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Another Adoption!!!

Wow! It continues to be an amazing journey...

July 28th, 2008 Lil' Peanut became an official Big Peanut! Funny that she would have a complete and utter meltdown the morning of her/our special day. But it was very much that way many hours earlier that day.

Literally, the two of us laughed as we were in the midst of the screaming, whining and crying period. Hoping that it would not continue the rest of the day, and sure enough it didn't. She was just as cute and sweet with everyone. Whew! It was a bit of a relief.

I think it was Lil' Peanut's way of reminding us of what we were getting into by making it official. She wanted us to be very sure that we wanted her and all that came with who she is... Of course, we do/did! But dang, what a way to show it and with such gusto! I guess she was just wanting reassurance..?

Oh, well it was a wonderful and busy day for all of us. We had a great lunch with Gramma and Grampa Strong, Auntie Debbie and Drewski, and a special treat of having Uncle Craig, Auntie Kathryn, Cuz'n Sambo and his gal pal.

During lunch, at the burger joint, I was kept busy with Bug. Boo was entertained by Auntie Debbie much of the time, as well as 'playing' the video games, and Cuz'n Drewski hung out with Lil' Peanut as well as keeping an eye on Boo. He's such a great Cuz'n that Drewski - the kiddles always keep him sweating! Lil' Peanut even got Grampa to hang out with her. It was just so cute! She was trying to get her way with him at some point during her time with Grampa. That wasn't surprising to hear.

Off to the courthouse to make Lil' Peanut official... I wish I had not been so exhausted that day. I know I would have enjoyed that day a bit more. Anyways, we were greeted by M's dad, mom, Gramma Maybee, Cuz'n Alea, and his other grandmother (and her husband) out from Mississippi-just for this very occasion. Then the rest of the gang came wandering in to our area of the hallway. Again, both of our OFR program director, Sandy, and OFR program nurse, Joy, came to this big day just as they had for Bug's. And Lil' Peanut's former foster mom was there with her adopted daughter.

We were finally summoned into the courtroom and everyone found a seat. I was so thankful that Bug didn't cry out for me during that whole time. Good job, Bug!

The judge asked the two of us to raise our right hand, and lo and behold Lil' Peanut obeyed his orders, too. It was so cute and funny. Then we had to say, 'I do' when the judge asked us and Lil' Peanut responded with 'I do' also. She was cracking us up.

THEN when the judge basically was asking if we/I was in for the long haul of this creature, I just had to respond with 'Before this mornings events or now?' Laughter was heard and M whispered to me to just answer the question.

So, I said yes and the rest is history.

And then it was off to Scoops for ice cream!! Yummers!

I feel so lucky and blessed that we were given two beautiful, wonderful and good looking kiddles to love and enjoy for the rest of our days.

If we had done the foster/adopt years earlier, I've wondered if we would have been so lucky? I know it's not something that can be answered but I've wondered at times.

I do believe things happen for a reason. Though I can't always know and wont' know what reasons those would be in the midst of living and death.

Doing What I Was Made To Do... Being A Momma!

Okay, when I wrote this little bio on my blogger page, I was in heaven with all of my kiddles. Or I was just drunk. I'm just not quite sure which it was. Well, since we know I don't drink, it must have been the feeling of heaven.

BUT what was I thinking? HUH?! Heaven on earth with three very different kiddles. And two we keep 24/7 ? What on earth was I thinking????!!!! I have to laugh daily just so I can keep my sanity.

Don't get me wrong... I sure love them with all of me, but I don't always like a certain one sometimes. And that would be of the female gender. Lil' Peanut is the cutest thing ever and it's a D***(darn) good thing she is so cute because I'd have to take her out. Take her out is meant with the idea that deep, deep, deep chuckle way down within. But, damn! she is just too cute! Just my luck...

So, I am not unlike any other parent or mother with toddlers, but it sure feels like you're the only one whose kiddles are just out on another planet or stratosphere - whining and crying, repeating things you say, that you shouldn't say. Oops! Letting the world of grocery stores, big brand named stores and restaurant patrons know you are not the best momma. I have finally begun to turn to the folks in my line or looking at me/us and say, 'arent' you glad you're not me right now?' or 'aren't you glad you are past this stage with your kids?' or 'could you just have a bit more sympathy for me by not looking at me?' Okay, so I don't say that last one but I sure would like to some times. I remember (before kiddles) looking at a poor momma and the screaming kid(s) and just giving her a smile that said - 'I'm sorry that this is happening to you at this time. ' Not many folks are willing to do that I have found. Oh well... Such is life. So I guess I would not be a real and authentic human being or momma or parent if I didn't have these issues come up and those feelings of jumping ship every once in a while. Xanax here I come!

Motherhood is joyous and not so. But there is nothing like having kiddles to bring out the best and the worst in you. I laugh as I write these very words!


And yet, I would not, could not change any of it for the world. Oh, those loving little arms, sweet childish kisses, and that unspeakable and adoring way kiddles come running up to you and call out your name... Momma!!!

Lil' Peanut loves to say, "I love you, Momma, too!"
Bug says, "I lwuoovoo you!"

Damn! It's a good thing they are soooooooooo cute and lovable!

PS: pardon the grammatical errors at 11:35pm tonight. I should be sleeping....

friendship, friendship!

okay, this was a poem i sent to my friend in portland, oregon. she had written me/us an amazing email and i needed to respond to her. so here it is...

*********

creative soul with perfectionist tendencies

leader of a pack yet also possesses a quiet voice

organized yet unorganized

tipsy and yet not drunk often

laugh-out-loud laughter but can silently laugh at self

big toe curled up but not necessarily light on her feet

big idea thinker and yet constantly figuring out the smaller details

blue dog painting or jack johnson meet and greet back stage

light traveler with a very heavy heart

changes important or don't give a damn

you say this I'll say that and together we'll come to the same conclusion usually

lover of many things, animals, fauna, flora but hater of people who don't give a damn

musical soul who married the soul of a music man

great smile, great teeth, great skin, great boobs - damn, i hate you

love me for me and may not like all of me but yet willing to be my friend and i your friend

thank you, cara!

i sure miss you and love you, friend.

your friendship is my pleasure, always: Kim


**********

I hope this poem expresses how much I appreciate you....

Easter in Auburn, 2008

N playing with his new easter basket goody, a toy car...Rrrmmm!

M, N (the one that wants to keep moving) and Lil' Peanut with almost all of their cousins! One was at college and the other two are in Oklahoma.

M found his Easter basket and I think Lil' Peanut was still looking for hers.

