J's Christmas Program 2010

I attended J's Christmas program this past Tuesday. He is in this pic but, my camera is out dated and doesn't zoom very well.... I did get some close ups later in the program but, can't post them of course.... I was such a proud Mama! It was a great program and they recorded it so, I will have a copy to keep and show family members that couldn't attend.

T'was the night before Christmas.....

I kept up my *tradition* I started last year and bought J *Christmas PJ's* to wear tonight... This was the only shot I got of him that I can post for now! He was super excited to be going to bed!

.....and all through the house the 5 1/2 yr old was asking to go to bed starting at 6:30pm..... He also warned the parents to go to bed early because if we were still awake then Santa wouldn't bring his presents....

I love seeing Christmas through a child's eyes again this year! I am probably just as excited to wake up tomorrow morning and see J's reaction to the stuff we got him for Christmas...

Merry Christmas to all & all a good night!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree......

Our *new* Christmas tree....

Spiderman-- I mean J helping decorate our tree!

The last several years I have always tried to put the Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving while my hubby is hunting.... But, our tree was a bit shabby last year and so my hubby *refused* to put it up again this year.... Someone from his work offered us their old tree and my hubby accepted it... After all, it was bigger than ours.... Well, it's bigger alright! And it was not pre-lit.... But, we had enough lights already and it wasn't too bad to put them on.... So, yesterday I had a special helper to decorate it-- SPIDERMAN! I thought it was cute and couldn't resist snapping some pics!

We went *Santa* shopping this week for J and except for a few little things, we have him done... Whew! Operation Santa Clause was a success! We got the Criss Cross Crash I mentioned in a previous post as well as a few other requested items and a Penguin Pillow Pet! I think J will be pleased on Christmas morning.....

Although I can't go into details let me tell you.... J is processing A LOT of stuff right now! Some of the things he has been saying [mostly good!] we are like: "What the.... How does he know that???" We try not to say too much around him or where he could possibly hear but, he is a smart boy and I think he just *knows*.... I am hoping the things we are hearing/seeing will be helpful in another couple months when we need it!

For now, we will just count down to Christmas..... 20 days!

Thanksgiving......

J mixing the brownies after assisting me with counting and measuring the ingredients out...

J checking to see if the brownies are ready yet.....

J's adorable Turkey hat he made at school.....

Wearing his Turkey hat and playing @ my in-laws waiting for dinner....

Wow! Thanksgiving again? Sometimes I feel like we celebrate a holiday/birthday and before I can turn around again it's back again! Last year I hosted Thanksgiving.... This year my MIL offered to host.... My sis & Mom and their boyfriends came in town too.... I am thankful for my MIL hosting this year because I have to work tomorrow..... We did some cooking too and I am exhausted after doing those things this morning! We had a nice day....

I decided to make brownies for the non-pie dessert since I am not a pie person.... I decided to use it as a teachable moment for J and asked him if he wanted to help.... We did it *step by step*, he counted eggs, watched me measure the liquids, poured the ingredients in the bowl and helped stir it up... It was fun! He was proud of himself and beamed when I told our family that *he* made the brownies.....

Tonight when we got home my Mom's boyfriend called me to say how impressed he was with J's behavior this year and that my hubby & I have done a remarkable job with him this past year.... It was so nice to hear that because as I have said before being a foster parent [probably a parent in general too] is a thankless job and to have someone take time to point out that WE have made a difference in J's life was so nice..... It's been a tough year but, things are going very well right now and we are really starting to live as a family.....

So, now to what I am thankful for:

I am thankful for my husband-- we have had so many ups & downs in the 11/6 yrs we have been together/married and we are still together and strong.

I am thankful for J-- Seeing the progress he is making and hearing his sweet voice saying things like: 'Mommy, you're the best. You know why? Because you always take care of me!' or 'Mommy! I LOVE YOU!' He melts my heart.

I am thankful for my family-- we might not see each other too often but, they are always in my thoughts.....

I am thankful for my job-- I know there are so many out there without one that even on the *tough* days [which aren't very much but, you have them w/ all jobs!] I am thankful that I have one.

I am thankful for my friends-- I have real life friends, cyber friends, and foster care friends.... each one of them have a different role in my life and some days I don't know if I could make it through without them..... Some of my cyber friends whom I have never met in person are closer to me than my real life friends!

