Single Mom by Choice or Circumstance

road running and racing

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 14:35:00 +0000

You might have guessed by looking at some of my pics, we (I) like to run. And I love races... so, let's talk about what races have happened so far this year.

New Years Day - I did something called The Beast. it was a 1 mile, 5k and 10k run sequentially. It was a great start to the year and I was very thankful sis let me do it! We had done a 5k the night before with her and my girls.

In January, I also did a local (free) 5 miler with my sister. It was her second 5 miler and I was proud of her! It was a speedy crowd and she felt discouraged at the end, but she wasn't last. So, that was good. My time was 49:xx.

February - I did my first half marathon of the year, last month. It was a one-mile loop course and flat. I'd never done that kind of course before and it was pretty nice. The weather was gorgeous. Scott and my girls came with me and I got to see them twice while I was running. I also got to see other running friends more than once on the course. That was the best. I'm glad I didn't do the full, though, because it was a speedy crowd and things seemed to be shutting down before the 5 hr limit.

The pic below is the route we took for a Leap Day 4K run. Girls and Ellen and I went...

March, I did a local 10 mile race on a nice flat out-and-back paved trail. This was another free event if you were a member of the running club, which I am. :) I did OK and maintained the 10mm's that I wanted. Ended up at 1:48:xx.

I have another 10 miler that I'll be pacing this month. That is a FIRST for me. I've never officially paced before. Sis will be going with me and doing her first-ever 10k, too. I'm excited about that! Then, I have the Heart Mini half the same weekend. Also in March, if I choose to do so, there's another free 10-miler that I might use for training. Always fun to get out and run with people and a supported course.

My girls are going at least one 5k this month, probably 2 5k's. M-S will be doing girls on the run (GOTR) and a 5k with that in May. Lil M isn't in GOTR, but will run the 5k with us, anyway. They will also be doing 2 or 3 5k's in May. They like them, and I don't push. They go at their own speed, most of the time. Sometimes, they want Mommy to help them get a PR, so we do that, too. :D

Lots more to come in April and May. :) I am very blessed that I have people who will run with me/us, or hangout with the girls and allow me to run. I couldn't do it without them, for sure.

Peace.

Random pics and stuff from the past few months

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 17:23:00 +0000

We've done a lot of things in the past few months, as usual. The girls started swim lessons. I went to school outings with them. We went to races, so I could run (or we all ran together). My big girls got a PR last year in the 5k at 35 minutes. They went fishing. We had birthdays at home this year (or at the park), and I made cake. I made Lil MK her costume for Halloween (I call her tootsie). And we ran some more. :)

Peace.

Adoptions

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:54:00 +0000

I adopted two of my three daughters last year in October. I can't believe I didn't write about this... I did change their names, but incorporated their original names, as well. We've had our ups and downs, but we are family.

I am still a licensed therapeutic foster parent, but do not have any fosters right now. I'm not sure when I'll take another in. We took a little break, so we could focus on the 4 of us over the holidays and such. Mostly, we are ok. Two of the littles and I are excellent, it's just one who has had difficulty since day one.

Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:44:00 +0000

So, y'all know I have 3 kids, right now... right? I've had 10 foster kids to date, and adopted my daughter, Lil M, when she was 9 months old. I have 2 fosters right now, who I am hoping to adopt sometime this year (spring, even). They are 9 years and 2 years old.

As you can imagine, Lil M is doing pretty well. She's 8 now and typical and precocious... She's a good girl, but can be not-so-nice to her older sister when she gets upset about something. We're working on that, as much as we can, anyway. She's my heart song.

The 2.5 year old is a firecracker. She's a typical 2-yo in a lot of ways, but, boy, does she have a temper. She likes to throw fits. She's adorable, which works to her advantage... she's going to be stubborn and give me a run for my money, I'm afraid. But I love her to pieces.

The 9 year old is the one who is the challenge for me. She came to me when she was 6... almost 3 years ago now. She has attachment issues and this results in lying, stealing, breaking things (like her brand new scrapbook I just let them put together), and taking food without permission. Other people think I'm overreacting... but when she stands in the middle of the kitchen with that look on her face that says she has no idea what she's doing ...when she's done that task tons of times... it's maddening. I do love her, and maybe more importantly, I am committed to her.