My mom and dad always said there was only ONE Easter Bunny...
Bunny D and Bunny C - Bunny D looks a bit scary though...

Bunnies S and B. I didn't know that the Easter Bunnies were Asian, too! Whoa, cool!


Well, Easter was a blast at my parents home. It was a perfect day for an egg hunt, letting the kiddles play outside, and enjoying time with family.

It was quite the day. The kiddles did so well considering they didn't get their naps, played hard, ate candy and crashed when we headed home. Actually, M ended snoozing a bit while Lil' Peanut was opening her birthday presents.

We got gifts galore, had the Elmo themed party of the year, ate more candy, and purely enjoyed ourselves.

M and Lil' Peanut got along great since there was so much room to explore and they had other cousins to watch and play with them.

Little Miss Lil' Peanut cracked me up though - she had to be in the middle of the cousins, while they opened their hunted eggs with money contained within. She was so fascinated by the whole event.

Actually, as I recall, all three of the kiddles found their way in the middle to see what was going on, and see how they could get some of what the others were getting.

So many memories and so much fun having kiddles to enjoy these kinds of holidays. I sure miss having my nieces and nephews being so small. But I guess they do have to grow up some time. Boohoo!

But now that we have our own kiddles, the holidays will continue to be fun and a sense of wonderment.

Aaahh, the joys of childhood...

PS: Thank you, Sista Numero Uno, for your Easter pics!

Oh, Lil' Peanut!

Oh, our Lil' Peanut is doing so great! We had a birthday party for her on Saturday, and thank goodness it was a beautiful day. Our house just isn't conducive to a lot of folk. So we had the great out doors to enjoy as well.

I'm writing because I am overflowing with gratefulness, peace and love. Our Lil' Peanut is doing so well. She seems to have turned an amazing corner. Besides being a bit older (aka: growing up) she seems to have come to an understanding that she is with us forever! That this is her 'home', her 'family', and we are her 'life' now.

Her tantrums have dissipated quite a bit, she fights less with N and has been able to figure out how to calm herself when she is in a fit. All of these things were way over the top before. So, for her to figure this all out in such a short amount a time is simply amazing. All of her workers and therapists are truly amazed and thrilled of her progress.

Just the other day, she put both hands on my face, smiled, giggled, looked me in the eyes and then simply gave me a huge hug! Wow! What love and peace I felt with that. It was as though she was letting me know how she really was feeling and this was the only way she knew how to express it. Oh, my Lil' Peanut!

Don't get me wrong... She still has her moments but they are simply becoming less and less.

Though it will be interesting when M comes to visit on Easter weekend, to see how she does with him. They are quite the pair.

I am seeing a sense of competition with him and she and thus her behavior seems to change a bit when he is around. They both are whiners, they both strike out with hitting regardless if it was an accident or if they simply tripped themselves. And then they both are vying for attention. So... We shall see how this more in control Lil' Peanut and M will do. Should be interesting as always.

Also, Lil' Peanut seems to be much more loving toward N and they are getting along soooo much better. She is able to not scream and cry and whine if he takes her toy, or if she takes his toy she is much more able to be okay with returning it to him. What growth, I tell you!

I am feeling so much better with everything in regards to Lil' Peanut, too. I am less stressed, less anxious, and feel like I can just be the parent I was made to be. Much more easy going, playful, and silly.

Oh, how I love being a parent most days. It seems our lil' family has turned a corner and we are going in the right direction and now we can simply enjoy and anticipate the next exciting curve to come.

I'm Waiting...

Where's Elmo? There he is!!! We are brothers forever!!!
I'm waiting while my homemade dinner of fish sticks are cooking in the oven.

I'm waiting for them to hurry up and get crispy so my kiddles can blow on them because they know they are hot.

I'm waiting for my clothes to dry, while still on my body, so that I don't have to change my clothes again.

I'm waiting for my hubby to get home from teaching so I can let him know I love him with a simple kiss.

I'm waiting for tomorrow to come when Grammy Jo comes to play with me and my kiddles.

I'm waiting for Friday to come so I can 'officially' wish my Lil' Peanut her 2nd birthday, but her first birthday with us!

I'm waiting for the day when I know I will be everything that I am suppose to be to jesus.

I'll be waiting, always in anticipation yet will enjoy the moment when it comes...

Peace within-

Oh, They Are Screaming Bloody Murder...

It's 8:20pm and both kiddles, N and Lil' Peanut are in their own beds, snuggled warmly from head to toe. But a raucous noise comes from both rooms and resounding off the walls and my ear drums. EESH!

Okay, 'experts' are always good at telling parents just what to do with your child, but I often wonder what those 'experts' actually do in their own homes with their own children? Hmmm...

It would be great to be a fly on one of their walls and to see if they actually walk the walk and talk the talk or are just giving all of us parents lip service.

Or could it be that those very 'experts' are on a high dosage of Xanax or other med so they don't have really have the same kind of problems the rest of us do. Having children who scream and cry or bite or sas back or hit or some other childhood angst.

So, as I'm writing this entry the two adorable kiddles are screaming their lungs out, but as soon as you go into their rooms they are laughing and smiling, as if they hadn't been creating havoc to their Momma's poor ears and heart.

So what to do? Go get them and laugh it all off together? Or let them cry it out? Take Xanax or a tranquilizer and go to bed? Or try to settle one down for sleep and then get the other calmed down as well. Such a dilemma!

What is a parent to do?

I actually have no clue but I'm sure I'll try something in the next few minutes or hours.

Just Thoughts @ 12:31 AM

I can't sleep because of thoughts rolling around in my mind.

I'm thinking of my kiddles, N and Lil' Peanut.

I am in awe of their presence in my life.

I ask the question, 'How did I deserve these two?'

My heart responds with, 'Silly, it's not that you deserved them, but that you were given them as gifts.'

'Oh, of course, silly me!' I say out loud to myself.

My life thus far has been interesting to say the least. But nothing can compare to being a parent. How amazing a journey it is so far.

I was holding N in my arms, helping him to reach a state of sleep. There in those tender moments I sighed deeply and with a great sense of peace and fulfillment.

His head on my shoulder, his legs dangling close to my knees, his arms wrapped around my arms, and oh the weight of him seemed weightless.

Oh, the sweetness of my life is overflowing with gratefulness.

I was laying in bed, listening to the quiet of our home, knowing I have been given two amazing and beautiful creatures to care for and raise up, as best as I can. Thank, god, that I don't have to do that all on my own.

I prayed for them.

I prayed that they would know how very much their momma and daddy love them and perhaps one day know and love jesus, in their own individual ways.

