Tyrique

6-13-06 017
Originally uploaded by Ste Elmore.

We got around early this morning. Ty is out of school this week and is trying to earn "points" so he can pay for his internet game site that he likes. So he told his Mom that he would do anything she wanted him to do. Well, guess what was first!! The lawnmower is back at HD because the motor mount is broken - mind you - it is a brand new mower!! So he wound up weed-eating the lawn. He was really good natured about it too!! He can really be a sweet kid when he isn't trying to see how far he can push!! He got the lawn all cleaned up nicely. S'te and I went to the Garden Shop and got some stuff to kill the huge weeds that really like the new soil in the lawn. We have to wait for 3 days to spray it on now - but even weedy - it looks better than it did. He has the week off before he heads for summer school.

We did some deep cleaning yesterday and figured out that the tiles in the kitchen were REALLY getting bad. The ones that Lowes sold them that were defective. Lowes gave them the purchase price back but nothing for the pain of installing and now ripping out tile that is less than 2 years old. She caught me with the camera while I was laying on the floor trying to clean under the fridge. Never trust a kid (no matter how old) with a camera when you are doing something that looks really stupid :)

Mak has been taveling with us every day after his 1/2 day at school and pretty much takes it in stride. He was really funny at WalMart. He was "wanting" things he didn't have a clue what they were.

TeeTee was in a huggy and kissy mood so she got lots of attention. Her little legs and her purse in the crook of her arm - it was sooo cute. Papa is making up to her with Smarties so he has a new best friend!!

We straitened Brayana and LaDaria's hair the other day and LaDaria wanted to know why I don't know anything about curly hair!! LIke I EVER have had a problem with CURLS!! I laughed so hard tears came.

We are going to let the middle kids and LaDaria skip school tomorrow and go to the county fair in DelMar. The 4 oldest are "presenting" with the AIM for Faith Team and I definately LOVE to watch them. I'm going to try AGAIN to get a good video. I even have a tripod this time - yea!!

Keith got me an appointment - shows that the "squeaky wheel". We have to go to the downtown office verses the Kearney Mesa office - but I'm happy to be going!! God does wonderful things - if we give Him a chance!!



It's taken me 2 days to get this entry finished. By now I know that Alberto wasn't as bad as it looked from here and I'm so glad that the people out there weren't torn up and washed away - again. I've been watching every news show Keith will let me turn on. He says hi to everyone and he is working hard!! He even babysat for TeeTee while we went to the floor store this afternoon!!

Enough for now - going to go out and help S'te plant more flowers!! She has lots of strawberries on and they are going to be plumb sick of tomatoes!! Fruits of labor. :)

End of Week 1

DSC02835
Originally uploaded by Amah.

As our first week here winds up and comes to an end - I am thankful that we are here. The kids may not be :) but I am. The extra adult eyes - and eyes in more places at once have disconcerted the kids!! In just the few short weeks since Rod has been gone they've gotten the hang of avoid-Mom-'cause-if-she-sees-me-she'll-say-no and then I'll have to stop having so much fun. It's a little rough sometimes - I'm not atuned to 7 kids at once screaming over each other, the music, and the earphones to be heard by all. I haven't gotten the "tune out" button that Mom's these days seem to have. Maybe I had one years ago - but it went somewhere and I'm definately looking for it. When it really gets loud I try to remember how sweet they all were 5 years ago. Back when they were all sweet little tots. They are growing up sooooo fast!! I stayed in tune with their growth better when I lived here. I get to see and stay closer than many, many grandparents and I'm so very happy about that. I miss out on growing with them and have a hard time catching up with the 'tudes and tantrums. And they ALL have them!!! Even me!!! I get all the yelling I can stand - then I start. They don't like that much - but it's ok if they do it!! Example: Destini changed in Brayana's room and left her clothes in there. Brayana snottily told her to get her clothes out. Destini didn't comply so Brayana put them in the garbage!!! Destini came and tattled to Mom that Brayana threw away the clothes but didn't tell the beginning of the story. So when the whole story was told the tatteler was in as much trouble as the tattelee!!!

Otherwise, we've talked with the WC attorney and were authorized to make an appointment with the primary that I had before we moved. The only appointment they had was for the day we are leaving for Oregon. When Keith tried to make an appointment for when we got back from there - they weren't scheduling that far out!! So what do you think of that?

We've started several small projects but haven't gotten much completed in the last few days. I accidently took my evening meds in the morning on one of those mornings and spent most of the day in a daze. My eyes were open but there was nobody at home!! Sometimes I think I'm certifiable!!

TeeTee is talking a little, she says Mama, YaYa (for LaDaria), and of course, PAPA. She definately has her own opinions on things and has abolutely no qualms about letting you know 1. she's done, 2. she wants Mama 3. no touching 4. she dosen't like that I learned all of those things right away too!!

Our Day 5 here

It's Day 39 for S'te. She's keeping track of how long Rod has been gone!! I used to count the days Papa was gone - back when he traveled alone. It's hard to believe that he used to be gone for weeks at a time. I was working and stayed pretty well busy back then. Busier when he was gone than when he was home. Just to pass the time!! That's when I started doing Respite for foster families. S'te had foster children then and I went and got my prints done, passed my security check, got registered as a respite provider and then watched the children so that the parents could take a time out. I sat anywhere from a few hours to a weekend - sometimes at my home and others at theirs. I wish Florida had more respite providers. I should campaign or something. If we had providers that could watch the children for short periods of time - we might be able to recruit more foster families. Who knows? I'm not real sure just where all that came from but it's here now :)

We've been quasi-busy for the last few days. So far:

Saturday - we arrived, Keith went to the Condo to check a few things with the renter. I was tired and my foot looked like a football. So I stayed home and rested. And visited and played with the kids.

Sunday - We went to church, to C1 for spaghetti for lunch with a bunch of friends, stopped by the Condo to try again to fix a few things, had dinner at the Moose Lodge with Liz & Earl

Monday - S'te's Birthday YEAH - 29, went to play Bingo with Janet!! What a bust!! I had so many cards that I could anywhere near keep up!! Got home and Papa asked if we had a good visit!!! Like we had time to talk!! I didn't even have time to breathe!! We are planning to go again in a couple of weeks. I'll take S'te with us to help us keep up!! Had dinner, cake & ice cream - and gifts - for the Birthday Girl!

Tuesday - S'te had her VTC with Rod. She took TeeTee and Kiah. The rest of the kids were in school so she taped it for us to watch. It was really kool the way they did it. I wish they could have taped what was being said on this end. We could only hear Rod on the tape so sometimes we didn't know what he was answering to but we were able to hear his voice. It was so great!! Then we went to Olde Towne for dinner with a co-worker of Keith's that was here from St. Louis on business. We have Mexican food every day since we've been here!!

Today - S'te planned to take "Yellow Kitty" to the shelter. She really only was going to take care of him until she could find a home and he is soooo little~~ but she didn't want 3 cats. So, she packed him up and took him along - Papa and I were laughing about her ability to leave him at the shelter!! She might make it into the parking lot but she'd never make it in the door!! Well, she didn't - but she didn't come home with him either. She took him into Headstart this morning with Kiah and found a parent whose kitten had to be put to sleep - so she wanted him. God works when you let him!!! Follow your little "feelings" and everything will work out! Papa fixed our bedroom door - it was ruining the carpet so he took it off and shaved some off of the bottom. He also scoped out how to patch the hallway ceiling and has already gotten the materials he needs. I went shopping and got lost trying to get back here!! It took me 5 (or 15) minutes to get to the store and 45 (or 75) minutes to find my way back!! Just one wrong turn and I totally lost my way. Same as in life. I followed my warped sense of direction and came out on Broadway (I think) - and got back here. Just like my Mom, turn me around twice in a paper bag and I'll never find my way out!!

S'te went to her leadership meeting this evening and now we are sitting in the recliners working on our Blogs. Papa is asleep. We are way to relaxed here. I could get used to this!!!

Well, now I'm done with this so I thing it's bedtime now for me. I've uploaded new pictures on Flickr - so go check them out!!

We're Here

We're Back!!! S'te and the kids picked us up about noon today. We left home about 4:30 this morning est and made our 8 am flight in plenty of time. Even with driving to Orlando. We got an upgrade for the first leg of the flight but didn't for the DFW - SAN leg. The longest part. Papa sat with those long legs pressed against the seat in front of him for the whole trip. He couldn't even use part of my leg space because the kid next to me was tall also and with thier legs and my width - it wasn't real comfy for anyone. Like Papa said - a real "love in". At DFW we got a ride from one end of the C Terminal to theother end of the D Terminal on the handicap cart - I don't think I'd have made it if we hadn't. Anyhow, the driver was a riot!! The would holler "cart coming thru" and then he'd thank everyone that he almost ran down!! Then he'd tell me not to laugh because they'd (those people) would be "hittin' on yous and hurt yous 'cause you be ridin' and they be a walkin'". He was totally halarious. We got to our flight with just about 10 minutes before boarding - and that was because they were late getting it cleaned from the incoming route. But we made it!!! We are here!!! Ty and LaDaria weren't here to meet us - they had spent the night with friends and just got home a bit ago. It's 9:30 my time and I feel like I've run all day. The kids and S'te walked in the La Mesa Flag Day Parade (about a mile) while Brayana played her Flutophone. She played "This Land is Your Land". S'te said it was HOT (about 90). The did the parade before they came to pick us up. She's got great timing. FOr the second time - she pulled up just as we got to the door. They had stopped at Taco Bell but Papa didn't want that - he was ready for Carnitas Uraban at Mrs. Rodriguez. So after unloading our gear he and I went down there and had lunch. We got back - he took a nap and I unpacked all the stuff that I packed just yesterday!!

