now where were we...

So, yes it has been ages since my last post. I hope you are not looking at this blog neglect with disdain. Rather imagine that we are two friends sitting at a party catching up on old times when I was called into the other room to help out with something and then was hit by a car, and put into a comma.  What ever conversation we were once having becomes unimportant when you want to ask the bigger question "How are you doing?"
       And I answer, "These days, we are doing the best we can."
What car crash has derailed me so?
 These two little cuties added to my own little cuties and all that goes with it.

Knowing the need was great, we prayed, discussed and agreed to foster a sibling group.We have fostered for almost 3 years now and felt we could try two. Because if one extra was good, two would be great, right?!  Yes....and NOh boy! Our cuties have been with us for 8 months now and through all our experiences and ups and downs we have come to a crossroad. Mom may not be able to 'get it together' in a healthy amount of time and these little ones shouldn't be left waiting for grown-ups to grow up. What happens next?  Your guess is as good as ours! We feel there is a forever family out there for them. While we don't feel that we are it, our hearts are breaking wondering how this will all play out. In the next few weeks we will have an answer but until then, we are trying to figure out how to tell a three year old that Mommy isn't working out and that there may be another family for her. Our 1yr old won't even begin to know what is going on.
Through all this, I am wondering, did we help at all? Are we just another trauma for them? Is this worth it?
 Yes, Yes and Yes.
No, it's not easy. It's not even fair. And on top of all that I have just told you, I am about to try and recruit you. There is still such a need. In Arizona alone there are over 1200 babies in group homes. (A great place to survive, but not a healthy, loving family) But there are so many good kids that need a chance to see normal, even for a little while. It is heartbreaking, but it is the best  we can do. 
So my house hasn't been really cleaned in 8 months and I am tense with the stress of what will be decided in court in a few weeks but again, 'I'm doing the best I can.'

#12 Running

I'm a new comer to this sport but I will make up for lost time as best I can. I love the personal challenge running can give you when you are competing with yourself. I love the energy and fitness it gives me and I love the peace it gives when I am running early in the morning and the rest of the world is still asleep. It rejuvenates my tired body and my weary mind.

#11

Veterans Day and all our holidays that give us an excuse to take a pie to our neighbor and thank them for what they've done.

#5,6,7,8,9,10

My kids! (Is that an easy way to get caught up and brag about my kids? Yes)

 

Jack:Great babysitter, cook, black belt and wonderful running partner.

 

Grant:  Smart kid, great sense of humor, helpful around the house and fun sense of humor.

 Hailey: Charming, smart, great fashion sense, helpful with her younger siblings and so cute!

 Mackay: Slow to warm up but oh so cute when he does, inventive, friendly, and great company.

 G and N: So adorable and lovable, they bring life and excitement to our family.

#5 Neighbors

We love our neighbors! We have a couple of families around us that have kids our own kids' age and they love to play together. In the cooler months its not uncommon to see a bunch of kids roaming the street! We've been invited to a few fiestas complete with Carne Asada and have neighbors who will watch our dog, bring in our barrels when we're on vacation and just chat as we pass. Each spring we have a block party and hang out and BBQ together. Its just nice to live around kind and friendly people.

#4 Appliances

I am so thankful for my appliances!Don't think me shallow, we are so lucky to live in a day where we have machines in our homes that clean our cloths, and carpets, keep all our food fresh, filter our water, wake us up as early as we want, keep our homes warm and cold and even water our landscaping.  Its the little things in life right! 
This cute picture comes after the ugly fridge that came with the house finally died! We thought the timing was awful until we found a fridge on craigslist that was less than a year old, has water and ice in the door, matches our colors and was such a steal, we payed cash for it!  Here my little ones, plus some neighbors had fun giving it a polish before we plugged it in! LOOOVE IT!

#3

Enthusiastic, talented People
Have you ever meet someone that you thought was just so over the top enthusiastic about something that it almost made you sick?  There was a time when I felt that way... but really now I am so grateful for them. When I feel tired and beat from my own routine and then go to a Cub Scout meeting, Band Boosters, preschool drop off, Institute or anything and the people are so enthusiastic about what they do, I feel so overjoyed!  I think to myself "thank you" for being enthusiastic and passionate about what you do for me or for my children. I love that they are so able to put energy into something I currently have no energy for! I am glad to pay for people who love to teach piano, dance, and karate and are serious about having my child succeed when I think my only victory was getting them there! I feel their energy and am inspired by it. Thank you, Thank you to those people in my life who give me a lift, when I need it and are the village it takes to have wonderful children turn into wonderful adults!