I prayed that religion would not get to the best of them and that their compassion would always remain present in any situation they find themselves in.

I prayed for another day with them...

Hearing them laugh, seeing them play, playing with them, and hugging them another time.

Oh, how I love and adore my wonderful kiddles!

Thank you, jesus.

Quick! Get The Flip Video, Momma...

Daddy, N and Lil' Peanut: 12.30.07

I think I was washing dishes or other and I kept hearing N laughing his belly laugh. I went to get the Flip Video to record it but unfortunately it didn't last as long as I had hoped. But I did get N doing his jabbering that he's been doing as of late. He just cracks us up with it.

This is rare that they were not doing the Smack Down Daddy show (jungle jim daddy playtime), instead daddy is running the show. I just loved hearing N's laughter and hearing all the commotion. It just makes life a little more sweeter...

I love how mommas and daddys can play so differently with the same kiddles. I love that their daddy can get different reactions and responses to his and their play and silliness. It too is a sweet sound in this life of ours.

Lil' Peanut cracked me up when she said, 'cheese' to the video camera. She thought I was going to take her picture. It is just so like her to have done that. She is always ready for the camera...

Life is precious and going by so quickly. But thank goodness to photographs and Flip Videos that we can capture a moment in time and remember what was happening at that time and place; and to be able to share it with others. Life is good, as the saying goes.. Indeed it is!

Brothers...

Okay, so this doesn't have a lot of action to it but I just wanted to show my two cute boys together.

This was taken the morning after picking up M, from his birth dad, for his 12 day stay with our lil' family. All the kiddles were excited to see each other as always.

This time together with the boys just reminded me of all the times I had them together on the ottoman, the couch or the floor just hanging out with one another, as they grew up together.

I hope to keep up the tradition of photographing them together so I'll have a chronicling of their times together.

They truly are brothers no doubt.

I love you my wonderful and precious boys!

Love always,

Your Momma

Brothers and Sister...

N, M and Lil' Peanut...

I just love this new Flip Video unit! It has allowed me to catch a few videos and easily place them in my blog. I didn't have to be a techie to figure it out. Well, that's not really true. Mh had to install the program and all the things that it required one to do, in order for the Flip Video to function appropriately. I just needed to know how and where to put the USB cable in to the laptop and upload. The latter was the easy part. Thank goodness for a techie/geek of a hubby He's the best!

I love being able to see my kiddles in action. It just brings great joy to me! I hope you also are enjoying them. If not, please feel free to comment on that.

It has been mind boggling to think that we've only had Lil' Peanut for the past two months. That's all. It seems so much longer.

These three keep me/us very busy and when it is only N and Lil' Peanut, the two of them keep me very busy. We run, play, laugh, tickle, dance, attack one another and so much more. Being 40 and having these young kiddles is work. I definitely didn't see myself having this age of kiddles at this ripe old age of 40. I hoped for it in my 20's or 30's. Oh well... I got them now and there's no turning back on my part, ever. What joy!

Motherhood is one of the sweetest parts of my life. Truly.

These Two Little Kiddles...

Lil' Peanut and M... "He who must obey She!"

The kiddles continue to amaze us, make us laugh out loud, grit our teeth, sizzle on the inside, boast of their many antics and simply make us thrilled to be their Momma and Daddy!

With M's visit this time around, it has been a bit more exciting for all of us. He's been on this biting rampage, particularly with Lil' Peanut. Lil' Peanut seems to retaliate immediately with no thought in giving M the benefit of the doubt. Can't blame her sometimes. But she is quite a little drama queen so there is no getting away with anything with her. N is the smart one of the bunch. He keeps to himself the majority of the time, but also knows when to steal a toy and run with it... When neither are looking! M and Lil' Peanut just seem to egg each other on and definitely have the sibling rivalry, bantering and bickering thing to a 't'. It must mean they are too much a like. And they are... Eek!

As you can see by this short video, M and Lil' Peanut have a complex relationship. He bites and she demands him to go where she wants him. Oh, it's just so funny, until someone gets hurt. And they do...

It will be very interesting as they all grow older together to see how the dynamics change or stay the same. I'm hoping Lil' Peanut will calm her bouts of drama and for M to just let things roll off his back. As far as N goes, I have no doubt he will continue to be a pretty easy going and big teddy bear-like boy. But one never can be completely sure on these things. Regardless, I look forward to all the time I get to have with all of them and continue to grow with them, as they learn, grow and explore their individual worlds as well as our collective world together.

Children are amazing and wonderful creatures to behold!

How very lucky I am to have a few of my very own...

This Momma Turned 40...

Thai birthday dinner with my wonderful hubby... Yummers!

December 8th is a good date every year, as it is my birthday. But this year was one of those monumental numbers and a marker of how much one has lived thus far... I never ever imagined being 40 one day but here the day has come and gone and I'm just the same, but just one more day older now. I guess in my mind I was just going to skip my 40's and head straight to my 50's or something. Who knows what I was thinking... But I've heard from many a woman that the 40's are truly fabulous. So, I'm taking that to heart and looking forward to what my 40's have in store for me.

As this year moved swiftly, and my time to ring in a new rounded number for the coming year approached, I began to look forward to this newest chapter in my life. Because this past year and a half has been such an amazing whirlwind and blessing all rolled into one, I think my turning 40 was actually welcoming. If that makes any sense... Hmmm...

To have turned 40 and have two kiddles to call our own, all American homeowners in a great neighborhood, have a husband whom I've been married to for 16 years and counting, and who loves me everyday, and to have so many friends and family that love and share in our lives; what's not to love about turning 40?!

My world so far has been filled with friends, family, new and old acquaintances, learning, hopes, dreams, losses, pain, tears, changes, renewal, forgiveness, repentance, blessings, faith, fear, doubt, grief, happiness, joy, children, growth, sweetness, disappointment and adventures. And now my life from here on out will entail more adventures to come with all of the above interspersed throughout I'm sure.

It's good to be 40!

In Bed Thinking...

Oh, I have had so much to say lately but it only comes when I'm just about to pass out with sleep.

I've been getting this whirlwind of topics to write about and then I apparently close my eyes and I am out completely, before I can even think to grab pad and pen to write it all down.

And then I come to the computer to try and write the next day or other and nothing comes out. Bummer.

I think I've started and restarted writing on various topics, only to get frustrated with not saying what I really wanted to say. And what I had conjured up the nights before I passed out.

So, all is lost when it has come to my writings.

Unfortunately, this is all you get to read this time around.

Hopefully my next entry will be a bit more exciting.

Yeehaw!

Double, Double Trouble With The Twins...