We've had a good visit - Destini has shown us her routine that she is working on with Action, Brayana played us the theme from Star Wars and S'te tuned the flute Grandpa Doland gave me up and played a bit of that for us. Papa has gone to see some friends and I'm about to relax right to sleep.

I really think I should've worn the "black boot" just a little longer. My foot feels like ##***#. I'm not liking it at all. Dr. Lisa has given me some new meds to try so maybe I can sleep tonight. Not only that - it cools down at night here!!

Have a great one all. I'm so happy to be here!!

Getting Ready

We (I) are getting ready for our vacation!! This is rather solitary (it seems) work. I pack for us - he packs for him. I clean house - he checks e-mail. I stop the paper, put in address cards - he looks at the jokes on his e-mail. I make arrangements with the office, fill out appropriate forms - he spends an hour contemplating his time sheet (there was a holiday and it threw it all off). I'm bitchy. The Dr says my bloodwork is wonderful - she is so everlasting cheerful. I'll just bet she was a cheerleader all the way thru Med School!! I don't think she is as old as Dougie Houser. Well, maybe a little. Anyhow, I thought I'd vent this way instead of strangleing Papa and winding up in jail instead of on an airplane. I got the laundry done minutes ago. He took his things that I'd folded and rolled them up and put in his suitcase. Of course, he has 1, I have 3. But I have all the meds, toothbrushes, toiletries etc that we will both use. THAT STUFF dosen't go into his bag. I can't do my meds until we go to the drugstore, and we will do that on our way to pick up the rental car, and drop the little car in Frazers driveway, and the pickup in the little house drive - that way everything is under cover and there is a vehicle at each home. Keith washed the bbq off a few minutes ago. He left it on the driveway to dry so we can bring it into the kitchen. The lawn maintenance people just came by and mowed the lawn. I don't want to be the one to tell him that he needs to go wash it off again. Living in Paradise~~ We have to make sure that everything is tied down, put inside, or take the chance that it will become a missile. I'm not afraid of anyone stealing anything - I'm afraid of things turning into missiles and breaking my house. Aren't I funny HEHEHEHE.

I'm still crabby. Writing didn't help. It was 78 at seven this morning. I bought a dehumidifier for the shed so that I could actually put stuff in there without it molding. I got a whole container of water overnight. I guess we will have to do the hose and drill a hole thing - on both houses as I bought one for the Florida Room at the little house. Thought that may help in making that room a little more comfortable. And less moldy too!!

I think Papa is ready to start moving. Geez I hope so - I want to get done what I need to do - so that I know it's done and I have time for all the things that I forgot to do while I was worrying about the things we haven't done!! So see ya'll soon.

Childless

We are childless again!! I spent yesterday going between worrying that S'te would have a hard time with her girls going and being afraid that they wouldn't find a placement for mine. That all worked out just fine. S'te had a kick of a time with the SW who is a PITA but she handled it well and mine got a placement that looks like it will work and was moved about 2. So all is well. S'te and I talked it over for a long time last night. It's not that the children need to be moved. It's not that they move the children. It's that they have to be so condescending and nasty when they do it. When we get considerate DCM's or SW's we are so overjoyed they are lucky that we don't just jump up and kiss them :-)

We celebrated our new status by going out to dinner at the new-to-us Sloanes that replaced the Surf on SR 60 and took kid toys over to Tom & Nancy's so the grandchildren have something to do. Tom is doing as well as can be expected - he is handling everything like a champ and so is Nancy. It is amazing just how quickly things can change. Last July we were all sitting at the Lake in Georgia talking about their plans to build a new home up there. Now Tom will be lucky if there is a July for him this year. It saddens me - but God know's what He is doing. I have to put this in my God Box and let him take care of it - I can't. Anyhow, Tom rolled out the slides and projector of the Days in the PI that were so long ago. Great pictures and it reminds us how much we have lived - and how rich our lives have been!! We stayed until Tom got tired, Jackie put the girls to bed and Nancy was surely ready to be rid of us. And we stayed out AFTER DARK!

Keith is watching Western Wednesday after doing his club meeting, a phone con, checking with the BOD President, and looking in on Tom. I went to Wednesday Coffee this morning, took apart my PC, took apart the Villages Channel 2 PC, saw that I couldn't "swap parts" so I went up and bought some new RAM to put in it. The graphics sure look better on the TV. Now all we need to do is figure out how to get the office onto cable modems so that she dosen't have to mess with the modem she has that is slower than molassas in January. Or maybe even the modem in the CH 2 PC. Not sure which. But there has to be something better!!

Anyhow, I got home, watched my soap, and headed for my MASSAGE. I've looked forward to it for - like - forever. My legs hurt, my arms are tired - I was just soooooo ready!! I didn't make it. There was an accident on SR 60 that held me up for long enough to miss my appointment. So I called from the standstill traffic and rescheduled for tomorrow morning.

So, instead I went to Best Buy. I asked if they had a "thing" that I can put my PC Maxtor hard drive in and make it an external drive so if I need it - I can just plug it into the notebook - we don't use the PC anymore - It isn't even on the internet connection - and hasn't been. I just want the drive in case there is something that hasn't gotten transfered. The little "geek" said SURE NO PROBLEM! ! He ran right over and got this little box thing for me. Looked about the right size so I thanked him for making this the easiest thing I have tried to do all day. Paid and left. Got home.

Took the external kit out of the box. It isn't the right one. It is for a 3.5" external drive.

So I put it back in the box.

Put the box back in the bag.

Put the Maxtor into the bag with it.

Put the entire batch on Keith's lap.

He can deal with them. I'm tired.

Life is so much easier with kids. I don't try to do these other things that FRUSTRATE me so much!!!

But Channel 2 is up and running :) My Sister at Knuckles Knoll updated her Blog. My foot is propped up. It is cool in here. I have so much to be thankful for.

Flag Raising

Flag Raising
Originally uploaded by Amah.

We had a really nice Memorial Day. We went to the Flag Raising and the Potluck at the Village Clubhouse. The houses in the background (behind the lake) are all replacements of homes damaged in the hurricanes 2 years ago. Screen rooms and carports are still being repaired - Katrina victims - we are still digging out too!! The Village lost about 25% of our homes. Several of the residents that had damage have either given up or sold out and left.

For this Memorial Day - please all raise your eyes and hearts to the Heavens and pray for our Men and Women in Uniform who are now defending our Country and Bless those who have already given their lives for our FREEDOMS. Thank God we can still THANK GOD!!

Late Night Thoughts

The picture is of Mr. Tom & Pastor Bert and I can't get it where I want it so~~

I can't sleep, my mind is going 50 miles an hour and I wanted to tell my story. It's not a daily log like usual so bear with me~~

We got up this morning and went to Sunday School and Church. With Austin safely ensconced with Grammy and Ms Diane in the Nursery - I attended Sunday school for the not-to-manieth- timeas-an-adult. Mr Tom, our SS Teacher, is helping us thru the book of Acts. Helping to follow Paul thru his ministry. I've always been good at geography but the Bible Geography was always way beyond me. As I sat there and listened to Mr. Tom and others - a light bulb came on. I was actually seeing the Book come to life instead of trying to read it literally - alone. Alone I haven't been able to make connections between the Books and Personalities and got utterly lost when trying to track who was where and who actually wrote what. Thank you Mr. Tom.

And then Pastor Bert started his Message. It was on Chapter 3 of James. All about the power of tongues. He told of times in life where loose tongues cost lives. And times when the power of the tongue has had the ability to hurt many people. He also talked of the power of the tongue in changing lives. Making them better. Using the power of the tongue to Bring the Word to others. I got rather into my own head as Pastor talked. God has given us the power of choice. We can use that choice for everything in our lives. I made a choice many years ago to allow my children to attend a fair. They didn't "need" to go. They had never been away from me for the 5 days they were to be gone. I made myself believe that I trusted the person that was going to be "watching" them. They wanted to go soooooo bad. I smothered my selfish instincts and told myself that they were bored, wanted to see their friends, they hadn't missed a fair in years, it was the near the end of summer and they deserved a treat for being so good and understanding with all the work and college classes that I was occupied with. All that stuff. The power of the tongue (in my case voice in my head). I justified (to myself) letting them go. And I made the wrong choice. It was a life-changing choice. I never saw my son again. God was trying to tell me - I had to work so hard at justifying it. If it was something that was supposed to happen - God wouldn't have made me work so hard to justify it to myself. Listening to that voice - the one in my head - cost me my son, hurt my daughter, destroyed my mother. It's not only the tongues that wag - it is the voices in our heads. God gave us the power of choice - he also gave us reasoning powers and our conscience - which is Him - to help us to make the Choices according to his will.