Just one example: Imagine a child who knows how to put dishes away from the dishwasher. She comes into the kitchen and starts to put things away. Then she just stands there, mouth agape and acting like she doesn't know what she's doing all of the sudden. Very slow processing. Takes over 1/2 hour to put things away that should take 5-10 minutes. Finally, I give up and tell her to go away so I can get dinner finished and on the table. You say, why does it matter? Well. It matters. She KNOWS how to put things away. I don't understand her brain. Why does she just stop and act like she doesn't know what she's doing? It doesn't seem like her mind is somewhere else, but maybe it is. Maybe it is control. Maybe it is wanting attention. Maybe it isn't any of that... I need to find us a therapist who can help. My concern is that with how much she lies (like breathing some days, and others it is less), I worry that she'll snow a therapist. But I would love to her her and I both some help for this.

I love my life and my girls. Some days are tough, I won't lie.

Peace.

Fall fun

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:13:00 +0000

Summer flew... still have my 2 fosters... who i'm planning to adopt when the state is ready... but I won't lie, it's been kind of tough.

Lots of running going on around here... I've done 2 full marathons this year (USAF in Dayton, and Columbus). The girls did quite a few 5k's.

Lil M turned 8 in August. Baby K turned 2 in September (29) and S turned 9 in October (20)...

it's already May... time is flying these days

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:44:00 +0000

I can't believe how time has flown the past few months. I graduated with my masters one year ago, May 11. It felt like it'd never be done and now it's been a year that it's been over! Crazy.

In that year, I've continued to foster S and K and that's not likely to change anytime soon. As a matter of fact, adoption could be on the horizon... Lil M is 7.5 now and she's doing great. She does struggle sometimes with the siblings, but I think she'd struggle if it were just the two of us, too... overall, she does great and is almost finished with 2nd grade!!

S is 8 and is also finishing 2nd grade. The baby, K, is 19 months old now and has been with me since she was 3 days old. They both have their issues... but we're trying to work through them. I'm not patient or understanding as I should/could be, and that makes me feel bad... but I'm human...

We had great birthdays, Christmas and Easter and Mother's day... Here area few more pics.

Peace.

Running pics

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:31:00 +0000

Here are some pics of the girls and I and our running fun.

Dayton river corridor half marathon.

Mason half marathon

Catch Me if You Can half marathon

DAV 5k

Girls on the Run 5k

Before and after Turkey Trot

After the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving - I went by myself.

Indy Santa Hustle - girls did 5k, I did the half.

Christmas pics - woefully overdue

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:20:00 +0000

Christmas 2013...

Where did the summer go?

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:50:00 +0000

I swear I meant to write more. :) I can't believe the last time I wrote I was running my first half of the year and graduating! The summer FLEW by!!

Let's catch up, shall we?

So, I still have 3 fosters in the house, in addition to my best Lil M. S has been with us for over 15 months now. She will be 8 next month! Babykins is 11 months now, can you believe it?? She'll be 1 this month! It's been a crazy ride, for sure.

S and I go to counseling together now. She does have a therapeutic Social Worker, but I just don't think it is enough. So, I found someone else. He will also test her for memory and ADHD and I'll know sometime next month how all that turns out.

S had a good summer. She had the opportunity to do a program at her school for the last month before school started and she loved it. She also continued her Martial Arts program this summer and leveled up two times! She's quite proud of that.

Gosh, I have SO much to share... this is ridiculous!

The teen failed two semesters and is on her last-leg, as they say. We'll see how she does this semester. As I type, she's walking to school... so far, she's not skipped any this semester. Please pray for her, and for my sanity.

Baby Milestones for the summer,
* She has 4 teeth now (still coming in, but getting there!)
* She has been scooting... she doesn't crawl, but, boy, can she SCOOT!! :) The loves to pull up and stand in her crib/playpen.