While talking to Mh for a minute, this is what became of their scrambled eggs, on the carpet!
And the look of "What?! We didn't do it!"


N2 insisted on putting these new rain boots over her Pjs.


N1 was showing me how he could play 'gently' on the piano. Then bang!, bang! after I took the photo.


Our household is full of excitement on a daily basis. Between squeals of great joy and laughter to loud whining and crying, to little tantrums throughout the day. What?! From these little angels? Who would have thought?!

Indeed we are living among the lives of Double And Trouble (they are interchangeable!) And there is no getting around it. Believe me, I have tried and there is simply no where to hide from them.

They are so amazingly cute together when they play nicely and sweetly, but then the screams come from N2 and N1 has a hunk of N2's hair in his very firm grip, with no intentions of letting go. And N2 is screaming bloody murder hoping her heroine, me apparently, will come save her. Meanwhile, she's still screaming and he has gone on to other things. But she is still screaming bloody murder. Hmmm - I knew the 'drama queen' was in her but then a daily stream of excitement I wasn't quite in for. Oh, but what's not to love?!!!?

They have indeed stepped over the threshold of the 'terrible twos'. Toddlerhood itself seems to generate this hunger for power, self indulgence, tantrums and self importance that is a huge learning time for them. But parenthood sometimes seems ill equipped to manage such times as these. What is a parent to do? Love them, pray for sanity, take a chill pill, laugh a lot, and know they will grow out of it sometime down the road of life... We hope...

But despite what does go on in the minds and personalities of a toddler, their spirit is truly precious and a smile maker. Their little brains are working hard at playing, figuring things out, learning cause and effect, finding their voice(s), and hoping some one is taking notice while they extend all of this amazing energy into who they are and will continue to develop to be.

I am always taking notice. I often times just sit in one area of the living room and simply watch each of them play, work, figure out, make decisions, and laugh out loud with pure silliness.
They are intriguing little creatures to behold and one of the many reasons I've always wanted to have my own.

I've always wanted twins. And I was blessed in that area. Now I've never wanted triplets and never thought I could handle it very well if it had happened to me. And when M comes to visit, I need all the help I can get. It takes far too much energy to care for three versus two. And I just don't have that kind of energy to do it alone. Bravo to those who can and do! Not this Momma...

So, Double and Trouble are what keeps me laughing out loud and are reminders of how very blessed I am to get to be their Momma!

I love you, N1 and N2!

Love always, Your Momma!

The Triplets...

Okay, the triplets are all nestled in their beds asleep and it's just wonderful and peaceful feeling knowing that we have three beautiful kiddles under our roof.

Well, we don't really have triplets but when M comes to visit, which pretty much ends up being every two weeks, then we have a house full.

And since they are so close in age, Lil Peanut 19mos, M 16mos and N 15mos, it basically is the care of triplets.

And when M is not with us it is twinsville!

We just so love our lil' family and all the things we get to do together. We get the play time, the hugs, the laughter, the smiles, the holding, the loving and the silliness that all is in a days' work. And since Mh works from home, he is such a huge help and this allows for the kiddles to have a great and close relationship with him. That's not to say that a parent that works outside of the home, will not have a close relationship with his/their child(ren), it is just much more work and effort to make that kind of time in having such relations.

I am so thankful that I have a husband that is willing, able and loves to be with the kiddles. And doesn't mind changing their diapers, doing laundry, and picking up and putting them to bed. He is such a huge help and I would not want to do this with anyone else in the whole wide world!! We just work so well together and we compliment one another with our varying strengths.

So, when M comes to visit, he ends up taking a day off so that he can help me with all three of them as they are a handful, no doubt.

Twinsville or Tripletville we are happy to just have these amazing creatures in our lives, in our hearts and our home.

We are so very blessed...

No Trick Or Treating This Year...

Sad to say that I did not even dress the kiddles up in costumes and take them anywhere for some sort of trick or treating.

Actually, Lil' Peanut was the only one who even wanted a costume on, as you can see by the photo above. And that photo was a few weeks ago. She hasn't put it on since. But N would have nothing to do with putting anything on his body nor his head. No way, Jose!

So, I resolved to just letting this year go by as uneventful and save it up for next year. They will each be a bit older, and possibly get the gist of why one dresses up and goes door to door for a bit of candy.

We did make it to the local library for a Halloween event and saw lots of other kids dressed up. And Lil' Peanut kept saying, 'Wow!'. But had no clue why they looked the way they did other than getting a bit excited about the colors, the sparkles and the interesting people.

Besides, I guess they would get excited if I was excited about Halloween, which I am not. I really have never enjoyed dressing up because I would always get way too hot. And I knew that my parents would hold my plastic pumpkin full of candy overnight, in their bedroom so my dad, really, could pick out his favorite pieces and say all was okay.

As a kid, of course, I went trick or treating. Are you kidding? Free loads of candy?! But the dressing up and going door to door just was not my cup of tea. I really didn't like going up to someone and having to say trick or treat. I just thought that part was stupid, but then how else would one get the candy? I hadn't a clue really. I just knew I had to follow the lead of my siblings and I'd get just as much candy as they did, and I was way younger. Now that was cool.
I actually don't recall going trick or treating every year but then I think I just put it all behind me. Knowing how much I didn't like dressing up.

I was telling Mh that I think the last time I actually dressed up was when we were in college and our group of friends held a party of pumpkin carving, which became a tradition for many, many years, even since we've been back in Chico. And that was the only time since that I have put on any sort of costume. Those were fun times.

The pumpkin carving party tradition has slowed down in the past few years unfortunately. I would like to pick it back up, as it was a fun and festive time with friends and sometimes a family member. We'd just get food, carve the pumpkins, toast the seeds, hang out and/or watch a movie or two. It was just a sweet time.

So we'll have to see what the kiddles will be next year for Halloween and if we'll actually decorate our front door area a bit more festive.

Until the next Halloween...

M Is Doing Great!

Now that we have two kiddles once again, I still yearn a bit for the one kiddle we no longer have in our home. BUT he is still in our lives and that means the world to both us.

I still wonder what he is doing during his days and what is making him laugh and do his little dance that he does. His smile is easy to come by and his excitement about the little things is contagious. I still miss him obviously but it's a healthy mindset.

Because we are able see him for days at a time, we are getting to see how he is doing with having been returned to his birth dad.

As selfish as it seems, it was difficult to see that he was bonding with his dad in the beginning. But we also knew that that was suppose to happen and it was a good thing that the bonding was taking place. As his attachment will get him through much in his life ahead.