Pastor Bert was right on target - the tongue is the most powerful organ in the body. It can also be used to pass the Word. Tell the world about God and Jesus. Use that tongue to be kind to someone today. For no reason - just find one person out of your circle to be kind to. And let it be said that the voice of God asked you to do it.

Now that I've emptied mind, pardon me Pastor if this wasn't the message that you were sharing. I may have gotten lost in myself. On a more humerous note: I will miss hearing your messages for the next few weeks but we will attend Church with our family in Spring Valley. I assure you, it is a totally different style- very effective and I really do enjoy the differences for short periods and love it when I can return "home" to the heart of Faith Baptist.

A Thought

Birthdays are a time for celebration

Not a time for tears

But what happens when the birthdays

No longer mark the years

A Birthday marks the moment

A spirit enters earthly life

To share its special love and joy

And learn from earthly strife

Before a spirit comes to us,

It knows when and how it must depart

It chose its path carefully,

We are honored from the start

The sadness we now feel on such a joyus day

Is longing for our loved one's touch

It's natural to feel this way

For even though the birthdays

No longer mark a spirit's stay

Love continues on forever

To touch us everyday

I hug my precious memories

Close to my heart

And honor my beloved spirit child

Who chose me from the start.

(unknown)

This wonderful poem was sent to me last year on Jeremy's Birthday by my daughter.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my baby boy - who is now 34 years old!! I miss you as I have every day for the last 19 years 9months and 11 days.

Here are the last pictures we have as a family. You were 13, S'te was 8, and on the left is a "computer aged to 26 composition made by National Center for Missing and Exploited Children a few years ago. What a handsome man!! I want you to know your entire extended family still misses you and we are all praying daily for any knowledge of you!

Amber and Tylor left for their "summer home" about 6. They were all packed and ready to go. They were real excited to be staying with younger parents - that "do" more. I think they really have unrealistic expectations LOL because both work and the weekends will be play time. They have been enrolled in summer "enrichment programs" to help to get them the skills they need to compete in the upcoming school year.

I stayed pretty busy. No time to think or dwell. I had my discussion with God when I first woke up and he gave me enough peace and patience to make it thru the day. As well as receiving 2 get well cards and a thank you note in the mail. I've gotten 2 thank you cards in my life and both were from Keiths family. One for the coffee cup I had made for his Mom for Mother's Day and the other for the afgan I crocheted for Melody for her birthday. But receiving a "missive" from family members helped me tremendously. As well as a very long conversation with S'te (from the Money Pit) during the morning and another very long conversation with Sister Sharen (Knuckles Knoll) during the late evening. I took the kids shopping for shoes for Austin and my salad ingredients for Monday, and we went swimming for almost 2 hours where I visited with our neighbors from Canada (who got their seasons backwards) and got all caught on thier activities over the last year. So I stayed pretty busy. The Lord found enough for me to dwell on that I didn't have time to dwell on my loss.

Austin loves the water!! He also loves the little whisk broom and dustpan (a man after my heart). He has been no more "trouble" than any other 2 year old - except that he is 40 pounds and cannot express his needs - so I am playing a guessing game all the time and he likes to run from me. I think I will stop chasing him (it hurts my foot anyway) and wait until he comes back around in the circle and snag him. I'm starting to think the chase is a game to him and he is enjoying it way to much.

We also had a shareholders meeting last night with only 2 "dissenters" in the crowd. Dave Atwell is our new President and he worked very hard in holding it all together. It's a challenge. Especially when you have those out to disrupt the meeting to start with. The Village is facing a very hard couple of years. We had such massave damage during the last 3 hurricanes (to common areas - not our home) that it just dosen't get fixed overnight. It has been 2 years (listen up New Orleans) and we still have building that have not been replaced. Several of our Shareholders are unhappy about the FEMA presence and our new CAM is working diligently to make sure those families understand that our Rules are for everyone - including them!! She got a hand for the wonderful Hurricane Prep class that she put on and I'm sure she deserved every bit of it.

So you see, Jeremy, even tho' you are in my thoughts and prayers every waking moment, over the years I've learned to protect the hole that I have in my heart. The one that will be there for as long as it takes to "find" you. I love you Son. And I miss you.

Enough for tonight.

You just never know. . .

We took Amber and Tylor to their visit and got a call on our cell phone. The new placement for Austin didn't work out. He wasn't there 5 hours!!! So we have him back - again - already. So much for getting things cleaned up and organized. I don't have a clue what happened other than she said he wasn't working out. So now I'll have him over the weekend - I'm pretty sure of that. With no one else here to entertain him -

He came back just as non-chalantly as he left. I took his hand, he came in and got the soda off of the back of the counter, drank all of that as I chased him around the kitchen, I got him out of there, closed the gate and all has been as usual - right down to bedtime. I really wonder what happened. That is probably something that I will never know.

Just goes to show you - your plans are meant to vary. The Lord wants him here for some reason. It's not my job to question Him - just do my best for as long as He has decided that he will be here.

Tomorrow will be a very hard day for me. Even kids leaving, Austin staying, a Shareholders meeting, and Jeremy's Birthday. It is so hard to believe that 34 years ago - at this time - my Sister and I were timing Labor pains. It seems so much like yesterday. We were waiting for Mom to get off work so that she could drive me to the hospital. I was so excited!! I couldn't wait to hold my baby. Back then of course we had to wait and see whether the baby was boy or girl. And I had my baby boy. THe prettiest baby in the Nursery. Oh so long ago, and yet so easily remembered.

2 Left

It's only noon today and already two of our babies are gone. It's already to quiet. They will all be gone by tomorrow evening but the two youngest went today. Austin was the suprise. One of the FP's in another county had a child leave and gamely volunteered to "try" taking him. He is definately a challenge. And a very high-energy challenge at that. He finally had made contact with me (it took several days) and now to move him was hard. But I know LeAnne and she is great!! She'll have him eating out of her hands in no time. She is a younger and more energetic woman than I (that's not hard to be tho') so he will do wonderfully there. I am very happy about this placement.

There was an opening for Lonnie to be placed with his 2 brothers, closer to where Mom and Dad live, so they don't have to put themselves out to visit. So, over protests, they have all been moved to the same placement. The one good thing is that they will at least be together. His brothers are just a cute as he is. I got pictures of his "home-leaving". I'm sad about him - I had him for 5 months. But that's about my limit - after 6 - I'm to attached and have a much harder time looking at the bright side and letting them go.

The older two went on their water park adventure with their prospective future long term fp's and they just loved them. I asked them on Monday if they would rather have them for parents than us and they didn't even think before they both said "yes". Amber actually realized what they said and looked a little embarrassed afterwards and I laughed with her - so she would know that's it's ok. I understand. It will definately take all day to get their stuff together - they are normal kids and have it all over the place. So anyway, they will be moving tomorrow evening and we will have none.

I will have a full week to get my foot healed, my shoulder back in place (my replacement tenz machine finally arived), find all the things that Austin moved (hid), and get all washed and cleaned up before we go on vacation. So even without kids - I'll be busy.

Keith is feeling bad - he has some sort of recurring digestive virus or something. In true Keith fashion - he won't call the Doctor. So we just have to watch him laying in the recliner looking sick and sad. LOL

I'm looking forward to seeing my babies in San Diego. It makes it all worthwhile. So click on the "comments" button below and let me know what you are doing!!

Small Steps, Little Wonders

I am learning about Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ADS), I think. Weirdly enough the May 15th issue of Time, which arrived yesterday, has a huge write up on the subject. Now, I'm aware that Time only ever reports the upside of any subject so I'm reading on this with a grain of salt - BUT - Austin got his cup off of the cart - got a drink while wandering into the playroom - AND THEN CAME IN AND PUT IT BACK!!. Not that this is a huge thing - but in our life of constant turmoil with him - it is hope. And it means that he isn't THAT slow to learn. I personally feel as tho' this is a good sign for him. He is now laying on the floor behind me entertaining HIMSELF with 2 trucks, complete with engine noise and uh-oh's when they crash together!!! When we can't find anything he "wants" to do = he is a terror. He runs and grabs and runs and spills and runs and screams (while hitting himself in the head with his fists) and runs and runs and runs. I'm slowly learning his triggers and how to deal with him. He also is responding well to one-word directions. UP, COME, SIT. So, maybe I will be able to manage another 10 days with him. He is a large, strong 40 lb 2.5 year old. Maybe I should get combat pay :)

Lonnie is teething. He is miserable, therefore we all hurt. There is no TV show or conversation that is not punctuated with his whining. He had stopped it for awhile, but it's back - in triplicate~~

The older two have gone on a field trip to the Water Park. They were so excited to go that I don't think either one of them slept a wink last night. Amber was wanting to wake Tylor at 6 this morning and was caught 3 times trying to sneak in to do so. I finally told her if she tried again, she wasn't going. She decided to get herself dressed and take care of her hygenic stuff instead. So that little problem was solved. Tylor was up at 7 anyhow. It's not like he overslept. He did have a hard time getting to sleep - excitement - and Austin banging his head and mumbo-jumboing until almost 11 before he finally conked out.