I am thankful for our men & women in the armed forces-- they risk their lives so that we may live the way we want too and many of them aren't with their families today and that is a sacrifice too....

Finally, I am thankful to you-- my blog readers.... I still don't know if I am very good at this but, reading your comments make me feel like what I write makes a difference!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Catching up....

I am still here... Sorry I haven't blogged in a while.... Not much blog worthy going on right now.... Just busy w/ work, school [for J] and appointments.... Things are going really, really well right now... Each day I see J growing closer & closer to my hubby & I. He is really such a sweet boy... We got his school pictures a couple weeks ago & I really wish I could post them because they are A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E! We are gearing up for Thanksgiving. My MIL is hosting it this year so, I get to relax a bit this year....

Other than that, J & I attended the Adoption Day Celebration our local DSS hosted yesterday. It was nice to hear the inspiring stories of those who have already adopted. I hope that next year we will be one of the celebrated! J's sister's former foster parents were there and have just this week finalized the adoption of their infant.

We are looking forward to celebrating another Christmas w/ J in our lives too... He is already talking about the main thing Santa is going to bring him..... So, I think Santa needs to get on it so that he won't be disappointed.... This is all he talks about: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Criss-Cross-Crash-Track-Set/14689690 even sings the song all the time... So, we need to get it so we are not scrambling at the last minute.... It's going to be fun again shopping and preparing for him! I can't wait! I am going to decorate again this year w/ J while DH is out hunting.... I think it will be J & I 's tradition to decorate together the weekend after Thanksgiving!

Our 2nd Halloween together......

J's 3rd costume of the weekend! Dark Knight Batman!

The Jack-o-lantern J designed all by himself [but, I carved it and I am not a good carver!]

Trick or Treat!

Handing out candy after he was done his trick or treating!

Today was our 2nd Halloween with J in our home.... Wow! Now instead of all firsts we are starting our seconds with him! As I stated in an earlier post the *original* costume of Spiderman ended up being a little snug on him so, we went and got a new one and I think it's just as cute as the other one! He loves to dress up as his super heroes so, they will get much use I know so, I didn't mind! He got tired out easily [probably doesn't help that our neighborhood doesn't have a lot of participation so, you have to walk several houses to get one or two that have their light on....] So, when he was done we went home where he helped give out the treats! Such a big boy!

Hope everyone had a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Itsy Bitchy Spider & YMCA Halloween Party!

Today was J's school's *costume event*.... His school encourages his age group to wear a *homemade* nursery rhyme/storybook character costume. They do a parade around the school, Trick or Treat in the elementary school & wave to cars passing by from the front lawn... I am not a crafty person and talked to one of the teachers at the school [who is a friend of mine too from when I worked at this same daycare/school 9 yrs ago] and she suggested making an 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' costume... I looked up the directions and it seemed easy enough... So, we talked to J about it and decided to do it..... Yesterday when I picked him up J's teacher told me he told someone he was going to be the 'Itsy Bitchy Spider' by mistake-- Oops! We practiced and now he can say it right... But, it is a cute story to tell! He was a cute little Itsy Bitchy-- I mean Bitsy Spider if I do say so myself!

Ready for the YMCA Halloween party!


He loved Pumpkin Bowling!

He also loved the bouncy and sliding down the slide!

Craft time w/ Aunt Kerri!

Tonight we went to the YMCA Halloween party.... It was fun w/ several activities for the kids to do and lots of treats to take home! My sister was in town so she came with us and got to spend time with J. She moved away to go to Graduate school and although she is only 2 1/2 hrs away we haven't been able to go up and see her yet but, she has been back a couple times to visit...

When I bought J's costume 3 weeks ago, it fit perfect but, now, it was a little small on him... But, he still wanted to wear it... It got ripped during tonight's festivities and I am not sure if it's fixable so, I went out tonight to get him another one... Something different but, I will keep it a surprise until tomorrow or Halloween....

*****Ps. This is my 100th post! Wow! It's been a little over 2 yrs since I started this and finally got to 100! Thanks for following my story!******

A *change in plans*....