Letting go of this creature was the most difficult thing we had ever had to do in our lives, yet we have gained more from this experience than we ever thought.

And we continue to gain so much from the experience as it has evolved to our having a relationship with him and his birth dad.

In having this continued relationship, we have been able to see the strides M has made and the positive development that should be taking place. And it is...

We are so blessed to see M, play, hug, kiss, and share time with him and our two other kiddles, his brother and now new sister.

It has been truly wonderful knowing that Mis doing great.

We still get to be Momma and Daddy to him and that is special to the both us.

He is just so special to me and I can't help but to pine for him from time to time. He will always hold an amazing place in my heart because he was the first child to come into our home and into our hearts.

I love you, M, and hope you will always know that no matter where you are in life!

I am thrilled that Daddy and I get to spent so much time with you, and that you get to play with your brother N and now your new older sister, N.

I hope you also know how thrilled we are that you're doing so well with your birth dad and your extended family, who cares for you while your birth dad works.

Keep smiling and dancing your dance. You will go far in life and change lives in your midst.

I'll love you forever and ever, M!

Love always,

Your Momma

We've Added One More To Our Little Family!

Okay, so now Lil' Peanut is ours to keep forever and ever!

Now we have our very own spitfire and the third girl grandchild of both our families.

We are so thrilled and feel extremely blessed that both of our kiddles have come by way of unusual circumstances and so quickly.

She is 19mos to N's 15mos but she is definitely smaller than he but feisty. We are in trouble...

I never really thought I'd actually be raising a girl. I just pretty much had hoped for only boys and if a girl were to come along, then she'd better not be a girly girl.

So, actually, I am in luck because our Lil' Peanut is not one so far. Hopefully she'll remain a tomboy like me until long after she has found a man to marry and has kids of her own.

Because I have no idea what to do with a girly girl other than to tell her to 'toughen up' and 'stop that whining, please!'

I know I will deal with it all as our lives unfold. And, who knows, maybe I'll enjoy the girly girl side of hers (secretively living vicariously through her in that manner).

Oh, and she is already a telephone talker. Now we are really in for trouble...

Oh, the joys we will have loving, caring for and enjoying our Lil' Peanut grow up.

Welcome to our family, Lil' Peanut!

I love you so very much!

Your Momma

By the way, Lil' Peanut, this is just some of the family you will be associated with...

Another Child?

Oh, she does have strawberry blond hair but is not little miss strawberry shortcake. Although she is just a little peanut...

So, another child is a possibility at this time. Thank goodness she doesn't come with these clothes with her. Whew!

Well, we are in the midst of determining if a little spitfire named N will be with us in our family permanently. She is adoptable at this point in time.

She stayed with us for a weekend as a respite case and now is with us once again. We are not sure how long she will be with us but it looks like at least two weeks. Until her social worker can figure out what is next for her. You see, we are only one of five families that are wanting to adopt her.

It seems she fits well into our family so far but there have been a few things that have made me question at the instinct level. I will not reveal it here but will wait to see what happens in the mean time.

She's a cutie patutie, no doubt! She is hands down over little miss strawberry shortcake.

More to come on this situation as it unfolds.

This Munchkin Is A Hoot!

Oh, to know this creature of mine is to experience great happiness and enjoyment from just watching him!

He is just an amazing, funny, silly and busy, busy little creature.

I just love his laughter, his great smile and that twinkle in his eye that will be haunting Mh and me until he moves out on his own. It could get scary...

If he will be anything like me, then we are in trouble. I was a dare devil, athletic, and adventurous. And my mom's famous line for me was... 'Don't do anything stupid!'.

Eesh! I know I'll be hearing myself say that to him one of these days.

But if he is anything like his daddy, my quiet, unassuming, and geeky husband, then he's going to be better off. Hahaha!

To look at N, one may think he will be a football player or an American Gladiator or Sumo Wrestler. But one can never tell just yet. His personality is big but he could very well be an analyst, a mechanical or electrical engineer or a bike repairman. Who knows...

I look forward to seeing what becomes of N. But if nothing else, I wish for him to enjoy life, respect all people, become what god has created him to be, and remember where he came from. Of course, there is always more I want for him but those are just a few of the things at this very moment in time. It could change tomorrow...

But for now I just get to enjoy every minute with him and am so honored to be his momma.

I love you, N!!

Love always your Momma.

Not As Discombobulated Now...

Okay, so now I've figured out why I was feeling so discombobulated. Hey, I like that word! It's just fun to type, to say and to see it written.

Just got side tracked for a moment, sorry.

Anyways, my feelings of being discombobulated were due to still grieving and feeling the loss of M. The emptiness of his lack of presence in our home. Though intellectually, I know he is in a good home, bonding well with his birth dad and continuing to develop, yet it has still been hard to not yearn for his place in our family.

But since having gone to two classes on grief and loss, it really helped with being okay to still be in the grieving process, and still feel the sense of loss, and know that I am a fairly emotional healthy person. And since we are able to see M every two weeks, that really helps with the continuity of his presence in our lives. But at the same time, knowing how much attention M needed from me, particularly, and the lack of undivided attention N was able to get from me, before M left, it has has made a world of difference in our household. N is happier and enjoying the attention he deserves yet gets to see his brother every so often. And he seems great with that since MH is there to help out during M's entire visit. Allowing me to not have to be the one M clings to at every moment. I don't really get the phrase 'things happen for a reason' but in this case maybe it fits... Despite the loss of his permanent place in our little family.

I still find myself saying 'the boys' or 'my boys', or 'my two boys'. And I may always do that simply because we had over a year of being a family of four. And since it was my first experience as a momma and being a caretaker of such creatures, it's reasonable to see why it has affected me so much.

So I guess what I'm saying is that I have finally gotten out of my funk. And am able to continue on the road of life with one child, who is busy and fun, and still be able to enjoy the love and presence of M every two weeks. As Martha would say, "It's a good thing!". And indeed it is!!!

I am just thrilled to have had this entire experience this past year despite the heartache and loss that became of it. But life goes on and I made it through and there will be other events to enjoy, experience on this journey called life. I was not the only one that made it through, but each and every one of my little family made it through and we are better for it!

I still have days where I tear up thinking of M but my thoughts have become much more encouraging and positive in how I perceive this absolute arraignment we have at our disposal.

Feeling Discombobulated!

Well, it's been a bit of time since my last entry and, as the title states, I am feeling quite discombobulated. I actually wasn't sure I had spelled it correctly, so I went to Webster on line and found I still can spell even at 1:30 in the morning. Eesh! Not sure if that is something to be that proud of... Hmm...

