When In Doubt

One of my friends is expecting her first child. She asked a question on FB and it seemed that everyone had an opinion. This was my favorite answer because it's applicable to almost every parenting question:

"There are SO many variables. What works for one kid/parent may not work for another kid, even with the same parents. It's all part of the adventure! I'd say listen to all advice, and ignore 99% of it and go with what feels right to you. When in doubt, call your mom. :)"
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The World According to Rick

According to my very observant friend Rick, broken pencils are pointless, a soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran and when chemists die, they barium. Finally, he stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on him. :/
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Happy Snowy Wednesday!
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Happy Birthday Riley!

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Today is Riley's birthday. On this day, 12 years ago, Riley was born. He was with his 'old mom' (his words) in various locations and situations until he was four. The next year was spent in a foster home with his brother Zeke. We met him in person a month before his fifth birthday and were thrilled and nervous to be invited to his birthday party. I've now celebrated more birthdays with him (8) than I haven't (4). There have been plenty of challenging moments but today is the day to remember all the positive things and how much he's grown up, physically as well as emotionally.

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Riley is now 12 years old and in the sixth grade. He is a caring young man who loves helping younger kids. He helps at church in the nursery and in classes whenever they need him. There are so many times he puts his little sister's wants before his own. She tells him that he's the best big brother ever! The picture above is Riley at the park swinging a bunch of kids he didn't even know. He'll also be the first one to jump in and help adults with anything. He's definitely not afraid of hard work!

 

He loves sports and especially enjoys playing baseball and football but has decided that he doesn't want to play basketball this year. He plays percussion earned an A+ during the first quarter in middle school band. He's also started singing again this year. He decided to participate in choir and then also auditioned and was chosen to participate in the elite singing group called Natural High.

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Almost all subjects in school come very easily to him. His grades haven't always reflected that but are much better this year thanks to his newfound commitment to not turn his work in late and to keep track of his stuff.

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I'm so proud of the young man he's becoming, in spite of his rough start in life and my poor parenting skills. My goal remains to help him navigate through life and give him tools to be successful, not by the world's terms, but by his own.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY!!!

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Husband vs Time Change

I dropped Riley off for a youth bonfire and then took Brittney with me to the store for groceries. I arrived home at 5:40pm to find all the other kids in their pajamas. When questioned, my husband looked at me sheepishly and said, "I saw it was dark outside so I told them to get ready for bed."
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Brittney Says

I told Brittney that one of the gals she would be working with was a friend of mine from a long time ago. "In fact", I stated, "her mom was the head nurse at the hospital when you were born."

Brit: "Was it Sacagawea?"
Me: "The Indian tour guide? No!"
Brit: "Was it the lady that gave birth to me?"
Me: "That would be me!!!"
Brit: "I meant was it the weird named lady."
Me: "You mean Dr. Chamales?"
Brit: "Yeah. Her."
Me: "No. It was not the doctor."
Brit: "What's for supper?"

By that point, Brittney lost interest. I think she forgot what the original point of my story was :)
 

Brittney & Gerald

I know it's blurry since I copied it from instagram.

It's still one of my favorites!

 

 

 

Jammin' on Sunday

Jamming out to a little music while I type. Yes, I do have my magnificent headphones on again. The first songs on the shuffle this morning were Footloose, Courageous, We Are Young and Tell Her About It.  Nothing like a little mixing of generations and genre!
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Lots going on since I returned home. The kids did well while I was gone. It's kind of like the honeymoon period for foster kids. They keep it together until I get back, then they let loose again. But kudos to my husband, parents and mother-in-law for keeping the household running. By the time I got home, the kitchen was clean, lots of laundry was done and my cupboard had food. :)
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The big news of the day is that Brittney landed a job at Perkins! She starts next week. She's really excited and can't wait to start earning more money. The best part is that they want her for Saturdays and Sundays so she can still work at The Valley on Friday nights.
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Ok. Headphones off and back to life ;)
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