We went back to court today and I was super nervous that something was going to go wrong like last week.... Court proceeded and all the lawyers questioned our caseworker making their arguments.... For a few minutes I thought BM's lawyer was going to get more time but, in the end the judge granted a *change in plan* for all 3 children. It's still a long process to get through but, within the next 30 days a TPR petition will be filed. Then 30-60 days after that, a TPR hearing will be done. If TPR is granted then we go back to court in April when DSS has guardianship of the children and then adoptions can be set..... So, still looks like 6 mos or more before any finalization will happen but, it's another step up from where we were a week ago!

My emotions ran high today as I had to hold my self together when the caseworker stated she received a message from BM after last weeks court date basically sounding like she is giving up.... My heart really went out to her because I think she finally realizes it's best for the children... Maybe now she can concentrate on the newborn who she still has in her care.... I hope for her sake she does! Then I was filled with pride as the caseworker spoke about J and how well he is doing in our home because of us and how we are doing everything possible to help him.... Sometimes being a foster parent is a hard and thankless job but, to hear someone speak of you in that setting in front of all those important people-- it really makes you feel good! Finally I was filled with relief. Relief that this day actually came and now we have a new goal in our sights... Real relief will come when things are finalized but, for now I can relax and enjoy a bit more!

My hubby & I went to get J from school together and then we went out to dinner. J doesn't know what is going on right now but, for my hubby & I it was our *secret* little celebration dinner....

I know that the process is long and that anything can still happen but, we took another step in our lives today... even if for now it was a *baby step* in the end, it's an important step!

Making more Autumn memories.....

"How big am I this year?"

Picking the *biggest* pumpkin!

Hitching a ride w/ our pumpkins!

Last year the day after J was placed with us, we took him to a local farm to do the play area/mazes and pick pumpkins.... We didn't know how long he would be with us but, I wanted him to have some fun memories of us.... I wanted to take him back to the same farm this year-- exactly a year since the last trip... And for as long as he is with us, I will make it our annual tradition.... He remembered it when we pulled up and seemed happy to be coming back.... We did the mazes, climbed on hay stacks, and other play area activities.... Then we each picked our pumpkin... Of course J had to pick the *biggest* pumpkin! It was a nice time... I took a pic of him by the measuring thing again and want to compare them to see how much he has grown.... I still can't believe it's been a year....

We go back to court this Wednesday and I am hoping for more this time than a postponement! 3 more days.....

1 year......

A year ago tonight J came into our home, lives and heart.... At the beginning of the day we were a childless couple and by the evening we were instant [foster] parents to a 4 1/2 yr old boy.

I remember that evening like it was yesterday.... I was driving home from work and my cell phone rang. The number was the DSS main number.... My stomach went crazy! We were done our licensing so, why would they be calling ME on a Friday @ 4:10pm? I had just turned onto our street when it rang and answered. It was the resource worker supervisor. After giving me the info and asking a few questions I called my hubby.... We quickly chatted/decided that sure we could keep him for the weekend..... We had a few things to prepare around the house and I got to work immediately [making the bed w/ fresh sheets, etc...]. My hubby got home and we anxiously waited. We weren't sure what time they would be here.... A little before 7pm the caseworker called. She was on our street. I went outside to wait for them. When they pulled up a shy, adorable little boy came out. The caseworker introduced me to him and we went into the house to give him the tour. She gave us some more info about him and a car seat then left. We were on our own. I remember he came with just a few items of clothes and 2 little toys... Now if you look in his room you would never believe that to be true! My hubby had to run out that night while I got J settled in with a bath and snack to get a tooth brush, juice and cereal.... It was an exciting night. I don't even think my hubby & I ate dinner that night we were so nervous.... What a difference a year makes!

We have been through a whole year of firsts-- first holiday's, birthdays, anniversaries, ups & downs.... It's amazing that sometimes it seems like J has been here just a few weeks and others it seems like he has *always* been here....

We didn't make a *big deal* about today because I was afraid it might make J sad and miss his *real* family [his words] even more than I know he does. We had a good day though... We hung out in our PJ's this morning and then had a lazy afternoon at home... My hubby made us our favorite dinner tonight Steak, hand cut FF & steamed shrimp.... It was just a *family relax day* @ our house... We are planning to take J to the pumpkin patch we took him to a year ago tomorrow.... I want to take pics and compare them from last yr to this year... If he stays I want to make it our little family tradition since it was the first place we took him!