Lil M turned 7, yes 7, a week ago!! She, like S, started 2nd grade this fall, too. Lil M's doing well in school and her reading. She's been happily reading the Wizard of Oz to me...which is great, because reading isn't her favorite subject... Math definitely is, though. And we're working on times tables. She also likes spelling. :)

Lil M had a great summer at the Y camp. She is now a 'yellow band' in swimming and is quite proud of that!! When she was a baby and toddler she hated water in her face and it took until she was 5 to get her take a shower. Now, she's a little pro. :) Lil M also had a GREAT time at her Olympic Day this year. She did fantastic in her routines... She did floor, beam, and bars.

We do not know what the future holds, but TPR (termination of parental rights) could happen in the case of my two littles. Pray for us, for the Judge and the biological family, please... While S and I have had our struggles, I do want what is best for them and can't imagine them going back to the situation they came from. Well, I should say where S came from. The baby only knows ME. That's a biggie right there. This could make for a rough next few months, or could go smoothly. I'm praying for more smooth than rough.

We are settling into the school routine and I'm feeling very blessed. Something I have to keep learning and re-learning is that other people do not see our family as a 'real' family... but, I assure you, we are as REAL as it gets.

I have had the opportunity to spend time with Torrie and Gabe this summer, as well as Alea. I took Alea to her college orientation in Frankfort and then Lil M and I moved her down to her dorm at the beginning of the semester. My point is that we are still in relationship with the fosters who have left us... we're not perfect, but we do try to be there.

My prayer for all of us is that we know what family truly means throughout this foster journey. And that we can help others to see the real family (love) we have.

I'll post pics separately... but here's one of after Lil M did a 10K, Alea and S did the 5K and I did the half marathon this summer... we rocked it!! I am so proud of my girls for doing races with me... which has also been pretty new. They usually do the 5K's, but this day, Lil M wanted to do the 10K with Ellen (who was also with us, obviously, but is taking the pic below!). She was the YOUNGEST 10k'er out there that day!! Woot! :)

As for me, I've gotten back into running and back into shape this summer. I started with the program called "Insanity" and then did the half marathon in May. After that, I've done 3 more half marathons and feel better than I have in awhile!

Peace.

It is done.

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:58:00 +0000

So... last weekend, I did my first half marathon in 6+ years... and this weekend, I graduated with my Masters Degree. What a fabulous week, it was. My girls are THRILLED that I'm done... and my very-wise-friend Ellen suggested that I start training for a marathon... seeing as I have to have a goal on the horizon. I concur. :) So, once I stop feeling crummy (caught something from 2 fosters), I can't wait to get more long runs in!

Here are some pics...

Here are some from graduation day.

Goose is happy Mommy Graduated!

Hugging my last Professor who hooded me.


Don't give Mama a hard time about straight lines, or I'll go all Ninja on ya!


Just me. :)

Two of my favorite people

The gaggle, plus 2.

My other half and I.

I can now say this. :)

I have some amazing family and friends who have supported me through EVERYTHING. I love them more than words could ever say.

Peace.

2 weeks and a day

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:47:00 +0000

I'm so excited that I'm graduating in a couple of weeks!! :) I wish I was more motivated today, but will definitely get my last paper in tonight. We have our group project to finish this week and then I have 2 final exams... done, done, done. :D

Lil M and I did a 5K with my sister, nephew and cousin last week. That was fun!! Lil M wants to do more of those, and that makes this Mama happy!! lol. She's more speedy than her Mama, that's for sure!!

We went to the Zoo yesterday for her field trip. That was also fun. We, then, went to get ice cream and to the park... then she rode her bike while I ran and then ran with me for a bit. It's so great to be able to do all the fun things we do at her age now!!

Lots going on this spring...

I have a feeling I'll be taking more pics this weekend, lol. :) My friend, Ellen, and I are taking them to see a musical tomorrow night. Lil M wants to go back to the Zoo... but I'm thinking we might find something else to do... like another 5K?? hmmmm. lol. We'll go to the park, for sure...

Peace.

family pics

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 03:24:00 +0000

We went and had some pics taken for the first time together... they turned out pretty well. I am not sure I should actually post the others besides the one of Lil M and I... but trust me, the are good :)

Peace.