I actually have a lot to share but the things in my head and in my heart are not cooperating and thus nothing is coming out. Dang!

Each day seems to bring a sense of routine for N and me and that's good because he needs that. He fortunately is good about taking his nap(s) during the day. It's the night time sleep he has decided to keep us on our toes about.

Actually, it's been interesting since M left us because N started doing what M used to do during his night time sleep: Waking up to play or playing the 'I don't want you to put me back in the crib even if I was sound asleep just seconds ago.', or whatever else he thinks up. Before M left, N was the great sleeper of the night. So we've decided that N didn't want us to miss M too much so he'd take on this little aspect of his nature. Very cute, N! Very cute!

I am awake because N woke up wanting snuggle time and a bottle but then I couldn't go back to sleep, and since I have so much 'stuff' within, I thought I'd try to journal a bit.

It's not really helping, cause what I want to say isn't what is being put down. This is just the fluff stuff.

I guess I'll call it a night since nothing, of great significance, is coming out of this ol' brain.

My Way Of Grieving You, M.

Hi, M.

I just wanted to let you know that daddy and I are grieving you terribly.

We struggle each day to maintain some sense of normalcy and yet there is just too much that reminds us of you throughout our home and our memories.

N has been huge in helping us to get through each day, as he is very busy chatting it up, walking, exploring and laughing out loud. All of these things have helped us to focus on him and our caring for him, but it also is a reminder that you are no longer with us.

Just today, our neighbors V and P mentioned that they missed you and that just killed your daddy and me. We both said, under our breath, the same thing. That we were missing you too.

N is sound asleep and we are about to head to bed ourselves. But I had to ask daddy if I could sleep in your room, on the spare bed, because it would help me to feel closer to you and help me in my grieving the loss of you. I hope you understand this unusual request.

This loss has been so great and difficult to find ways that will help ease the pain we feel, that my idea to sleep in your room was necessary for me. I have yet to find something that helps me to feel as close to you. Maybe tomorrow I will come up with something else, but for now sleeping in your room will help me somehow. At least I hope so...

Goodnight my little M and sweet dreams to you my precious Sunshine.

Love always and forever,

Your Momma

I Can't Not Worry, M.

My dear and sweetest, M.

I can't help but worry about you and wonder how you are fairing.

I hope you know that we miss you dearly and wish we could at least see you again very soon.

I have had many thoughts about how you are doing and they have not been good thoughts. I have worried that you are biting yourself more frequently, worried that your caretaker may be more strict with you and more aggressive with you, and worried that you are forgetting us.

These thoughts have no serious basis but it is the only thing I can think about when I know how sensitive a creature you are. I know it doesn't take much for you to become upset, frantic, fearful and begin biting. So, I just have to wonder that those things that were occurring before you began living apart from us are still happening as the days of our separation continue to widen.

It pains me to think that any of those possibilities could be true. I pray to god that they are not. But I know how daddy and I took care of you and understood, most of the time, your temperament. But not knowing your caretaker or your birth dad very well, it makes me think otherwise, and I know that I shouldn't, but I know that the deepest part of me wants the best for you in every part of your life.

Obviously, the unknown is killing me and I just want to get even a glimpse that you are okay.

I pray that you are.

I hope that you are.

I want to know that you are.

More than okay...

I love you so much and miss you more than my words can express.

I ache just writing this to you.

You are my little creature that I will always love no matter where you go in life.

Love always,

Your Momma

The Days Go By...

photo by tully rohrer:
The days go by as if any other day. A child to get up, feed, love on, laugh with, chase about, giggle with, hug and kiss at every moment allowed.

Another day goes by like any other day. The husband, the child, the cat, the world outside her door and the constant ache of someone missing from her life, their lives.

The days go by like any other day. The phone rings, the newspaper in the driveway, the cat meowing to be fed, the husband showering, the child watching a children's appropriate show, the momma wondering how her other chick is doing at someone else's home.

Another day goes by, the momma passes by the room that houses the empty crib that once belonged to her other chick. Sadness deepens within, a hunger to scream is just about to surface, the need to suppress these feelings must be done, as the house is quiet with the husband asleep, the child asleep, the cat asleep and the world outside her door asleep.

And yet not another day goes by that she doesn't yearn for that child that is no longer with the rest of her family.

It has only been six days since that child has no longer lived with the family, with the empty crib.

Yet the days go by when it feels like his absence has been hundreds of days passed.

And yet not...

The days continue to go by.

And by...

Without the other child in their lives.

Thank God For You, N!

You are Momma and Daddy's little dicken...

Oh, N you are such a beautiful, personable and funny little creature to behold!

We are so thankful for your amazing little life and that you were destined to complete daddy's and my life forever.

I hope that with the leaving of M, that you are not feeling as though we are neglecting you.

Believe me, we love you so dearly that you are what has kept us from truly going into a deep depression.

Your little antics, your love to be chased and how you just love to meet all kinds of people are just a few of the things that are helping us to continue on with life. Because of you our lives are full!

In no way would we trade you for the world!

Love always,

Your Momma

Will You Be Lost To Us Forever?

Will you be lost to us forever?

Oh, I so hope not.

I can't stand it.

The pain and sense of loss is just too great for this grieving soul.

We returned you this past Thursday and it is only Sunday.

It already feels like a lifetime since you've been gone.

I only hope that you are fairing well.

That you are smiling, giggling, being silly and chatting up a storm.

But then the selfish part of me hopes you are not doing all of those things.

I want to be the one that you do those things for, not your birth dad or care taker.

I do hope you are not biting yourself out of frustration, out of pain or out of neglect.

I hope they are at least able to help you feel a sense of connection so that you are fairing okay.

I'm so sorry that I am being so selfish in my thinking.

I know that I should be wishing you a time of getting to know one another better, developing a deeper bond with one another, and finding a sense of comfort with one another.

But then I don't really want those things for your life where you are currently.

I am listening to N cry himself to sleep because he is tired and not wanting to let sleep take over. It simply reminds me of you and how you struggled with that issue while with us.

Before you left, N really didn't have that issue but for whatever reason it has occurred two nights in a row since you've been gone.

Is this telling of your absence?

I want to say yes, but really have no clue.

I just really wanted to let you know that I am always thinking of you, yearning for you, aching for you and wanting to see your beautiful face and amazing spirit, as well as, hold you in my arms forever.

Please know these are what I desire at this very moment.

I love you so my precious and wonderful, M.

Love always,

Your Momma

PS: The three of us went to the park today. We went underneath the ship, and in doing so N quickly went up to a little creature that looked pretty much like you! Daddy and I were shocked at how much this little one looked so much like you that we could see why N immediately went up to this little one. It broke our hearts knowing that N has been missing you, without his ability to verbalize it to us.

