2012 Thanksgiving

We were able to take Tman and travel up to Bremerton for Thanksgiving.  The carseat still isn't one of T's favorite places - so we stopped for the night at St. Helens.  That is where we discovered that T can open a door - as long as it has the 'lever' type handle.  We spent most of the evening in great fun chasing him up and down the halls!  T had a blast showing off his new found skills ;)  Of course, as always, he charmed our dinner waitress, all the other guests' at Best Western's breakfast, and us during our overnight stay!  I so love having this little guy around :) 

 Cavelle showed off his wonderful computer skills - he is growing up so way to fast!

 Jaleel is now a tall, tall young man with a deep voice and a fantastic sense of humor.  He is so excited about being 15 and old enough to get his permit (as soon as he can figure out a way to get to our house).

 Brayana is working hard on her chats with music blaring!  I didn't get to visit much with her - but enjoyed every minute that I was able to spend with her!  She was anxious for dinner to start - here she is carrying around her fork - just in case a taste test is needed!  She's such a cutie!

The day after Thanksgiving we had a 'girls day out' and went for pedicures.  Taniyah had a great time getting her toes done! S'te and I got our Duck colors (green and gold) while the other girls got snowflakes put on theirs.  We had a lot of fun!!

Tristin basked in the attention for the entire weekend :)  He has continued to bloom and brighten my days - It has been so hard feeling so cut off from the world, S'te being so far away, and the sense of loneliness that has seemed to cut clear to the bone!  It has fallen on his little shoulders to make me smile and laugh - and he does an awesome job of it.  Just looking thru his photos and watching him run across the room to me  - makes my day!

Ladaria and Destini went with Jeanne the night we got there and didn't return until just before we left - so we didn't get to spend any time at all with them.  The sad thing about the kids growing up - is that they seem to leave all the good memories behind and forget that no matter what - they are loved.  I guess there comes a time in every grandma's life when it's time to realize that contact with you is no longer needed - or wanted.  Seems that this is the choice that both of these girls have made.  It has been tough - in the days since the visit - but I have come to accept it.  And I will no longer bother them with cards, gifts, or forced conversations.  Maybe when they become grandparents (or sooner) they will realize the pain and hurt these decisions have caused.

On the way home we stopped in Portland for another VA appointment - boy if this brings any sort of omen to what Obamacare has in store for us - look out world!!!!

We soon have another hearing for Tman's status - As no one has claimed any interest in taking him to their home - my hopes of us being able to add him permanently to our family are looming.  It looks better and better every day!  Yippee!!!