Icky Feelings

May has been having a lot of icky feelings lately.  She lets so much build up, and then she feels down and depressed.  I think she equates not being perfect with not being good.  Some of the emotions are age based, some driven by hormones, some issues with friends, and some conflict at home. 

This evening we had our first appointment seeking help.  Although it was difficult for May to open up, afterwards she expressed that she was very glad to have someone to talk to.  Hopefully, she can learn not to bottle up so much confusion inside and she can feel happier overall.  I'm glad she is feeling positive that we started counseling instead of it being something else that is wrong!

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful day.  We made it to church without a mad rush, celebrated in worship, and focused on the fact that Jesus conquered death to save us all.  I'm so proud of my kids and love when we can spend a day together.

After church we enjoyed the afternoon at two different friend's houses for egg hunts.  BB loved the plastic eggs more than what was in them!  He was quite content opening and closing the egg.

It is hard to believe that BB joined our family the day after Easter last year.  Although he has been with us just over a year, he is such a part of our family, I can't imagine him not being here.  Good thing he gets to stay! 

As of this weekend, BB is finally on his feet a little more than on his knees to get around.  He has decided walking is fun and does quite well.  He is just not sure about that independent standing! 

Praise God for this blessed day, for the gift of His Son, and for the sacrifice He made for all of us.  May we focus on Him and strive to lead our lives in manner pleasing to Him.  Amen.

POA - Finally

This morning I took off from work and went to pick up Sweets since there was no school.  Since her dad currently has no vehicle, I helped him run an errand and then took him to a shipping store to sign the Power of Attorney so I have permission to get Sweets medical care.  Such a small thing, but blown into such a big deal during spring break when he didn't get it done.  Now, for six months, I don't have to worry about not having that piece of paper if Sweets gets sick or we want to go out of town.  It won't be an issue for any upcoming vacation, and hopefully, she won't miss another trip. 

Home Visit

BB's adoption case manager visited for the first time today.  She is the same adoption case manager I had for May and for Buddy's adoptions (really nice that CPS will sometimes honor a request and assign the same one).  She was excited to see the older kids; she couldn't believe how big/mature May was! 

The best part, beyond the fact that she is nice and already knows us, is that she has 13 years experience and is a GREAT case manager!  She is so organized and already on top of things!  So, now I'm in paperwork mode.  I have all the doctor's visits scheduled to get their reports filled out.  Hopefully I can get this chapter done by mid May.

Long, Busy Day

This morning started with getting six kids ready for church.  The oldest two (both almost 12) took the longest!  Of course, that might be because they stayed awake talking until about 11:30pm last night.  My three oldest plus May's friend who spent the night sang with the children's choir in church for two services.  They did great!

Afterwards, we loaded up in cars and the choir and parents went to the county fair and sang at noon on the main stage.  May sang a solo and did an awesome job!  She also volunteered to make an announcement of gratitude thanking the director at the end of the performance.  It was a very warm afternoon, but the kids all got to ride at least one ride before we left.

We snagged McD's for a late lunch on the way home.  I was never so happy for an air conditioned, contained play place to let Sweets, Buddy, and our visiting younster play!

Our visiting four year old fits in with the others nicely.  He has been a very well behaved child and just goes with the flow.  He eats just about anything and follows directions really well.  He is staying until Tuesday morning, but I'll watch him anytime!

Tonight we went to a Mexican buffet for dinner on the way to take Sweets home.  She doesn't have school Friday, so she asked her dad if I could pick her up Thursday night.  Verdict: don't know; call later in week!  Nothing is easy with him anymore.

Rejuvenation

Friday afternoon I went to a 24 hour women's retreat with our church.  It was in a hotel very close to home.  May kept prodding me to sign up every time it was announced at church.  I am so glad I did!  The theme was Girl's Gifts from God.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship, relaxation, and rejuvenation. 

This afternoon, I picked up a four year old for respite, and now May's friend is spending the night.  Six kids in bed!  Amen.

The Music Man

Tonight I took May and Buddy to the musical The Music Man at the high school associated with their elementary school.  It was WONDERFUL!  I was shocked at the talent.  May is ready to be in drama!

A Birthday Dinner

Last night we took Sweets' dad out to dinner for his birthday.  We went to a restaurant where we ordered steak and had appetizers and dessert to go with the meal.  Dinner was great.  He seemed to enjoy it, even though he spent half of dinner texting.  It's likely the only celebration he will have. 

Sweets gave him a card she picked out and signed, and I gave him a gift card for gas.  Sweets doesn't want to give him any gifts.  He has sold or given away a shirt and another gift she has given him on previous occassions. 

Bottom line, he seems to be over his mad spell from a few weeks back.  He is supportive of her finishing the year in Children's Chorus and assumes I am still picking her up every weekend.  Nothing has ever been said about the trip she didn't get to take with us over spring break, so I'll let sleeping dogs lie.  Perhaps soon I will bring up getting the Power of Attorney signed so I will have it before we go anywhere this summer.

Fun at Dinner

BB had lots of fun with this hat at dinner!

Case is Transferred

Yesterday I got a call from BB's adoption case manager!  Yes, the case has transferred from the ongoing unit that deals with parents to the adoptions unit.  Best part - I was able to request the same adoptions worker be assigned to this case that handled both May and Buddy's adoptions.  Yeah!

Now paperwork begins again; her first home visit is in two weeks.

Haircuts and Swimming

Today was the day.

The day my mom has been asking about for a couple of months. 

Before.

Today was BB's first haircut.

I love the curls on the one side, and the long piece he was born with that sprouts from the crown of his head.

 

After.

The curls are still there!

He looks so cute, and Buddy is so happy to have another boy.

Buddy got his hair cut too.  Sweets had a trim.  She is growing hers out, hoping to cut it at the beginning of summer and donate the length to Locks*of*Love.

This afternoon then became the first day in the pool this year.  May, Buddy, and Sweets enjoyed the COLD water for over half an hour.  Saved the shower to rinse off any loose hair!

His Eighth!

Buddy is eight years old.

I am so glad that he is my son!

 Buddy at a year old.

He is a delightful, smart boy with so much potential.

He has come so far from the little boy who did nothing.  

 Buddy at eight.

Thank you, God, for this wonderful addition to our family.

Your plan is awesome!

He Walks

BB walked today. Just a few steps, several times. He can balance to stand, but doesn't want to. He wants to be in motion! Not long, and off to the races!