I'm hobbling in my "boot" but my foot is feeling so much better!!
I have to have a shoe on the other foot or I'm seriously off balance. I hate to show my horribly fat legs. It seems like only years ago that I had good looking legs - time does horrible things.
If it's not where the Dr. wants it by Tuesday, he is talking a cast - oh, no,no,no. This monstrosity is hot enough. It is 9:30 AM and already 88 in the shade on the screen room (with a breeze). I can't even imagine a cast!!! :( :( :( :-(

Keith's friend Tom, who was in the Navy with him isn't doing well. He was diagnosed with some type of very fast-growing cancer about 2 weeks ago. Prognosis is about 6 weeks left. Family has arrived, Hospice is involved. Tom has decided to forgo any treatment that will make his remaining days miserable. My heart goes out to the entire family but most especially Nancy, who has been married to him for many, many years, raised 4 children with him and will be so very lost without him. I am so glad that she has her faith in the Lord to see her thru as well as the love and dedication of her family and friends.

It is so true (I had to learn it) that our children grow and start a life seperate from ours and could it be because they will have to carry forth when we are gone? They ways of God are innumerable and his life plan for each of us remains a mystery to me. Just as - why did Jeremy get taken just as I was getting things straightened out in our lives? Why has the Lord seen to torture me all of these years with the uncertainty? It's getting closer to his birthday and I get more and more morbid as this time comes each year. This year he is 34 and has been lost for almost 20. I pray daily for the strength to keep praying.

Also, 2 days ago was my Dad's 73 (I think) birthday. I tried calling both his home and cell numbers and didn't get an answer on either one. I left messages - but you can tell that we are really close - huh-. Anyhow, Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Keith's Mom loved (or said she did) her coffee cup with our picture on it. It even made it for Mother's day! I haven't had a Mother for so long - I forget to do those kind of things!!

And if you read the MONEY PIT you will see how well S'te is dealing with Rod being gone for so long - and Kiah's triumph!! He's such a smart boy - (when he's sleeping LOL).

I guess this is enough for today. More when something new happens!!

2 Days?

Has it only been 2 days? My foot feels like it's been 2 weeks. And a busy one too. Austin is really a pretty good boy. As long as you leave nothing in his reach, all the doors closed, and the sliders locked (it didn't take long for him to figure out how to open them), the baby's bottle put up, and check behind the big kids everytime they go out the door of the screen room. I've finally just locked the those doors and if they want in - they have to come to the front door and go thru the house. It only took once for the neighbor 3 houses away bringing him home that I figured out he is an escape artist.

Keith and I were "Panel Foster Parents" for the graduating MAPP class last night. The Judge for Indian River County was also there. I learned a bunch listening to his answers to the prospective fp's there. The group was mixed between foster and adoption so there were lots of different types of questions. The one that really astounded me was "Why would it take up to a year to get a 9-13 year old girl in good health to adopt. And we don't want to go the foster route, we want to adopt right away". The answer is soooooo simple. The ones that are really adoptable are the children of any age that are in good health. Family members and foster parents who've already had them for a year or two adopt them. Come on!! The children that are with large sibling groups or the children that will never leave home are the ones we are begging people to adopt. http://www.chsfl.org/adoptiondisp.php?divID=all This is a site to look at if you are willing to adopt a sibling group or older children. OKay off of my soapbox again! :)

We are winding down for the summer. We have a placement for Lonnie, a possible for Amber and Tylor, and we don't know anything yet about Austin. Placement told the PI that we would keep him until the end of the month. Placement asked us if we could help out with him for a few days. Same worker ~ different spin. It's ok - we know the Lord will help UFF out!!

Keith is planning an addition to our home. He wants to put an additional 10' on our screen room - he says it's for the space - I think he just wants to make sure they don't put another home on the area that the Village told us was our "oversized lot" that we chose because it was one of 2 "oversized lots" left. But I can live with his version. We will then have a screen porch almost as wide as our home and an additional carport. Lots of room for us two. :)

So with laundry, panels, babysitters, oh, and did I tell you - my foot is broke. Dr. says stay off of it and he will see me again on Friday to see if I need an ortho consult. LARGE HAHAHAHAHA With Austin's circles and the kid's school winding down I've been busier than a cat covering crap - and my house is a wreck, the pills make me want to sleep so I'm tired, Papa is still not back up to par, and other than that - Life is wonderful. I have the dream of seeing my beautiful daughter and wonderful grandchildren to sustain me for the next couple of weeks!!!! This is Austin watching Baby Einstein's Baby Neptune. I put the movie in the DVD out of desperation and he LOVES it. I can hear him laughing and talking back to it - so I know he is enjoying it. Lonnie is still trying to teethe- or something - and has been whinier and clingier than usual - and there he goes again!!
So - see ya later.

New Visitor

We have a new visitor at our house. He will only be staying for a day or two. He is a sweet little 2-year old that is in constant motion and totally non-verbal. As always - he came to us with no paperwork of any value - and no medication of any kind - so my initial guess is that he is one of God's special children. I closed all the doors and up my gates. He runs the "fence line" about every 5 minutes - I suppose he is looking for an escape hatch. He slept very well last night - was very easy to put to bed once I figured out that he still takes a bottle. I gave him a 4 oz and he went right to sleep - slept until 8 this morning. He pretty much stays away from the baby - which is good - but we watch constantly anyhow. He definately knows what he wants and I'm watching him throw a tantrum because Papa wouldn't give him soda. Well - he is over it now.

Mother's Day wasn't the exciting day it is supposed to be. Papa was sick (has been since Friday) so he still wasn't getting out of bed, the kids were totally bored, and my foot is the size of a football. So I gamely stuffed my toes into a sandal and we went to Sunday School and Church. Afterwards, we went to Sonny's BBQ. We've driven by it dozens of times, I love anything BBQ and Keith doesn't like the place. So since he wasn't with us, we went. Tylor and Amber don't like anything with "sauce" on it. So they wound up with $4 hot dogs & fries but I had the best bbq chickenthat I've ever had (that wasn't homemade) with baked beans, baked sweet potato and garlic bread. It was great and I made a total pig (I'm past the piglett stage) out of myself and ate most all of it. The kids did unbend to try a little of the chicken that didn't have any sauce on it, and Tylor ate a piece of the garlic bread. He suggested that "next time" I get the cornbread 'cause he likes it better. We then came home and I remembered the tickets for the Mother's Day lunch that the Social Club put on at the clubhouse. But I was completely done walking. My foot was not only football size but is turning colors and THROBBING. So I chalked it up to my old-timers CRS and got in the recliner and propped my foot up. About 3:30 one of the Ladies - actually the one with a psuedo-halo knocked at my door with a tray - full of the most wonderful goodies. Now I didn't have to fix dinner either. There was Chicken Salad on Croisant, green salad, pudding in a cloud, and some of the greatest little chocolate sticks I've ever eaten.

Then I talked to my little girl. She is so lonesome without her hubby. Her voice sounded so tired and wo-be-gone. I knew exactly what the problem was and I feel for her. I remember all the years alone thru the holidays. Of course, I was married, he wasn't deployed, I was just alone. We chatted for quite awhile and her voice sounded more chipper when we hung up. I reminded her that it is only a couple of weeks before we would be back out there - and Rod will be home in just over 2 weeks from when we leave. Of course, our presence isn't nearly as fulfilling as her wonderful hubby - but it's the best we can do :-)

The hot dog must not have agreed with Amber - I noticed a towel laid out on the carpet in her room - I lifted the towel - yuk!! I sure do wish she would've told me before it all soaked into it. So now that both little ones are down for a morning nap - I guess I will take my football foot and get down on my knees and clean up second-hand hot dog.

Better luck to all of you!!!!!

Oh, and Bless Miss Sallie at church, she found a t-shirt that was dropped after the Gibbs Family Gospel on Friday - When I got home I found that the bag that I asked Tylor to carry for me - only had 1 t-shirt in it - of course it was his. He says he didn't notice dropping anything out of the bag while he was "swinging it around" (his words). So thanks to Miss Sallie - I didn't totally waste $10.

More later,
Amah

Hobble-A-Long

I've done it again!! And I don't even know for sure just what I did. As usual - I don't remember bumping, hitting, twisting or anything. And it isn't my ankle - it's from my little toe up to my middle toe and across the top to my ankle. It hurts like the dickens and I'm not having any fun trying to walk. I did it yesterday about 4. I know that because 1) the kids were in school and the baby was asleep so I 2) decided that I had time for a short power nap (these meds make me sleepy). Anyhow the phone rang and I 3) looked at the clock and realized that Papa had gone to meet the bus and 4) someone needed to answer it. I jumped off of the couch and promptly landed on my well-padded derriere. I let out a holler that woke the baby up and was still sitting there when Papa and the older kids got home a few minutes later!! Well, last night was also the Gibbs Family Southern Gospel presentation at Church - so Papa got out my crutches - from the last time I couldn't remember how I hurt myself - and we went. Papa had a lot of fun telling people that I fell off of the couch - and he has paid for it dearly today - he has the flu. A really good dose of it. He has been ill ALL DAY - which means he laid in bed and I hobbled around to do the bare necessities for the kids. Thank the Lord it is Saturday and the older kids are such good ones!!! They fetched and carried for me - but then about noon (Papa in bed and I'm still in a nightshirt) a GAL shows up unannounced!! Said that DCF gave her an incorrect phone number and she hadn't been able to contact us to set up an appointment. So we looked like a real happy family (add to all of the above that Vinci brought all of the baby stuff back yesterday afternoon and I still have it stacked in the living room) as well as organized and effectual. I'm not sure what the woman must be thinking but I do hope to get a chance to make a better impression.