Two in one week; Alea Award

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:31:00 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me the life God has given me. :) And, in particular... I often wonder why certain people come into my life and then just leave for whatever reason... the ones you *think* will stay don't...and then the ones you think were gone come back (even just to check-in)... :)

This week was one of those weeks for me. Alea, one of my teen fosters last year left us because of her behavior. I had to make her leave, actually. It wasn't a very good day, that day. :( But, amazingly, we've been able to stay connected. She called me up about a month ago and told me about an award she was going to receive and did I want to go to the ceremony!!! WOW. I was shocked. But the life happened, and it didn't seem like I'd get to go (didn't hear from her, i got busy, ya know...) ....

Well, the day before yesterday, I texted her and told her about my own graduation and asked if she wanted to come. She said yes. And then I asked about her award... she said she was afraid I couldn't go because she only had 2 spots (instead of the 4 she thought she had) because her Principal and another Teacher had to use the other 2. I understood and told her that I'd think of her and she'd do well.

Then yesterday morning she called me and said her Dad couldn't go, did I want to go after all??? SO, I got go to see her get this award. It was a first-ever award for a youth who's gone through tough times and is still going strong. I was very proud.

I don't think I really did anything to get to go to this with her. But her Mom said that I'm the only Foster Mom she talks about still... and I think she realizes that I always did love her, regardless of what happened. I pray she is ONE that can make her future out to be great things!! :)

You just never know what'll happen.... :)

Peace.

Almost there...

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:43:00 +0000

So, many of you know that I've been living a crazy life for quite some time now. :) Not only do I have my awesomely-wonderful Lil M, but I also have 3 foster kids right now. I have a full-time job and am working on my Masters degree. Well... come May 11, I will finish my Masters Degree in Business Informatics. :D It'll be 10 years from when I completed my Bachelors degree and I'm very, very ready to be done! :)

Yesterday, I went to the school for Grad Fair. I bought my cap, gown and hood. I can't wait for Lil M and my girls to see me graduate and be finished with school. I know they will be happy. This will give us more time together, and I can't wait!

I also hope that once this is done, I'll get back to writing more! I miss my blogging, but honestly haven't had time in the past months to write more (unless you wanna read my papers on Big Data, Hadoop, Sevenly... etc). :)

I'm going to buy a brick that they will install at the university library. This paver will be dedicated to Lil M and I'm trying to put into words just how much she means to me and how understanding, loving and awesome she's been these past 2.5 years. If I come up with something poignant, I'll try to remember to share it here. :) That thought did make me cry more than once this week. She is the love of my life; and what I do, I do for her. I hope I can always make her proud, just like she makes me proud every single day.

Peace.

PS. One of the cool things I get to do this semester, though, is to work on a website for my sister. When we have that complete, I'll share more information. But it's neat that I get to learn and help someone, let alone my sister, at the same time!

Shen Yun ballet

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:49:00 +0000

Little M and I went to a Chinese ballet last night. It was big fun and beautiful. We had our favorite Chinese food for dinner beforehand.

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Peace.

First lost tooth!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:25:00 +0000

My Lil M lost her very first tooth tonight...and so it begins. :) She was glad that she didn't lose her Sweet tooth... that way she can still eat sweets. :) My silly goose.


1st Tooth!!

Peace.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:51:00 +0000

We had a nice, enjoyable Christmas and New Year... I'm having a nice, short break from school until Jan 14. Then one class to go! :D

The girls are doing pretty well... have had a few issues with S, but fairly normal stuff around here. Lil M is doing great.

I started a new job where I can do my work at home. This is entirely new for me, and I'm hoping I like it in the long-run. The office is an hour and a half away, so going in can happen occasionally, but not every day.

Here are some pics, of course. :)


Game night

Glitter glue!

Craft princess

Lil M and Aunt Mimi

Lil M and Grandpa

Presents

Love

Baby K... bright eyes

Playing on Mommy's computer

Goose in a owl hat :)

At Lil M's 1st grade Christmas party

Have a happy and blessed New Year.

Peace.

All my children collage

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Here's the collage I posted the link for yesterday. I've had 10 fosters now... Torrie, Bri, Brittany, Kayla, Chase, Alea, Kimora, Samara, Kyana and Carolyn. Ages have run the gamut from 3 days to 20 years (in KY they can still be in care until 21).

