving feast. We had brought food with us, and made a fabulous meal of turkey, gravy, potatoes, homemade noodles, homemade rolls, green beans, cranberry sauce, desserts, etc. It tasted so good.

The younger children went swimming at the hotel pool, and the older kids had a scavenger hunt (photo) inside the hotel to end the evening. They had a really great time, and had great pics too!

The following day we enjoyed Shedd Aquarium, then we headed home. It was really a great trip. Short but sweet. There were a few tense moments, but we made it through.

Today I feel relief. For so many things that have been bothering me and worrying me. I feel relief. And peace.

So, for the new week, I say bring it on~!

Today....

....is Veteran's Day. I thought about my Dad a lot today. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. I have never known anyone more patriotic in my life. He knew every single thing about flag etiquette. He went to his grave with wounds & scars from injuries and illness / surgery from when he was in the Army. I miss him. Oh, how I miss him. Especially today.

I went to a funeral today of a dear family friend. He had not been sick long, thankfully. He is suffering no more. He left behind a lot of family, they will all miss him. It was really a beautiful service, and so fitting that he, too, was a veteran, and was put in his final resting place on Veteran's Day.

and other things......

We are still waiting for final word of Giggle's placement. Oh, did I say here that she has been voted off the island? she has. A few weeks ago, she decided to take the car and disappear again for a few hours. No explanations. She was supposed to go to work. But didn't. But then said they didn't need her to work. Then she said they did need her to work. A few hours. No explanation. I'm sorry, that is not OK. Please understand, it was not JUST that event, but many, many things, and many "second chances" before we came to this decision.
They are trying to finalize placement with an uncle in another town. She seems somewhat excited, but I think she is trying to act excited because that way it doesn't hurt so badly to know that your actions caused this. A defense mechanism in a way. Camo has stated emphatically that he does not want to go with her, and won't go with her.

Tonight, a Veteran's Day program, and pick up from Awanas. This has been a busy week. Thanksgiving is right around the next corner.

Halloween....Trick or Scream, Curse?

Cub came for the weekend so that she could go Trick-or-Treating with Tiger. She went with us last year and enjoyed it so much, her Foster Mom asked if she could come with us again. Of course! (we have a tradition of going to Grandmother's on Halloween for soup and dessert....this year, chili, potato soup, and pumpkin pie...thanks Grandmother...YUMMY!) Foster Mom did warn us however, that lately Cub has been cursing. A lot. Really bad words. Oh, great.

So, when Cub arrived on Friday evening, we told her that we would not tolerate this type of behavior from her AT ALL, and if she chose to use this language here, we would immediately call Foster Mom and she would have to return home. She gave us her promise that she would not talk like that.

And she didn't. Whew. But, she did however, decide to scream all the way home from Trick-or-Treating. She sat in the third seat of the van with Tiger, and behind her sat the two older boys who tend to bully somewhat. She is terrified of dogs, TERRIFIED, and so I kept hearing them laughing, and her screaming. They were making growling and barking noises at her, and she screamed BLOODY MURDER...all the way home. EIGHT LONG MILES.

Once that was over, she was exhausted! she was more than willing to go to bed, and we were very happy to have her quiet.

Today we enjoyed our day playing outside, and painting her nails gold. That is until Firecracker saw us, and demanded that we return the polish to her, it was HER SPECIAL POLISH that NO ONE ELSE can use.

CUB cried when it was time to go, but earlier in the day had asked to make a present for Foster Mom. She made her a bracelet with beads, and placed it in a cute gift bag with a note (that I wrote for her). It said "I love you. You are nice". Love, CUB. I am happy that she is happy there. I love Cub, I really do, but I also know that it does not work for her to live here. So I am thankful that we can still see her, and thankful that she is happy living with other Foster Mom.

Wow, it's been a long while. . .

I have not posted in quite some time. I was a little nervous after reading some other blogs of foster parents, who claimed their workers commanded them to shut down their blogs. I doubt that any of my workers read this, or know it exists, but still. After all, it is the world-wide-web!

There has been several things going on in this household. Dad and I were at a foster/adoptive parent conference last week. While it was great to see new/old friends, I will have to admit that it was not the most enjoyable two days I have ever spent. Some of the training sessions were boring (zzzzzzz) and others were in too hot/too crowded rooms. We did manage to get 1/2 of our training hours in for the next session. So, it was worth it for sure.

OH, and about last week. . . Giggle chose to not go to work on her scheduled evening, claiming she had gone in on the wrong day. She told Angel (respite provider) that she was on her way home. After waiting 1 1/2 hrs., Angel called us on the cell phone (we, too, were on the way home). She wanted to know where we thought she might be. She did finally call and tell her that the boss decided to let her work after all (this was all fabricated). Angel did drive into town, and was able to locate her. She couldn't understand what the issue was, and wanted to "chill out" at the mall with friends. Not a big deal that you disappeared for 2 1/2 hours, and were nowhere near where you said you were!? not a problem!?

Giggle didn't know until after this event that we had already requested her to be removed from our home. After the school incident, verbal altercations, threatening text messages, names given to the police (gee, did I miss anything??) we decided that Giggle was quickly falling back into old self mode, and working against everything that Dad and I were working toward. With lots of consideration and prayer, we decided it would be best for everyone, (including Giggle) for her to find a home elsewhere.