We've not done much else around here. I just go in circles every day and get nothing done. Still trying to diet (I've only gained 5 lbs on this last one) and about to totally give up and go to Mexico for that belly banding thing. I read with the big kids for about 20 minutes each per day and then I fix dinner, we get baths and it's bedtime. Today was supposed to be a swimming date - but with Papa sick, Tylor coughing, and me hobbling - it just didn't seem like a really good idea~~ Tomorrow we are supposed to go to a Mother's Day Lunch. Bought tickets in advance and everything. Enough for today Hope all is well with everyone and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF THE MOTHERS THAT READ THIS. You know who you are :-)

Diane

Wife to Keith, Mom to S'te (28), Amah-Mama to "Lonnie (5 mo), Amber (8),& Tyler (7)"

The new "crawler" at our house

Click for Video

Video Description

Lonnie is only a few days beyond 6 months. He is showing us a new way to "motate". I mentioned yesterday his odd way of moving from place to place. Below is a picture of the pyrimid he usually starts with. I couldn't catch it in the video - but it is sure cute!!

It's already Sunday

We had a kicked back day yesterday. During the morning the 3 older kids "helped" Papa by riding their bikes thru the lawn while he was trying to put the brick borders in for me. I took the idea from both S'te at http://elmoresandiego.blogspot.com/ and Sharen at http://knucklesknoll.blogspot.com/ but not nearly as ambitious. Not only that, I was afraid that if we went more than 1 block high the hurricanes would blow anything not tied down thru the windows of our house ~~ So we shopped and found some that I liked enough to do our yard.

Then we had lunch and went swimming. Now, those of you with kids are well aware that there is NOTHING kicked back about going to the pool with 5 kids. The older 2 were just fine but the 3 year old whined constantly. No one would play with him, there's nothing to do, I can't do that, I want, I think I'm hungry, I think I'm getting thirsty, etc - on and on and on. Then we have the 2 babies - one walking - so he can't be left out of arms reach for a minute and the other wanting a nap!! By the time I finished blowing up all the swimmies, rings, and baby floatie, I was exhausted!!! I took snacks and water for all - but they didn't want that (there were others that had chips and sodas at the next table) and with all the longing, forlorn gazes dragging the ground they were (ordered) requested back into the pool or we were going home. That lasted about 5 seconds - so we packed it all up and headed for the house - complaining all the way!! Good thing Papa is hard of hearing and I am stubborn. They then played inside for the rest of the day (all 2 hours) until dinner. It was just so darn hot out there even the kids stayed inside!!

My night consisted of Lonnie waking up at 10:45 and staying that way in 15 minute increments until about 5. Yes - that is am also, S'te. So I did get some sleep. Papa got up with the kids and I wandered out about 9:30. I have an hour to get everyone ready for church!!! In a rush I get all of their clothes out, start the diaper bag and announce that I'm headed for the shower (between the chlorine and yard sweat yesterday, I really should've done it last night - I was just to tired!). NO WATER. The water didn't reappear until almost 11 so - no church. I put the church clothes away and got play clothes out for the kids - they played outside until noon - then it got to hot. So now we are in for an all day in the house with "nothing to do". I'm tired, got a headache, and they are all bored and argueing. So much for Sunday!!

We spent most of the evening watching and chuckling (out and out laugh sounds harsh) as Lonnie trys to crawl. He has this spider-man thing going. He gets on all fours but it is hands and feet - and flops in the direction he wants to go. He will get on his hands and knees and rock back and forth while he is considering his direction and once he makes up his mind - up goes the butt and down goes the head - and flop he is that much closer to where he wanted to be. I got a short clip but don't know how to add it to this. I've seen it on other blogs but haven't found the key yet. But when I do.........

If anything more comes up - I'll let ya'll know but at this point I may wind up in the looney bin before dark LOL See ya!

Dinner

What do you fix when you don't know what anyone eats? I was going to fry a chicken, but I (in my infinite hurry) bought a roaster instead of a fryer. And I do know what a fryer is~~ So I marinated the said roaster in italian seasonings and put some sweet potatoes in the oven with it. I know that one child likes broccoli and another likes carrots - so I sauteed a mix of these with some summer squash and zuchini. I thought it all came out tasting pretty good. So did the 3 and 1 year old boys that we are babysitting for 4 days, but the 2 older ones just picked at it. Tyler said it was going to make him throw up if he had to eat anything but the chicken. He had his head held up with both hands and Amber just kind of pushed around on her plate. I tried bribing with chocolate ice cream - it worked really well with Adam (3). He ate all of his and the ice cream and asked for more (ice cream). Riley (1) came with baby food because he doesn't really like "people food" yet. He ate all of his and a jar of green beans with rice. Papa ate a large plateful and the older kids finally decided they would rather go to bed so they wouldn't have to eat anything.

I think they had a rather over-active day (for us). They had a visit yesterday so they were all wound up last night and didn't sleep well. We had to go thru all the "why's" and how long are we staying questions - again. It is so hard to try to explain - and they already knew the answers - they just didn't want to go to bed so it was really late - almost 10 before they finally sort of settled down. I don't know exactly when they went to sleep - I was having a bad spell of my own. I didn't even go with them for their visit, Papa took them. So anyway, I'd taken the meds that the Dr gave me last night and they make me sleepy and grumpy all day the next day - I try not to take them often - so Papa took them to the pool after school. So by the time they got home from school at 4:20 - got their snack - got changed - went to the pool - did a little homework while the food cooled - we didn't eat until almost 7. Our dinnertime is usually around 6 - if not shortly before. So hopefully this is why they were so tired.

By 8, Tyler (who was not the least bit tired) was sound asleep but Amber couldn't sleep. Of course when I checked on her the first time - she was up at her dresser watching herself make faces in the mirror. I explained that she couldn't sleep standing up so she got back in bed. Then she needed water. Then she needed the bathroom. Then she wanted her door open a little more. The next time it was quiet and I checked she was sitting up in bed playing with her fingers. She said she just couldn't go to sleep. I explained that she couldn't go to sleep while she was sitting up. It was best to lay down when trying to doze off. She wanted to know what doze meant and got me into conversation. That worked for a few minutes - but not for long. I woke up and quit talking to her. She was asleep about 3 minutes after she finally laid down. Next was the 3 year old. He brought all the little chairs and set them up around his bed. Tyler was sleeping so soundly that he didn't even wiggle when I turned the light on to take all the toys away from the bed. The next time I heard movement - Adam had taken his pj's off and was under his pillow and blanket playing "tent". I redressed him and he said he does not like me. OK, fine, lay down and go to sleep. Meanwhile, WB went to sleep on the floor about 6 and hasn't woke yet. Will he sleep all night?

I gave up on Tuesday and started going back to the Chiropractor. By mid-afternoon none of the joints or bones in my body want to cooperate with me. They just hurt, and my feet burn. Even just sitting with them put up - they just burn. And when I try walking on them it is even worse. I also had the echo done that Dr. Lisa has been harping about. No word on that yet - so it must've been ok. Nothing earthshattering or I would've heard something by now. I do go back to the Chiro tomorrow morning so I will be able to hold my head straight up. That's always a plus.

Papa got in touch with an attorney in CA and we will see her while we are out there. I need for this to be over so I can at least get done with the "I-don't-want-to-touch-your-shoulder" syndrome that the Dr.'s have. Then maybe with the whole picture - we can find out what the hell is wrong. I'm so tired of having a great day, 3 bad days, a good day, 2 bad days, and then maybe another great day. And I hate the anti-whatevers that I am taking to get that one great day out of the week or so. I'm tired of being tired. And I know it isn't the kids - without them I wouldn't even function. They give me a reason to get around as much as I do. And I love having them (however it probably sounds on this). They need safety and help. I have been so blessed in this latter part of my life that I feel strongly about needing to share some of the blessings that I have had bestowed on me with those less fortunate. And who could possibly be more needy than these poor children whose parents aren't able to care for them during special times of their lives. I pray daily that these parents will come to realize what they are inflicting on the unsuspecting and innocent lives of thier children.

My meds are kicking in and I'm becoming morose so I'll close for now. Keep the comments coming - I live for them!! ~~

School Morning

I'm not used to this!!! Get up in time for school!!! And be dressed and ready to take them to the bus!!! I've had to change my housework-in-my-nightshirt routine a bit. The kids are smiling and ready for school before I have the sleep out of my eyes or my teeth brushed!!

The first day of school went really well. Both kids got to return to their former classrooms, teachers, and friends. They feel right at home. I'm happy for them.