I don't know exactly what the next year holds for us but, for now J is our little boy and we love him very much..... My life will never be the same no matter what happens to our little family in the future.... And my heart melts whenever J asks: "Do you love me?" "Do you ALWAYS love me?" or "You are the BEST Mommy!"


I love you Little Monkey! I am so glad you came into my life!

Field trip to the pumpkin patch/farm!

J & a classmate trying to figure out the answer to the question to find out which way to go!

J feeding a goat!

Looking for the *perfect* pumpkin.....

J decorating his very own pumpkin!

Today I had my first experience of being a Mommy accompanying her child on a field trip. J's class went to a local farm today.... Other than being a bit windy/cool it was a BEAUTIFUL Fall day for the trip! Our group did the hay ride first around the farm and learned some interesting facts. Then we did the corn maze, hay maze, fed goats & saw a big bull. Then they took the children to the pumpkin patch and they all got to pick their own! They had to get one that the child could carry by themselves with no parents helping. J looked hard and finally found his perfect pumpkin. Then we went into the greenhouse where they let the children decorate their pumpkins with puffy sticker shapes. It was a fun and educational morning!

After J got back on the bus to go back to school I met my hubby for lunch then ran errands until it was time to pick J up from school for the day. It was a fun but, exhausting day! I loved it! I told J I would be meeting them there but, to have him run off the bus into my arms and say 'I knew you would come Mommy!' melted my heart! I can't wait until the next field trip!

Tomorrow is the *big* day... 1 yr! Can't believe it!

What a day....

Today was a busy mixed up day.... First, let me share with you a song a fellow foster parent shared with me today-- grab a tissue first! Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLjwczYafVE [I have never did a link in my post so I hope it works!] After the past few days I really, really needed to hear this song tonight! Hope you enjoy it too!

We had to have a meeting w/ J's new school because he has been having some issues again and they wanted to meet and discuss ideas with us.... I think it went well and we have somethings to try to work on but, hopefully we can get him back on track again....

Today we also had court for J's case. All 3 foster families showed up and we chatted as we waited. There were not many cases on for today and about 1 hr later we were called in. Due to a technicality the did a postponement until next Wednesday. So, we wait again [I keep telling myself to feel lucky that it's only a week and not weeks or months] to see what will happen next week.... UGH! My stomach will be in knots for another few days but, hopefully we will get some answers next week.

The plus side of today is my hubby & I did enjoy a nice lunch together in between the school meeting and court.... We got a little much needed *adult* time -- even if we did have other things in the back of our minds such as how would court go.....

October again.....

J sure does love sandboxes-- especially ones with the claw type toy attached!

Taking a spin!

An awesome [if I may say so myself] in-the-air shot of J shooting hoops!

11 years ago next month I met my hubby.... We were connected from the begining..... The month of November has never been the same ever since.... For 11 years November has meant another year that my hubby & I have been together....

6 years ago next month I married my best friend.... 5 years & 2 days after meeting him..... Again, November took on a new meaning..... Each November we celebrate the month we met & married....

1 yr ago right now we were newly licensed foster parents and wondering when we would get *the call*. I would get excited nerves each time the phone would ring hoping it was *the call* on the other end....


In 19 days, we will celebrate the 1 year anniversary of when J came into our lives.... we got the call a little after 4pm, made a decision to have him stay *for the weekend-- maybe a little longer* and by 6:45pm he was walking into our house and our lives.....


Wow! I can't believe it's almost been a year since J came to stay with us.... We go to court on the 20th and 3 days later will celebrate J being here 1 yr....


Maybe, just maybe the month of October may never be the same.......

****Above some pics of J playing on the playground while he & I enjoyed the beautiful Fall day we had this past Saturday. We stopped by a car show that my hubby was at w/ our Nova and of course we couldn't leave w/o making a visit to the playground! By the way-- our Nova won 2 prizes this day! The Sponsors Choice [the big award!] and one of the several Participants Choice awards! Congrats Babe!****

What a difference a year makes.....

Today is my hubby's birthday.... A year ago today we received an envelope in the mail... Our official foster care license..... Now, we have a 5 yr old foster son that has been with us for 11 mos [tomorrow] and he was supposed to be here for *the weekend*. In less than a month we will have our next permanency review hearing for J and 3 days later he will be in our life a full year....