I just had to let you know so that you also knew how much N has been missing you too.

So Numb...

I'm so numb and feeling like I'm unable to do anything at all.

I'm praying and thinking about M and hoping he is doing well, and as time goes by that he will do better and better with his new life.

I ache for him to be with us right now, right here, in our home, and in our arms.

I love and miss you, M.

Love always,

Your Momma.

The Night Before The Court Date...

We know we are pretty lucky folk. We've both got great, supportive families. We have fantastic friends who are actually just as much family as our own family members, and then we have a whole email network of friends and family who have shared some amazing things.

So, despite the dread of tomorrow's court date, the reunification of M back to his birth dad, we are hanging in there. As to be expected...

Unfortunately, sometimes there is no getting out of one's head nor emotions when we encounter events in our lives that are difficult to digest. But we all must continue to function somehow despite the efforts to stave off the pain for as long as one can.

It's late and I should be asleep, but sleep is not having its way so far. Tomorrow's court date is a heavy burden on our souls, and more than that it is the process of having to pack up M with all of his earthly belongings. And somehow not dwell on the fact that M's room will no longer be his room in any permanent manner. And when we go to bed at night we will no longer have M to look in on at night, or wake to his crying, or pick him up from his crib in the mornings, seeing his smiling and dimpled cheeks looking back at us. We will only have silence.

When we took the Options for Recovery classes, they did say that losing a foster child is like a death in the family. And it certainly feels that way. And at that a slow one, such has been our case.

And when I reread my blog entries, I do see the similarities of some one who is waiting for death to come and take over.

My apparent use of finality is throughout these entries, as well as yearning for someone that will no longer be a part of our lives physically. It all has become talk of the spiritual and emotional ride that follows when death becomes someone we love dearly.

I will admit there is a thin line of hope but it seems to fade in and out throughout the day. And in that hope, I am not really sure what I specifically am hoping for. Perhaps a total miracle in dad having a change of heart in keeping M, or the judge giving birth dad a thirty day instead of a six month period where dad is allowed to return M if not working out for him. Or if something wrong occurs while M is in his care. Or if birth dad will just let us have 90 percent of the time and he can just visit him on weekends. Who the hell knows what I am really hoping...

It is all so confusing and too much to bear...

Tomorrow night will be our last night as a family of four. Oh, my tears will just flow endlessly and with great pain attached.

Oh, help me...


Aaaaawwwwhhhgggg!

Treasures to Go...

As the final days approach us, there is the task of having to gather, collect and pack up M's things since he has been with us.

In just this year alone, he has accumulated much for a little one. Simply because there are so many who love him and were generous in their giving.

I have sort of started this process already while M was on visitation with his birth dad. But it was hard to feel organized, difficult to concentrate on what to pack for him, and simply too hard to be motivated, when all I wanted to do was to claim it all for ourselves, M especially.

There will be many treasures to take with him. And hopefully down the road he will still have some of those items, if birth dad decides not to store them away or throw them out, because they were items before he had M.

I still have yet to complete a few of those treasures like his photo album, putting his name on the wooden step stool, and gathering photos for a quick overview of those who loved and cared for him while in our care.

Who knows, dad may not let him keep that either. But one never knows.

I'm not exactly sure why I am so cynical about his birth dad and his keeping M's things. I guess
I'm thinking that with his birth dad's life before, he would rather keep it simple to the life they will soon have together. Instead of having all of those reminders of our care taking, etc.

But in reality I have no clue what birth dad is thinking... Except that he is ready to take M back.

Since there is little time left, I/we need to get M's things together and figure out what goes and what stays.

There is much to do...

And so little time left...

Icky poo-poo!!

Oh, shit!

Is what I really mean.

Tears are Falling... by kim

Tears are falling.

The ache oh so deep.

Yet wouldn't change a thing.

A child's hold is tight and wanting.

Momma's arms not letting go.

It was never meant to be forever.

Though all thought it possible.

Passing back and forth.

As if just a simple commodity.

The one passing doesn't want to let go.

The one receiving taking out of honor.

From birth til now.

Deep down they knew it could happen.

As time went by they knew it would happen.

And soon it will happen.

The passing will be no more.

The receiving will be forever.

Tears will continue to fall.

The ache in time will lessen.

But for now it is raw.

So raw it is indescribable.

Tears are falling.

Even as she writes.

The ache is pressing.

The loss will be great.

In words it's not enough.

Not enough to tell the whole story.

The experience unimaginable.

Yet magical.

The little creature oh so precious.

And yet not theirs.

Tears are falling.

The ache...

The ache...

The pain...

The unfathomable sense of loss...

Is indescribable.

In time...

Jesus will clarify.

Why...

They ARE Good Looking Boys!!!

I love the fact that all kinds of folks tell us that our boys are so good looking. And they are!
If I had had them myself, then I don't think I'd feel confident enough to boast about their looks, but since I did not create either one of them, I feel I can say thank you without any hesitation at all. It's funny that way...

I know Mh and I would have made beautiful kiddles simply because we are a biracial couple and the mix of our two races, most always make amazingly cute and beautiful babies. But in a way, to know we didn't create these two wonderful creatures just makes it even more special that others compliment on them.

So, I am relishing in the compliments of our oh so cute, beautiful and wonderful boys. AND truly they are...

To my two boys, I love you both so very, very, very much.

Your Momma.

I Know Some May Be Wondering...

I know some of those I've spoken to about our situation and or have read this blog have wondered to some degree or another whether I am still a professing 'Christian'.

Much of my language doesn't resonate with what a christian would or should be using. I have not been using the christendom jargon of praising god, using scripture, using the phrase: 'with god all things are possible'.

Right now, I have been feeling selfish with my emotional and human side of me. My head knows all of the christian slang, the christian ways to make me sound like I'm truly following and obeying god in his path for me, and allowing others to see that I truly am a fervent christian in every sense of the word. But I also feel I need to be myself, and myself right now is in a very sucky place, I know I don't need to apologize to jesus for that. He is very aware of my/our situation and our hearts, and I believe allows us to be in this kind of place for whatever time is needed. But in the end, he knows the praises I have and continue to give him for our situation, and know that somehow, without truly understanding, that it was all for a spiritual reason that we have gone through what we are currently in the midst of.

That's the beauty of the jesus I know. It's a personal relationship. In the end, it's between me and him and those pearly gates that supposedly are being manned by St. Peter.