We had another fiasco of a Shareholder's meeting last night. Again, I wasn't able to ask my question before our erstwhile President started jabbering at me about unrelated things and finally called me enough names that one of the other shareholders jumped up and defended me. I was absolutely flabberghasted. He has been mean, rude, demeaning, arrogant and many other things before - even calling me thick-headed and other stuff - but nothing like last night. I am rather hurt that another woman had to jump up instead of my husband, who just sat there, but I'm sure I'll get over it. I just will stay aware that coming to my defense is not something that he will do. No matter what. I even had calls from other shareholders that were at the meeting sharing thier disgust with what our President did. I will defend my r ight to make an UNINTERRUPTED statement to the ends of this earth. Every other shareholder that had statements, questions, and even rude pointed things to say were given thier time. I have the feeling that the items I choose to speak on are sore subjects with him - why? Why is he so defensive and rude when I have something to say? I guess we will never know - I'm sure he won't tell me.

So, today isn't one of my better days - I'm tired, totally pissed, and disenchanted. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!!

Time Flies

Boy, time does fly "when you are having fun". It seems like months ago since I got home from San Diego instead of just over a week. I was putting the baby down for his nap the other day when I looked out the back window and saw the police putting up yellow crime scene tape!! There had been a stabbing in one of the FEMA homes behind me. It took until yesterday for me to find out the "dirt" behind it. This Village is always full of rumors but it is sure hard to find a truthful story!! No different from any other neighborhood. The government asked us to let them place these homes in our Village for the families displaced by Francis and Jeanne almost 2 years ago. Needless to say, there are still families living in them - but not anyone who is working, has an income, or could afford to live elsewhere. Only those who cannot find or afford regular housing. The families left in our FEMA homes leave much to be desired. Anyhow, the people were the stabbee's not the stabber's. Can't evict them for that~~ Last of that-got it off of my chest.

My only "friend" here in the Village is packing up and getting ready to go home to her summer residence. Keith is making plans and reservations for our summer "escape". Due to the skyrocketing fuel prices, the RV is staying here for most of the summer. We hope to be in SD for several weeks and squeeze a visit to Canyonville and Coos Bay in. He is looking at the first week of July for the Oregon trip. I am anxiously waiting to see what he decides. I know that I will be in SD for a medical appointment on June 6th - so that is what I know. My new teeth are a pain. Actually, I'm told that I was real lucky as I've only had to do a bit of grinding on them - but they have to rub a sore spot before I can figure out just where to grind - then they hurt to try to chew anything with. I'll get it figured out - sooner or later - it'll be good.

Life is hot here - we had a "cold front" come thru the other night - it got down to 72 at night. It has been in the 90's during the day and high 70's at night with a humidity level in the 70 & 80's.

I do all my outside work before 10 am and sit around the house for the rest of the time. But I did get to the pool on Wednesday - first time this year. And only then because the kids wanted to go so badly. Maybe I'll take them up after school today?????

Other than that - it's boring, boring, boring. How's it with you?

Kiah and the Girls

Easter 001
Originally uploaded by Amah.

We started Easter out with a bang. S'te got ALL of her kids dressed and ready to go before taking the older ones to prepare for their Presentation at the Assembly of God Easter Egg Hunt. I happily volunteered to take the younger ones with me a bit later so that they wouldn't be in the way. I got my baby dressed and finally found something totally inappropriate (but it fit) to wear and we tried to be on our way. S'te had the keys!! All of them!! Keith had the keys for the rental car - but we wouldn't all fit. S'te had the extra keys to ALL the cars in her purse!!! So, Rod had to fly (he did make record time) back and pick them up so that we could all go. They looked so cute in the Easter finery. The older kids were all in their Action Unies since they were performing so no Easter finery for them. I personally think they were just as happy with that, tho'.

So we made it to the presentation in plenty of time - it was wonderful watching all five participate in the show. I was so proud that tears came to my eyes. And I'm not being dramatic either (that's Destini and Sharen's jobs) I am really extremely proud of all of them. I do hope that they all continue to do wo well. We were there for the continued unbelievable greed of parents of toddlers when it comes to plastic eggs!! I am amazed every time I see a parent carrying a child and picking up the eggs for them - or scooping them up so no other babies can get to them. It's supposed to be a fun thing for them. Not a knock-down-drag-out to see who can be the greediest. I kinda expect it from the preschool kids themselves - but the parents should know better. We are supposed to be celebrating the Rising of Jesus -not who can show the most greed the fastest. OK - off of my soap-box and on with my story.

We stopped by the Legion Post 460 for a truly nice breakfast and visited with a few old friends that we hadn't seen in a long while and then headed back home (to S'te & Rod's) to pack for our return to Vero. Lonnie picked this night to stay up all night with his new teeth that haven't showed up yet. We had to be on the road at 4 am and he finally crashed about 2:30 or so. I did get up and got ready to go in time. We got to the airport in plenty of time for our 5:45 boarding time to find that the plane had been delayed an hour - I could've slept longer!!!!!! But we had plenty of time for our connection in Chicago and were on our way.

There were no further delays or problems and we arrived home Monday evening as planned, called all the people we know to let them know we were back and are trying still to get back to EST. Lonnie stayed up until 11 last night and I am still sleeping until 9 or so. I have to get straightened out before it's time to return to San Diego in June. Our plans are to try to fly on either the 2nd or 3rd. Depends on the schedules - Papa will do well - he always does.

Lonnie is up - ready for lunch -

Comment and tell me about your Easter. I miss hearing from people.

S'te's flower bed

S'te's flower bed
Originally uploaded by Amah.

Grandpa Doland would be very proud of her!! She dug, leveled, and placed all the block herself. None of the rest of us could get them quite right. She is really adamant about how she wants things done!! Rod ran the 'tiller and Papa babysat. We did the family thing between the house work and our "vacation".

last Saturday we went to TJ to see
Dr. Ruth. She pulled 2 teeth and took impressions for a partial. We stopped down at the cantina for Keith to have lunch and watch the touristas. It was a beautiful day and I really enjoyed it. The only bad part wes the way back. I wanted to walk back to the other courtyard since we hadn't been there in so long. The line was horrible. The walking line was clear back beyond where we used to get out of the cabs. Keith found a bus that ws almost empty and we got on for a buck each. So we got to sit instead of stand for the next 2 hours. Something must've happened for the busses to take so long. They are usually a lot quicker (and easier on the feet) than standing in line!! Then we went up by Sera Mesa and visited with friends there. We definately had a full day!!

I had to go back to get my partial on Thursday so we made the trek again!! We met our friend Earl at Dr. Ruth's and he and Keith had a chat while Dr. Ruth whittled on my new teeth. She takes great pride in getting things perfect so we don't have problems after we leave!! After aquiring the new rocks in my mouth we went for lunch, at the courtyard. Keith had his machaca favorites and I had a fabulous shrimp cocktail. It isn't like the ones in the US. It totally puts the US ones to shame!! So then we did some shopping and headed back to the bus station. After the last fiasco I didn't even mention walking across this time!! Anyhow, we got on the bus and sat our required 2 hours - the walking side was empty!!!! So after a spell of non-movement Keith decided that we could get in line. We were thru (walking) before the bus 2-busses-ahead got to the gate!!! So we walked again!! But this time we went out the other door and had to walk down the street and over the bridge to the lot for the car. We definately got several miles in this week!! By now my new rocks had caused some sore spots on my tongue and the areas where the teeth used to be were quite tender and I had a headache. So we came straight home so I could irritate the grandkids!! They had spent the day being quite the earth-movers. Look at the Money Pit Blog to see the difference. It is amazing!!! Both S'te and I have pics on Flickr also. You totally won't believe it!!

We have only today and tomorrow left before we have to trek back to the tropics. Don't know what is on the agenda but time here always seems to go by so quickly! I never get everything done that I planned and never get to see all the people that I want to see. Part of the problem is me - I don't drive while we are out here - I don't know where I am~~ and it is too far away from where I used to live for others to come out here - and I've come to accept that the world lives on - whether I'm involved in it or not !) Maybe when we get back in June I'll get braver about driving and get out to see people. We shall see.

The kids are presenting tomorrow for Easter at the Assembly of God Church on Phyllis Place. I am looking forward to watching the Middle Kids (Brayana, Destini, and Jaleel) perform. This will only be their 2nd or 3rd time total. I plan to record it and I will send dvd's to family (that is provided that I get the dvd to work).

So ya'll have a happy Easter and don't eat to many eggs ~~~

Easter Shoes

Easter Shoes
Originally uploaded by Amah.

WE went shopping. Here are easter shoes for the kids. We made 2 trips and hit 3 stores for this haul. It was so easy to shop for the babies and for the oldest 2. The middle girls and boy were the problem. Nothing was "quite right" for them. Brayana has extremely narrow feet and they are really hard to fit. Destini is the family drama queen and needed perfect and preferrably flashy, LaDaria just was indecisive. She liked them all. Tyrique got right to it and picked his out and was done. He didn't even go into the last 2 stores and stayed in the van and read. That was preferable to strolling into a store with Mom, Amah, 3 sisters and a brother!! Anyhow we "got 'er done"!! Happy Easter to all!!

Impressions

And this is what they think of us!! The truth comes out!!! We babysit for who-knows-how-long and here is the thanks we get!!! Aren't they adorable?? I laughed until tears rolled when they were unwrapped and presented. I didn't really know that I had "bed-ears" but I get bed everything-else so why not!! I really think the nose on Papa's is a little large - but -other-than-that ~~~ Kiah thinks it looks like him too!!