What a difference a year makes huh? Wonder where the 3 of us will be next year at this time.....

Family Reunion......

Today was our annual family reunion for my husband's mother's side of the family... We try to go every year.... It's at a state park not too far from us and we always get tables near the huge pond there. It's pretty nice.... Last year it was humid and threatening to rain so, we rushed everything to beat the weather.... Today it was BEAUTIFUL! not hot, not humid and definitely no rain in the forecast [until later tonight into tomorrow]..... Everyone except our immediate family [me, hubby, MIL, FIL & my sis] hadn't met J yet so, I knew they would all be anxious to meet him. I gave him a few minutes to play on the playground then we walked over and introduced him.... As usual he was shy at first but, warmed up to some of my hubby's aunts pretty quickly [especially the one who showed him the games we would be playing so he could win a prize!].... J & I bounced between the reunion area, pond and playground.... It was a nice afternoon! J, my hubby & I all won games so we each walked away w/ a prize!

We finally took some pics of the 3 of us [I don't think we have ever taken one like that since J has been with us-- I have plenty of J himself and a couple of J & I but, none of all 3 of us].... They turned out well [we used the pond as our backdrop] and I really wish I could show them to you.... I am thinking about getting the best one blown up and framed for our house and maybe get one framed for my sister because she has moved back to where we used to live to finish college.... We did take one of all 3 of us facing the pond but, after seeing myself in it, I decided not to publish it!

Oh yeah, and I was voted *vice president* of the reunion for 2011! I was shocked that they would elect someone related by marriage but, also very touched that they thought of me for that.... I will have to be *president* in 2012 that's how their group works! So, in 2011 I will be President of my local AAPC [American Academy of Professional Coders] chapter & VP of the _______ family reunion! What other title will I achieve next year??? I guess only time will tell!

Reconsideration.....

A year ago this month my husband & I became *official* foster parents-- Yes, I said a year ago! Wow! What a year it has been! About a month ago we received our *reconsideration* packet in the mail.... It resembled the stack of paperwork we filled out last year to become licensed and now almost all of it had to be filled out yet again! Today we met with our case worker and did our reconsideration interview and inspection-- AKA: Home Health Report [just incase our house got sick in the past year I guess!]. Overall it went well.... We had to answer questions such as how has the past year been, how is our relationship with each other, how has our lives changed since becoming foster parents, what challenges/positives have we faced in the past year, etc. They were not too hard to answer but, some made me stop and think. It went well. Our year anniversary of being foster parents is next Friday Sept 17th [my lil sis's b-day & we received the license in the mail on my hubby's b-day last year]. We still have the fire marshall inspection to get done but, she said he is very busy and she will re-issue our license w/ a condition that the inspection gets done as soon as possible. I can't believe it's been a year already! And next month, we will celebrate 1 yr having J in our lives.....

Wow! A year already! What a year it's been!

First Day of 2010-2011 School Year!

J's lunchbox and bookbag theme for the new school year!

Looking all handsome in his uniform-- checking out his lunch for the day!

All ready to go to school!

Walking into school on his first day of *real* school for 2010-2011

A few weeks ago DSS suggested we send J to private school this year.... Smaller classes and a more nurturing environment.... We agreed. I worked at the private school they suggested about 8 1/2 yrs ago [I was there for about 3 yrs before I left].... So, I felt ok because I knew the school and about 1/2 of the staff. So, we have been sending him the last couple weeks and worked him up to a whole day last week. They were ending summer camp so, it wasn't very structured but, he would get to know his teacher and some classmates before *real* school started. Today was the first day of *real* school... He was so handsome & cute in his uniform.... They are putting him in K4 again to make sure he gets his basics down since he was *uninvited* the last few months in public school Pre-K. For K4 they can wear khaki or navy bottoms and white top. He chose navy bottoms today.... His first day went good. He had a little incident at the end of the day but, overall it was good!

One day down and 179 to go [I think they still do 180 school day years right???]

More Summertime Fun-- Water Park!

Meeting the *statue* of the guy the park is named after....

J & his sister (and a few other kids) climbing the stairs to get on the slide

Yep! That's J in that big splash!