I used to be like other christians in my community who used specific phrases, was 'encouraging' to others by letting them know things that they already knew, and did it all out of 'love' for them because that's what jesus would have done. So, now I am just myself: open, honest, and an ungodly, heathen christian deep within, yet know that my relationship with jesus is what it should and be and the two of us are doing fine.

Love and Shalom.

Happy Food...

Okay, so it's probably no surprise to some folks that I am an emotional eater. One can look at me and probably see that right off the bat. Since I've known this very fact for quite some time, I've decided to just let it be that and move on with my life. I could go to therapy or a hypnotist or a christian counselor or a shaman and I probably still would end up being an emotional eater and kick myself for being this way. But after 39 years of living to some degree or another, I've decided that life is just tooooo short to worry about such things. Yes, I could possibly live longer if I worked on this issue, but by how many more years? Who knows and If I died tomorrow, I know I will have lived a very good life not feel regretful of the big stuff in life.

So, as I write this, Mh is out to get us real, thick milk shakes from the famous drive-in. It was his idea but it didn't take much to convince me to go along with this fantastic idea. It's actually been ages since we've had shakes from there. And since this was the day we dropped off M to his birth dad for his two night visitation. I bawled my head off when I got back in the car, knowing that M, no way in hell, wanted to go with his birth dad.

Instantly I wanted to eat a horse just to help myself not feel the enormous pain of passing M off to his dad and knowing that this is next to the last week that we get to keep him. Life is just shitty, icky right now.

I am the first to know that this shake is only a temporary bandage to my/our pain but never-the-less it is a bandage that is helping psychologically ease the current pain.

So, instead of taking a 'happy pill' as a friend of ours call Xanax, we are having happy food. Mmm Mmm good!

I'm not sure which is technically better for the body, the soul, the spirit or the mind, but both seem to do what they are meant to do in those times of need. And thank god for that!

I know the two of us will get through all of this in time, but for now we are eating our happy food, letting loose our tear ducts and grasping at a sense of hope that the pain will ease in time, and our lives will once again not ache as it does at this time.

Here's to 'Happy Food'!

I'm All Over The Board...

I can't seem to get my emotions in order.

One minute I feel like hitting something and then the next I feel like I've resolved the reasons for M being returned to his birth dad, and that all is fine. And then I all I want to do is scream out to god-knows-what and flip the bird to whomever is responsible for our situation. And then I'm feeling okay, really and know all is as planned, since the beginning. And then the next, I'm just hopeless. And then elated for M to have his 'real' and biological family for the rest of his life. And then...

Well I'm sure this will go on for the next few months and come in waves of great height and depth.

But at least I know what it is all stemming from. Unlike trying to figure out if it's that time-of the-month or simply hormonal or premenopausal, as my gynecologist has stated I am in the beginnings of this great change, of a woman's life.

Oh well, such is this life as I know it, at 39 years!

Those Little Toes...

Those little toes have given me many hours of pleasure from the moment I brought each of the boys home, from the hospital, to now as they become stronger and more assured in their walking abilities.

N has one of my traits amazingly. Mh pointed this out to me when N was much younger. N points his big toe and curls the rest in, leaving the big toe sticking straight up. Just as I do. It's a crack up. I have a photo of me when I was around 3-5 years-old, in the bathtub, with my feet doing that very thing. It amazes me to this day the things that we do without realizing it.

Baby toes are just deliciously wonderful and fun to watch.

I will most definitely miss M's toes when he is gone...

It's fun knowing that N's and my toe traits are not genetic. So, there must be many others who do that very thing as well. I just wonder how many there are of us out there?

M's big toe is very much like our friend, C's toes. His big toe curls upward, like a ski slope. You just want to straighten it out every time you see it. At least I did when I saw our friend C's toes for the first time! But now I have come to appreciate its unique characteristic and it is befitting of our little M!

Thank you, my little boys for allowing your Momma to play with, kiss on and tickle and observe your precious little toes.

What joy you have given me by allowing me this simple little joy.

Love,

Your Momma

It's A Rhetorical Question, Dummy!

I know that we are not the only couple in the universe who has had to give up a foster child, that has been in our care for a great amount of time.

And I know that we won't be the last.

But sometimes I wish people would be more sensitive and more caring in their words and listening skills, and even empathetic to OUR situation, than telling me that others have gone before us.

It does not help... REALLY!

I often times think I am a good judge of character in people and then something like this happens and I wonder why I had not picked up on that before now?

So, I have had to be discerning to whom and how I share my life situations. You would think that the first five times it happened to me that I would have opened my eyes to this pet peeve and learned my lesson. Hmoompf! Well, dummy me still didn't get it until after the seventh or tenth times.

I remember as a kid this very thing would happen to me and then I always, always regretted sharing my heart. But I guess I kept thinking different people would respond differently. Well, they do and not always in the way one would hope.

I guess I just am not one of those who needs to know that there are others out there who have gone through the same thing and that I just need to get over myself and the situation and get on with life. Stop complaining... But I wasn't complaining. I was asked how I was doing and I responded. But then you find that's not what the person really wanted to know. It was a rhetorical question, dummy!

I guess I still haven't learned, even as an adult. Eeesh!

I want to think that people mean well when they have decided to respond to you, but far too often I don't think people are thinking at all...

Where Has My House Gone?

Yikes! Well, I obviously did not include a photo of the condition of our home. Yes, it is a home and it is comfortable except for the messes that are strewn about in every direction.

I have become lazy with cleaning my house. Why wouldn't I? I'd rather be playing, taking care of, rocking, strolling, laughing with my kids than having to clean the stinky bathroom, pick up the piles in each room and be orderly about my home life. Okay, that is not entirely true but I seem to have lost the ambition to keep a clean house now that I have the excuse of kiddles. And it seems to work but I realize it's got to change at some point. I mean the messy house syndrome will not hold up when they are away at college and I have nothing to do but time on my hands...

So I have resolved to picking up my life and my house so it is much less cluttered and more livable and less stress-filled. But darn life just seems to get in the way and it all gets away from me before I realize I had those extra moments to pick up that pile or those piles or that table or that bedroom. It kind of is sounding like a New Year Resolution. It probably was once upon a time, but now it's just a constant reminder of what I have no desire to do in the already short hours of a day.

Oh, well!

Life goes on and as long as my husband and kids are getting the attention they deserve and need from me, then my job is done. So, the house will have to wait when those inspirational moments to clean come crashing down on me.

Oh, the job of a momma. Cleaning. So not fun. Luckily I have a husband that is wonderful and a huge helper but also lets this area be an oversight and not a point of contention.

I sure love you, my hunna!

Thank you for putting up with me every single day...