We are patiently (well sort of) waiting for someone to get up so we can head off to TJ for our ourdental appointment with Dr. Ruth, She called last night and has an opening for us. Saturdays are "first come, first serve" so we try to get there rather early. Walking TJ at 9 am isn't nearly as crowded as at 2 pm. I think I've only been there after dark about 3 times out of the hundreds of times we've actually been there. Kiah just got up so the rest should be close behind him.

So, I'll say goodbye for now!!

Babysitting

I'm just toooooooo old. This house is toooooo big. It takes an act of Congress and a week to hike from the living room to the kitchen. Even with my - no empty hands travel anywhere and always take a "haulback" I can't keep all the dishes, glasses, bottles, etc out of the living room. I take an "armful" with every trip. Most of the time with a baby or toddler or two - but I just can't seem to keep it picked up. And most of it is MINE!!! I get to the kitchen with 2 kids and a bottle, spoon, can of formula, etc and when I'm done I fix another cup of coffee or water and walk back to the living room to find the last one still there - I didn't take it with me!!! No wonder S'te stays so skinny!!! I've had to up my consumption of chocolate just to stay energized!!

I'm doing the grandmotherly thing and staying with the kids overnight so Rod and S'te can have an evening, night and day to themselves before Rod is deployed. I probably won't be back out here again before he leaves - so I figured this would be a good opportunity. I'm not sure the grandkids care much for it. They've been on a really tight rope - I can't deal well with 10 kids running loose and I don't know where any of them are - I have to know. I'm a total control freak I guess - I want them where they said they will be - or where I said they will be - and I will check on them!!!

Dr. Ruth - our TJ Dentist left us a message this morning and said she will make an appointment whenever we will be in SD - language barrier time - Keith called last Friday and told her we are here and need appointments :)

Other than that - my last post has a picture of the family. The kids are getting older, taller, and smarter by the day. Jaleel has drawn me several very artistic pictures. He is really a pretty good little artist. Brayana and LaDaria are getting really good on the keyboard, and as will never change - the drama is kept to a high level by Destini. Ty is playing lacrosse and lost his game last week - boooo - but has been practicing!! The lady on the other side of the fence called the police because the basketball keeps going into her yard!! I had a hard time with this one - the issue isn't loud cars, joyriding, drive-by shootings, vulgar music - but a BASKETBALL is annoying her. Papa said we should put up a tennis net on the top of the fence. See how she likes that. The ball won't bother her again :)LOL

S'te's new furniture is georgeous and looks really nice in her remodeled living room. She has worked very hard getting things straightened out and sorted out so that the kids don't have so much to tear apart all the time. She has really gotten rid of a bunch of "stuff". She also rearranged her library so that the teens can't hide in the corner on the video games anymore (yeah!) and the computer monitors can easily be seen from 3 different doors. No hiding for them!!! The "middle kids" have all rearranged their rooms, some with new furniture, and are growing up so fast - it's hard to believe that Brayana will actually be 10 this year!!! Does NOT seem possible.

They are watching a movie now, babies and toddlers are sleeping, and Ty is late returning from his friends. Rod and S'te aren't back home yet from their "trip" and I'm going to watch my soap. So all is will in San Diego. Hope all is well for you too!!

So we've had a really good visit and we really get to be close to everyone since we show up and cling on forever. They have a hard time getting rid of us once we get here!!!

Here they are!!

DSC02546a
Originally uploaded by Amah.

Here is finally a new picture of the kids. We didn't put our little one in it - actually - they were all ready for Church and we weren't. If I'd waited until we were all dressed - they would've been gone. So anyhow - here they are - Rod (29), S'te (28), Ty (15), LaDaria (14), Brayana (9.5), Destini (8), Jaleel (8), Makkiah (5), Angie (3), Ellie (18mo), Taniyah (15mo).

I made arrangements to call S'te when we landed so that she wouldn't have to keep circling while we waited for luggage. We called as planned, walked to the baggage area, got our 4 bags, walked to the door just in time to see her pull up. What great timing - and how fast she is!!! Actually, she had already made one circle! She was faster that we thought. We got loaded and the kids wanted to see PAPA's new baby. He was all excited with all the attention. He just squealed and gurgled all the way to Spring Valley. Then he reverted to his true form. S'te finally took out Tiny Tee's bouncer and he does like that. It gives him somehting to do and he does bounce alot. He didn't sleep well the first night. With the time change and plane ride and stuff. But the bouncy seat came out on the second day and I was concerned that he bounced so much he wouldn't sleep that night because his legs hurt :) - That worry didn't materialize and he slept just fine.

So, we are here and all is wonderful. S'te is cleaning and sorting, Rod is on the couch watching her, the kids are playing, the babies and Papa are napping - and I'm going to go help my girl now.

Later!!

Naked

I feel almost naked!! Our barfy baby is on his way to the Shelter - Bad Judge, Bad Judge, naughty parents, naughty parents, dirty word, dirty word!!!!! After the 3 toddlers leaving last week and now our barfy baby gone - we are down to 1. And in a few minutes I will be without e-mail for a day or two as I have to pack my laptop up to travel.

I was estatic to hear that Mak - our 5 year old delinquent (he got suspended from preschool today for being a bully) - is glad to hear that we are "almost on our way". I think he likes me. The last time I talked to Destini - our 7 (?) year old bully - I asked her what she remembered about me and her answer was " you're 51". Now that smarts!! I haven't had the courage to ask any of the others when they answer the phone :) But I know that next Christmas I'm gonna be the meanest Grandmother around (Ty says I'm called Amah 'cause I'm to old to be Grandma!) because not one of the children has written a thank you for the mega gift that I sent to them last year. As badly as I dislike the idea of kids sitting around in front of video games - I found a 'dance pad' that I thought they would enjoy. Only problem was - after I purchased it and had it drop shipped - it was for a ps??? and they didn't have one of those. It was the only type of box that they were missing - but they aren't now. Come to think of it - I guess there isn't anything else they need for gifts. Now that's the way to look at it!!! No thanky no gifty. I sound so mean and heartless!!! And if all they can remember is how old I am ? ? ? ?

Anyhow, tomorrow it is off to the wild blue yonder with our whiney baby. The flight attendents are soooo going to love us. And so are the other first class passengers!! For our anniversary trip - Papa upgraded us. And I know we will be more loved than we would have been if we'd had both infants. But I'll bet we won't make the "most popular list" tomorrow. HEE HEE.

Our entire congregation iat Faith Baptist s praying for PeeWee (the barfy baby) as he is relagated to the bowels of the "system". I'm still in shock over the simple fact that parents would rather see an infant is the "Shelter" and the judge would actually sign an order that would put him there, rather than have the people that have cared for him since he was 8 days old take him on a trip. It just does not make any sense at all to me. It is so totally beyond my sensabilities that I am still having trouble grasping the entire idea. Write to the Florida Dept of Children and Families and complain. When we return I will probably still be ticked and will make sure that everyone that counts hears about it. When the DCM said that the "judge is upset with the department so he has ruled for the parents all week" I absolutely about peeeed my pants!!!! Just in protest!!!!! Enough of my soapbox and Papa is waiting to pack this lifeline of mine so I have to say

See ya soon!!!!!

Travel

Only 2 more days and I will get to see my BABIES!! I am counting the hours. I'm still irritated with the judge, the DCM, and the whole DCF system in general - but it is not enough to quell my excitement over getting to see the kids. I'm all packed and ready to go. Lonnie is doing his extra long visit with his parents - what they are going to do with a 4 month old for 2 hours at the park is beyond me :) I will diaper and dude him for the trip and pack the car tomorrow as Papa says we have to be on the road at 0430 on Thursday!!

I got my "garage sale leftovers" all boxed up and sent off to the thrift store - since I didn't sell anything, it all went. I have to do the last few things to close up the house, got the newspaper stopped, put in a stop on the mail - and I'M READY TO GO!!

I am upset with PeeWee's mom - after the big todo over him going with us - she didn't bother with her visit this week either. So that makes 2 weeks in a row that she didn't bother. Last week she called just before the visit and said she couldn't get there from where she was and didn't ask for a reschedule. This week, she hasn't even bothered calling to set up a visit to start with. So - this should look really good on her record ~~~~ I've done everything I can do - it's up to her now!!

The weather has finally cooled off a bit and I've been a little more comfortable - it's only been about 75 during the day and dropping into the 60's at night. Makes for a lot better sleeping.

Papa is home with lunch - gonna go eat before it gets cold!!

4:11 update: PeeWee is going to spend the next few weeks in the "shelter" because there are NO openings in foster homes right now. This is disgusting!!

See ya!

Judges

I don not care for judges. At this time I am feeling like they are the bane of our legal system. I have felt this way since Thursday about noon. Ya see, a judge that does not have any idea who our little PeeWee is has decided that his parents know best - and he will not be allowed to travel with us to California. It does not matter that the Mom is only allowed a 1 hour supervised visit each week (and has missed over half of them) and Dad has never seen him (he is in jail and has been since baby's birth) - they were transported to the courthouse and the judge decided that they knew what is best for the baby. We were not told what time to be there - our phone message from the day before was not returned until the DCM (Dependency Case Manager) called to tell us that PeeWee will "just have to go to respite" for the time of our trip. I just am not happy with the idea of our little "fountain" going and staying with strangers for 3 weeks when he does not need to. Of course, that is just my opinion. The DCM, the judge, and evidently the parents don't think he is old enough to know who is careing for him. I disagree with thier opinions - so where does that leave PeeWee - at respite!!!