And, of course, I always, always have my LITTLE M!!! :D

Peace.

Fall is here

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 19:21:00 +0000

Here are some pics from this fall. We've been busy, as usual... I'm almost done with my Masters in Business Informatics. Mia and S are both in 1st grade. I was laid off my job in October, but have found another, thankfully. At the same time, Baby K came (S' bio sister). The way God works is awe inspiring. Not sure how long they'll be here, but definitely until sometime next year.

A collage pic I created :)

http://mamamiamelissa.muzy.com/post/120378879-i-ve-had-10-fosters-in-3-years-i-love-them-all-and-of-course-my-mia

Peace and blessings to all.

Long Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:12:00 +0000

This summer and early fall have been a long season for me. I have had "S" since May. As I wrote a couple of months ago (wow, it's been that long??) we've had a tougher transition than I hoped. She's a fine girl, just a tough transition for us all... not quite the right fit in some ways, unfortunately.

Then, this month, I lost my job. My work got sold and now I'm looking. That stresses me immensely. I'm one of those who identifies with what I do for my career and so being home is very difficult.

THEN, S' baby sister was born two days before I lost my job. So, she's with us now. I couldn't say no, because I didn't think it was fair for her to be separated from her sister. And I had made the decision when I was working that I wouldn't take Baby K because no daycare will take an infant under 6 weeks. Then I was suddenly available. The agency knows i'm not working, temporarily... and they were ok with that, oddly.

Lil M loves the baby. She calls her precious and strokes her little head. She loves holding her. She waffles on "S" just like I do... but we're making do for now.

Prayers for my job situation would be Hugely appreciated. I have one class left toward my Masters degree and really need to work. But I also think this time is good to reflect on what changes I may need to make soon.

Peace and love. Here are some pics, enjoy.


Lil M's first 5K on foot! :) She did the whole thing and then her own Fun Run!!

Compassion Fatigue

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:14:00 +0000

S' social worker (SW) and I talked this week about how things are going and how I'm doing, in particular. School is ramping up for the 3 of us and I'm feeling a bit stressed with that and other things that are happening this month.

I asked for the agency to provide respite for me this weekend. Which means, Lil M and I will have the weekend to ourselves until Sun. night. I'm very excited about this, actually. When I asked, I had suggested that I might even give up my placement of S. I'm not going to do that quite yet, but it is a possibility if things are even remotely like they were in the Spring.

Anyway, when she and I were talking, I said that I'm not feeling like a 'cheerful giver' right now. Meaning, since I've been fostering to 'foster' and not with an option to adopt for some time now, my motives have changed. In this situation you want to feel like you're making a difference or actually helping someone. Or why do it? Just my opinion for myself...

But I haven't felt like I've been making a difference. Oh, I know... I put a roof over their heads, feed and clothe them and give them stability... but the relationships I was hoping to build are tougher than I thought or hoped they'd be to build.

And when you don't see the relationships (because, for example, the attachment is tenuous at best) ... and you don't feel like you're making a difference ... then, all the giving with no getting back starts to feel like work. Doing it because you feel like you should not because you're getting something out of it, too.

Selfish, perhaps. But, we all need to feel loved and appreciated. And if I'm not giving as a cheerful giver, then maybe I need to figure something else out. My SW calls this "compassion fatigue". You can get tired of being the compassionate one... the one with the big heart.

I struggle with giving fostering up. I definitely struggle with saying "no" to the agency when they call (though, I did actually say no to them today). I can't take the world on my shoulders... and even though I try... it's all for not because it's really God's job and He's QUITE capable! :)

I'm keeping one placement for now, and trying to remind myself that I really *don't* have to do this. I need to figure out if I truly want to continue or if I'm doing it out of guilt or *shoulds*... I've been waffling for probably a year now as to whether or not I should continue. I'm still not sure.

Anyway, if you're a foster parent or even just a parent ... I wanted to mention this thing called Compassion Fatigue... and if it strikes a bell with you, I understand.

There's a saying... if you're the one who's always giving and you deplete your energies and no one is filling your reserves up... how are you going to be good for anyone?

Peace.

Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:50:00 +0000

I'm struggling right now with the dating, not dating, school (masters), work, parenting and fostering.

People say I'm supposed to find a man. Why? Out of the list above, that's the hardest thing. I don't get them and they don't get me. Not in a long-term sense, anyway. And, frankly, I'm tired of trying.

The easiest is the parenting and work. Lil M is still amazing and wonderful. I have two more semesters of school left and I think I can get through that. Though, it's harder and harder... just time and effort-wise.

Fostering, that's a whole nother ballgame. My foster right now is OK and she starts school with Lil M this month. Not the same school, but both in elementary. I *might* take a teen short-term while she waits to get a dorm room at NKU... but we'll see. If she's anything like past teens, I won't do it.

Peace.

Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:26:00 +0000

On vacation in the spring

Maid of Honor (me) and the Bride

Girls!

Getting beautified!!


Mama Mia!!


Flower Girl and Bride

My beautiful daughter

Us in our dresses

Is it customary to make faces while being the flower girl?!

There ya go. Pics from us being in a friend's wedding this past weekend. It was a great time... and Lil M looked gorgeous. :)

Peace.

Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 16:55:00 +0000

My current foster, S, has been with us since May 22. She and Lil M are getting along ok, I guess, but it's definitely been a transition. Lil M is used to being the 'oldest' little kid in the house and now she's not. She and S are both going into the 1st grade next month. S is 6 and will be 7 in October. Lil M will be 6 next month...

They've both been doing their summer programs. Lil M is at the YMCA and S is at her school. It works out better for them to have things of their own, since they're both used to being only children. They will go to different schools in the fall and I'll need to get S registered soon. It looks like she might be with us for awhile, but I have no idea really how long. My guess is after the new year or better.

Time flies

noreply@blogger.com (Mama Melissa) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:29:00 +0000

I can't believe school's out for the summer for Lil M already (as of May 30, actually)!! And that we've already made it to June! YIKES. Half a year gone!

Last month, I took a 6YO girl foster... yes, I know... I said I was maybe going to take a break. Ha. I'm out of school for the summer and when they call(ed) me with an emergency referral, I just couldn't say no. Go figure. Who knew? ;-)

She's almost a year older than Lil M and there has, of course, been some adjustment we've not experienced before... both girls are dominant and used to being the 'oldest' of the little people. But, we're making it through. Got to come up with a good nickname for her... but let's see... she is sometimes called Mar Mar, so let's do that for now.

Mar Mar just finished Kindergarten like Lil M did. She's WAY taller and bigger than Lil M. As in, a head taller, easily, and probably 25 lbs heavier. But she's a doll and a cutie! She loves sleeping to lullabies and with her princess night light. When they're not fighting for control, she and Lil M get along quite well.

Lil M is doing great... though, she's cried more in the past 3 weeks than she has in the past 6 months, probably. I work on letting her know that she will ALWAYS be with Mommy and give her the attention she needs when Mar Mar is being difficult or when she is feeling down.

My two fosters that left, Alea and 'Mora, have two brothers... they are staying with us for respite this weekend. Apparently, 'Mora has been displaced AGAIN and might get to come back to us. We shall see. I don't know. They are asking if I'd take the younger boy with 'Mora... but that'd give me 4 kids in the house and I'm not sure about that. I think having the 3 would be ok... for the summer... the kiddos in this family might get to go home at the end of July, which would be good for me and getting back to school in August.

I'm so glad for the break in school this summer!! I only have the 3 classes left, and will take 2 in the fall and 1 in the spring. I can't take the 3rd in the fall because they only offer it in the Spring! Oh well. It's for the best for my sanity anyway!! :) I desperately needed this break. Most days, it's just me Lil M and Mar Mar... of course, we do almost always have a lot going on though!! ;-)

Lil M is loving her gymnastics still. She was bummed last night when I told her we have to wait til next Wed for her to go back to her class. I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and get her into the 2nd weekly class. We'll see.

So... one of you wrote me this week, which was SO SWEET. I didn't even know if anyone really read my blog anymore... and I will try to write more this month. I have lots to say about the happenings of this year, so, maybe I'll try to get it all down here! :)

Peace and love.