Climbing out so he could go back on it again (and again, and again!)

A few weeks ago, J's sister's foster parents invited us to go with them to their company picnic today. It was at a local water park. To be honest, I have lived here for 11 yrs and never have been here before... It's nice but, I am afraid of heights so, not very exciting to me since most things are BIG, TALL slides.... I did enjoy the wave pool (kinda as J had a tight grip on me) and walked the kids around the lazy river a few times (they didn't want to float themselves so, I had to *push* them around... No so lazy for me! Then we went to the *kiddie* pool where they could play and go down a slide themselves.... There is where I relaxed! We could just let them loose and kick back! They had fun but, J got tired out easily and wanted to go home, so we did... It was fun (especially since it was free for us too!) and I am glad we went.... He fell asleep really quick tonight and it really tired him out! I got some really cute pics of J & his sister coming down the slide but, can't show them b/c their faces are in them.... Trust me though-- I did a great job catching them in mid-slide! I am going to print the ones out of his sister and give them to her and her foster parents.

This past Monday (August 23rd) was the 10 mo *anniversary* of J coming to stay with us. Last week I was one of 3 foster parents on a panel for the newbies in our county who are finishing their PRIDE classes. I was a bit nervous and didn't think I had much to contribute but, the case workers that run the class know our lil guy and situation and guided me on some topics and how much I could or couldn't say.... The newbies had lots of questions for me... Afterward I felt really, really good! I told them the good, the bad & the ugly.... I told them my story of how J was supposed to be with us *for a weekend* and has now been here 10 mos and as of now no end in sight...

Less than 2 mos til we go to court again.... I am anxious to see what happens then... When we go to court we will be 3 days away from our 1 yr anniversary w/ J in our lives.....

Time flies.....

Missing MK.....

I went to your house tonight... It's the same house but, it's not the same.... I miss you so much and thought I could do it and although I did make it through; I couldn't help but really, really miss you....

*She* is nice but, she is not my dear friend.... I try to make small talk but, inside my head all I have are thoughts of you.....

I wonder what kind of advice or guidance you would give me with my lil guy and our situation.... You loved kids so much and I know he would've loved to meet you..... I miss our talks, our laughs and playing games....

Sometimes still I think you will call or stop by... Then I remember the only way I can see you now is to think of you or look at your picture......

It's been almost 19 mos since you left us but, sometimes it still feels like yesterday that I found out my dear friend was gone....

You will always be in my thoughts, in my memory-- in my heart.... I miss you so much!

****** I know this blog is about my TTC/Adoption journey but, thank you for letting me remember MK from time to time to get my thoughts out-- tonight has just been a hard night!*****

More Summer Fun..... Carnival!

J & his sister on the carousel

My future firefighter driving his engine!

End of the night treats-- ice cream and a Cars balloon!

Tonight we met J's sister and her foster parents at the local carnival. It was a pretty good night.... I now wonder why they don't open until 7pm when it's almost the little ones bed time! We had to end the night *early* because it was past both their bed times and they were a little grumpy.... It would be nice (at least one night a week) if the carnival would open a little early so the lil ones could have a good time without being sleepy....

But, it was nice to spend time with them and let the J and his sister have some time together too.

Pool Party!

J testing out the waters @ our friend's pool....

On the diving board....

Getting ready to jump!

Relaxing on the float.....

Today we attended the first pool party at our friend's new house.... I already knew J loved pools since he asks daily to go to the Y so we can swim.... I try to take him as much as I can because it's something we both enjoy.... We had a great day! This pool has a good shallow end so, J could stand up in it and didn't need his floaty.... Usually it's just J & I at the Y pool and I have to be in there with him, so this is the first time I got pics to share of him enjoying the pool.... My hubby who isn't a pool person even got in and joined us.... It was so much fun enjoying this day as a *family*.... We have this group of friends who would always get together and hang out but, we all have children and the get togethers are not as often but, it was nice to see very one (there were a few families not in attendance) and enjoy a family activity/day... It was the first time J met most of these friends and everyone complimented him on how well he was!

Speaking of that, J has had 3 wonderful weeks with us! It has been so fun getting to enjoy him more and not having the tantrums or angry times.... He is such a fun, loving and funny lil man!