Well, we are getting ready for our trip! Baby 2 is going with us - his judge overruled his parents and said that they didn't have a good enough reason to disrupt his placement. I went to good ol' WallyWorld and got him some new little duds for the visit. He is now touristed out like you wouldn't believe. But how touristy can a 5 month old get ? ?) I am trying to teach him that he CAN go to sleep on my lap - he does not need to be laying straight out in his bed before he closes his eyes. He is smiling and cooing nicely so he will be a big hit at the airport and on the plane. I got a "snuggly" in preparation for taking PeeWee so I don't think I will need that - but we got a "Maya Wrap" for carrying Lonnie. I got an xl and let out - it is longer than I am tall. I could put him in it and kick him along with my knees!!! Papa looks at it very warily (the snuggly was way to small to fit around him). I don't know if he will ever use it or not. I will try - but with my shoulders the way they are - it's debateable.

I had a garage sale over the weekend - it ran 2 full days as well as just getting all the stuff out there on Thursday. It is now Sunday Afternoon and there have been 2 shoppers visit - oh, my neighbor stopped and said she will take anything that is free after the sale. I sold 2 picture frames without glass and a dress that is 3 sizes to big for me and I hoped never to grow into. I did like all the book and mag ads say and got everything that does not fit or I haven't worn or used in a year and put it all out in the screen room. Trying to "unclutter". Trouble is with 5--6 kids at a time - most things get used at least a little - so I cleaned mostly out of closets and under beds. The visible clutter is all stuff we use. So - - my garage sale not only didn't get rid of the clutter - it was a major blow to my ego - no one even stopped to see what I had!!! Like they all know - I wouldn't have anything that anyone else would want/need or like to have!!!

And to top my week-end off - I had nursery duty at Church today!! It's not the idea of Nursery. This is a very necessary service - but since Papa won't let our babies go to Nursery until they are 6 months old - He stayed home with the babies while I went in and watched the 2 boys that were there. I did have a real nice chat with ZoeAnn. She is an extremely nice woman that loves the little ones dearly. It was a nice relaxing hour - well spent actually. And I stopped at Wendy's on the way home and brought Papa some lunch too. The babies are asleep and since he's eaten = so is Papa.

So = I'm taking my bruised ego and my indignation with the legal system and going out to take my stress out on the weeds that insist on invading the flower beds!!!

Enough for today - hope your weekends fared better ! ! ! !

(Almost) Empty Nest!

Our home is quiet. Too quiet! Our toddlers have gone to a wonderful couple that are planning to adopt them. The world needs more people like them. We aren't looking to adopt so we are very happy for the children and thier chance for a "Forever Family". So now we only have the 2 infants keeping us company. And they are so different! PeeWee wants to stay up and watch the late show before he has his last little bit of bottle and then sleeps until 9 am or so - but then there is Lonnie!! He wants to go to bed with the chickens and he just knows the reason for him to be on this earth is to wake the roosters before daylight so they can be ready to crow when the sun comes up. Papa usually gets up with him as he is more the morning person. PeeWee and I hang out at night. So all is worked out well with those two.

We are getting ready for another little trip to San Diego. I am having a hard time with not wishing the days away as I really miss the kids. ALL of them - Even my special baby - S'te. We have the travel orders all ready for Lonnie but have to go to hearing tomorrow for PeeWee. So we know that one is traveling with us - maybe two. I was supposed to have a Dr appointment there but the insurance company messed up and didn't confirm it - so they've made another appointment for June - so I get 2 trips!! Papa said we will go ahead and visit this time anyway
as the arrangements have already been made and I haven't seen our babies since October . I'm so happy!!

I'm trying to do a little spring cleaning. It's hard to get enthused when it is to hot to breathe by 9:30 in the morning!! Our temps have been in the 80 & 90 degree range for the last 2 weeks. It cooled all the way down to 70 last night - respite. I did get some sleep. Anyhow, as I pull things out for a "yard sale" Papa either brings them back in or says "we can just go ahead and donate that" instead of trying to put a price on it. So I think I will just put everything out in boxes and he can take it to goodwill. It doesn't bother me any!! I'm not good at pricing things anyway. I don't want it !! Just take it!!! ha ha

So, all is well and quiet - Sharen and S'te have both put new posts up so I had something to read and I'm all happy now!!

What about you?

Life

And LIFE goes on. It's a paltry little saying - isn't it? The news yesterday about the new little grandbaby we were expecting hit me rather hard. Here is a young couple that is doing and has done everything that they can possibly do to make life good for the many young children that have passed thru their lives as well as for the ones that God has provided to stay with them. And here they must go thru the loss of an unborn child. Loss of a child thru death is terribly hard on parents. I want so badly to be there with them - to hold and comfort them - but life has caused another type of loss for me - the loss thru life. My child has a family of her own to morn with her, care for her, and bring joy back into her life. She also has her deep faith in God and his love. Through the passing of years and the adding of the wonderful family that they have caused to be - I am no longer the Mommy that can heal her hurts with a kiss, an intervention, or offering my lap for a good cry. This caused me much pain. I have been very blessed in that it took so long before this time came. For many parents this part of life comes much sooner and less gradually. For me - it showed up with a huge slam. First reading that there was a new child expected - I had mistakenly thought that we were closer than that. Then reading of the horrible news - this made it all hit home. I am a very selfish person - I am taking thier tragedy and personalizing it. But it is my tragedy too. My daughter lost a child - and I feel as though I have lost the most precious thing that I have ever had - my close relationship with my daughter. And if I knew what do do to change that - or if the Lord in his wisdom will help me with the acceptance of this - I would be eternally grateful - because this deep feeling of loss is with me now. Why? All I can really do is ask WHY?

The Big Yellow House

The Big Yellow House and *Carmen at http://momtothescreamingmasses.typepad.com/ both did blogs today on the stupid things people say to people with large families!! The funniest story that I have on that is:

Several years ago, when S'te only had 6 children of her own and 4 foster children and I had 2 foster babies: we went to Babies R Us for port-a-cribs. She wanted one and I wanted one so we thought that we would get the "twins" deal there. We shopped for quite some time and the kids were really, really good. They all interacted like one huge happy family!! I was so proud of all of them. We were at the checkout stand with our slips for 2 more cribs and the checker asked me, "Are all of these kids yours?" Now mind you, there were 12 children and not only were several within months of the same age, we had all kinds of nationalities. We had hispanic, black, white, and mixed children. I believe we even had a Korean child in the mix. Anyhow, I didn't think much of it, I just answered, "Two are mine and the rest are my daughters" to which my daughter of 25 or so piped up with, "But Mom, I'M YOURS TOO". Which made us all laugh really hard. As if I would have forgotten that she is mine. Actually, the answer should have just been "YES" because they are all mine. My FAMILY. We have always considered any child that resides within any of our walls - ours.

I am always shocked by the people that ask wonderously "Are they yours". If you don't know us - Papa is a white haired, white bearded, Santa looking kind of guy, over 60 and I'm a short, round, salt & pepper brunette that is over 50. So when we go somewhere with 3 1/2, 2 yo twins, a 4 month and 2 month old of hispanic, caucasian, and black/indian heritage - no I don't think I birthed them - but guess what - yes, they are mine. Mine to love and care for until they are taken to thier forever homes. And only the good Lord knows when that may be.

We have had a visit with another potential "forever family". They seem very nice and very, very excited about becoming instant parents. This is wonderful and I enjoyed watching them and the children get together an learn about each other. I hope that this special couple understands that one of the special problems for foster children is thier willingness to soak up every bit of attention that ANYONE will offer - then walk off and totally forget them. I believe in my heart, that this ability is thier own form of insulation. They have been forgotten by the many and they forget the many. We teach our birth children not to talk to strangers. Don't go with strangers. If strangers try to touch you, run and yell. But when you are a foster child - strangers pick you up to transport you, strangers come to the park and play with you, strangers take you to thier homes - and you have NOTHING to say about it. You (the child) have to trust "the system" and if you have foster parents that don't care for the above - the workers lable the FP's as over-reactive and interferring. Well, today Papa let the workers know that we would transport to the meeting - over thier objections. We suggested and invited the PFF (potential forever family) to visit the kids at home before a pajama party is done. The workers overruled this by setting up a "weekend pajama party" for Thursday - Sunday - without any contact before then. So much for the childrens best interests and ease of transition;. I know these workers have place children in many homes. My question is - how many have transitioned children out of thier homes? It might not be the best thing in the world to just pack them up one day and say - you're going to spend the next 4 days here and then you are going back home and then you are going to spend some more days here and some more days at home and then you are going to move to the new home. Now, have I confused you as to what is happening? Imagine how they feel?

Enough of a rant for today. Looking forward to the California trip and had wonderful news from the Money Pit about Rod's deployment. Can't get much better than this. The best of all the worlds.