Worker is looking for placement, but in our county, there are hardly any openings. And let's face it, a nearly 17 yr old girl, defiant, poor grades, struggling in school-academically and socially, really doesn't appeal to most foster parents.
At last check (which was yesterday, when our 2 weeks expired) Worker did think she had located an uncle who would consider placement. Camo decided that he did not want to move with Giggle, even if with a relative. He wants to stay here, and keep in the same school. Hopefully we will hear something soon and our hope is that Giggle can be successful elsewhere.

Tiger is still having problems. Yesterday he was told by his daycare worker to pick up his toys, and then reminded again when he wasn't doing it, and he told her "I am going to KILL YOU!". Gee, really, over picking up toys? So, he did not get to participate in the WED night church party. He still got to go, but did not get to wear his costume or participate with the other children. He had to sit by me, and be with me the entire time. He got upset and squeezed and pulled my arm and hand. And I am thinking, this is punishment for HIM or for ME? we made it through this though. All of us.

Firecracker is doing well. On the way to town last night, she said "I CANNOT miss school tomorrow!" when we asked why not? she said "I have a TEST tomorrow!!" I didn't know people got excited about taking tests, but apparently she does.
she continues to do well in school, and just loves learning. She can't seem to get enough, and loves every challenge. Often times she helps Elijah with his homework. The other evening she and Giggle were playing a game, called "What's GNU" and Giggle would ask Firecracker how to spell the words! Firecracker is an amazing speller.

Xman is still playing football, as is Camo. Tonight is the last game. I am kind of glad, because I feel as though I haven't really seen either one of them in the past 6-8 weeks. Oh, wait, never mind...musical theater has already started so I won't see Xman for another month or so. Sheesh. But I am NOT complaining, they are both very focused, and doing well in school (for the most part, Camo has a few struggles...)

Musicman auditioned and was chosen for the mens basketball band at college. Their first game is next week. He is having so much fun, that sweet son of mine. He enjoys life!

And that should bring us up to speed...I think.

Here's to you, Miss J.

Respite weekend was a disaster, Respite weekend was wonderful!

Dad and I had a wonderful respite weekend. We visited Musicman at college, and watched their awesome and amazing marching band perform at half-time. He couldn't meet with us and hang with us on SAT., because after the game, they had to go to perform at a neighboring city. So, he didn't get back in town til late, late, late.

On Sunday, we met up for a Mexican lunch! yumm! it was so good to put my hands on him, and love on him a while. I know, I know, he IS 21 and all, but he is STILL my BOY, and I have to have some MOM and hug time. That will never change! Not if I have any say in the matter!

Things on the homefront were a disaster. Camo punched a tree. Why you say? same thing we asked. He claims it was because all of his friends at school were fighting (but he punched the tree some 6 hours AFTER school had ended...go figure)

Then, Xman and Giggle decided they would take the chance to mouth each other, which escalated into a shoving match, which escalated to Giggle getting slammed into the floor (bending her eye glasses, scratching her forehead, and giving her a goose egg).

So, they are all grounded from Homecoming activities this week. THEY wanted to give up TV and Xbox for the week, but I decided that didn't sting enough. Homecoming activities (events each night, ending with a dance on Sat.) now taking that away would HURT. We have to go to the game on Fri., because Xman plays. Other than that, no nuttin'.

Oh, and Xman also got his cell phone taken away. BIG OUCH! for one week.

Today, I received an email that Giggle has ISS (in-school-suspension) tomorrow for cussing out a teacher. WHAT?

So, when I picked her up today, she jumped in the car, giggling and laughing, happy as a little lark. When I asked if she thought ISS was funny? She said No, but I am going to be SO BORED!!!!!

I prayed to GOD to help me hold my TONGUE, so I wouldn't call HER all the NAMES that she used on the TEACHER! I didn't call her those names. But I said plenty else.

Bedtime funny

Last night, Firecracker and I were sitting on the bed, just conversing about the day.

Firecracker then asked "Mom, when do we (in school) have that conversation about boys & girls and body parts?"

While I was thinking of when those classes occurred, she then loudly exclaimed "And WHEN will I get BREASTS?"

We then both fell back on the bed in roaring laughter. That Firecracker!

"Mom, you dropped something..."

It seems as though, on my way walking from my bedroom down to the basement, with a few clothing items in my hand, I dropped something upstairs.

I didn't realize I had dropped anything, until I heard Xman and Camo giggling like two girls.

Then Xman said "Hey, Mom, there's something up here in the hallway".

My first thought was that our chihuahua had an accident upstairs. Uh-oh.

When I asked what it was ? I hear more giggling.

I ignored it.

Then, Tiger came in to the kitchen, holding up one of my bras. Looking very puzzled.
Very puzzled. He knew it didn't belong to him, and he knew it wasn't a toy, but he really didn't know WHAT it was.

Of course, this sent Xman and Camo into an UPROAR.

Haha very funny. Not.

So, Tiger nicely took "it" downstairs, and placed it in the laundry bin. What a nice boy.

He still doesn't have any idea what it was.