I am exhausted because it's been a long, but, wonderful day! I love this little boy and I love my *family*......

J starts Kindergarten in a few weeks and I am excited to start preparing for that! Wow, where is the summer going????

*5*

5 years ago this month my hubby and I made a decision.... No more birth control-- Lets start our family..... 5 years of hope, frustration, sadness, diagnoses, procedures, doctor appts, classes, interviews, inspections.... All in the hopes of creating a family.....

My hubby and I were together 5 yrs and 2 days before we got married... I always joke that he was on the *5 yr plan* with our relationship..... We are foster parents.... we have a foster son.... Will our 5th yr of trying to build our family bring us the *forever* child we long for so much? Guess we will just have to see.....

J was 5 months old when we made our decision to try to have our family... I have always loved the numbers 11 & 13 because they are numbers very important to my hubby and I's relationship (met on 11/11/99, engaged on 10/13/03 & married on 11/13/04) but, I might just start having to love the number 5.....

Wow! 5 years!

9 months.....

9 months ago today J came to live with us.... We were going to keep him for a *weekend*.... This has been the longest weekend I have ever had!

Things have been going very well with J lately.... 3 months til we go to court again and I am anxiously wondering what will happen then.....

I can't believe it's been 9 months already...... Time flies so much faster now with a child in our life.....

J's new wheels.....

J trying out his new *ride*

Taking a break to make some adjustments....

And he's off!

We got J a bike today... We have been thinking about it for a while and decided to finally get it.... We took him tonight after work/daycare.... He loves it! He rode around the block while I walked with him..... I can tell I will be getting a lot of exercise! [trust me I need it too!] Nothing like a 5 yr old to motivate you!

J had his 5 yr well check last week... He is a *well 5 yr toddler* [that is what his form said that I have to get filled out for DSS when we visit the Dr]... I lucked out and J was all up to date on his shots so, we didn't have to go through that trauma!

J has been doing well the past couple of weeks.... He is back to being his funny, cute & loving self... He has been calling us Mommy & Daddy more... But, he still goes back and forth.... He is definitely settling in again.... Friday will be 9 mos J has been with us.... I can't believe it! Tomorrow is a year since I started my job.... I tell ya having a child in the house makes time fly by so fast and I thought time flew before!

We will soon be getting ready for our re-certification for Foster Care. I realized we were short 2 CEU's and called the resource worker to see what trainings are being offered to get them in before September.... As luck would have it, there are none coming up.... But, she did ask me to come to the last PRIDE class next month and be part of the panel of current/former foster/adoptive parents to speak to/ answer questions to the newbies..... I get credit for that and will get all the CEUs needed.... Plus, I think it will be a fun experience! Wow! I can't believe we have been licensed for 10 mos and will soon be celebrating a year being Foster Parents!

Although J loves his new bike, we did have 2 *accidents* while on our trip around the block... J wanted to throw the helmet away but, I told him we can try again tomorrow! So, we will see how that goes.....

Toy Story 3 and 4th of July......

J checking out the Toy Story 3 poster outside the theater...

Not a very good shot of the fireworks..... I tried!

Today is the 4th of July... We didn't have anything planned and since the pool was closed today I was trying to figure out what I could do with J. I decided to take him to the movies to see Toy Story 3. He has watched my copy of Toy Story 2 a couple times and liked it so, I was pretty sure he would like to see this too. I didn't think he had ever been to the theater before. I went over the rules-- be quiet, stay in your seat.... He did pretty well.... He cracked some people around us up when after a preview for a movie that he didn't particularly like he exclaimed 'BORING!'... There were a few chuckles... I reminded him that when the movie comes on he can't say things like that. He enjoyed the movie and thought it was 'AMAZING!'

Tonight we went to my in-laws house to watch the fireworks. They live across the field from where they set them off so, we sat on their front porch and watched them.. They have a good view.

The in between was rough... J had a couple tantrums.... It's been an on and off rough weekend with him having meltdowns for no real reason.... I was notified on Friday there is a FIM (family involvement meeting) planned for Tues afternoon and I am going to see if my boss will let me off for it.... I didn't get too much info on it but, it's for all the kids.... Wondering what is going on..... I am exhausted and getting ready to head to bed.....

Happy 4th of July everyone!