Monthly archive: October, 2007

A week has gone by

October 12, 2007, by No comments yet

Well, it has been a week. So far, no blood, but some tears.

Evan has had the hardest time getting used to us. He likes to hit and bite when stressed. It has been challenging to say the least. Evanie has been is most frequent target, but Ari, YaYa and some kids at daycare. We hope this will not continue. If it does, it could jeopardize our ability to foster him.

Evanie seems to be doing great. No real complaints about or from her. She just adjusting to life at our home. I think she likes some things and could do without some others. Most notably, she wishes we would cook foods she asks for. But, since we make the menu, we get to choose what they eat.

Charlie seems to be doing better as well. The new faces that have taken over his play area have been a stressor on him.

We look forward to the next week and what lies beyond. We do not know how long they will be with us, but are glad to have them nonetheless.

Receiving pumpkins and building a church

October 6, 2007, by No comments yet

Well, the annual pumpkin patch will start this weekend. It begins with a (not large enough) group of us from St. Margaret’s unload about 1600-1800 pumpkins.

This takes about two hours.

So, what are we doing for a break this year? Well, I am glad you asked. We are having Bishop Lillibridge come over and participate in a ground breaking ceremony to rebuild the church that was fire damaged two years ago. We really miss the church. I know we are all looking forward to having it rebuilt. I have worshiped in many churches and styles. But, I prefer kneeling down in front of an alter and seeing a priest in flowing robes. It’s my style and I don’t want to give it up.

The first morning

October 6, 2007, by No comments yet

Well, the first morning is here and almost gone. We have been up since just after 6AM. The kids asked and we told them they could get up at 6:30AM. Amazing. Actually telling a child to stay in bed until they are allowed to get up.

It also seems Evan is strongly considering whether or not Charlie is really a threat. So far, he has petted Charlie several times with less and less hesitation. At this point, he will freely call Charlie and even pet him. Still, if Charlie dances around, that will scare Evan. I assume that too shall pass.

The kids are eating cereal as I do some lasts minute cleaning here in the office/dresser room. Last night, we had to move Evan’s bed into Evanie’s room so he would not break the computers. I had hoped to keep him in his own room, but that does not look realistic at this point. I hope it will change after a while. But, they get along well together, so having them in the same room will be fine with me for now.

Evan also talks very LOUD. Since I used to do this as a child, you would think I understood. Well, my yelling was due to hearing loss. His is due to enhanced tot-tosterone. This kid is loud, plays rough and is an all around boy. Nothing like me and my brothers. I think we are in for a change on this one.

The kids are here

October 5, 2007, by No comments yet

Well, it has been quite an eventful evening. The children arrived about 3PM and were in the mood for noise. Not exactly what we are used to around here. The Child Protective Services (CPS) and Lutheran Social Services (LSS) workers were very understanding. It helped that they had a gentle touch. This is not an easy thing to do. Taking on someone else’s children without the benefit of raising them is quite a task. I believe God will provide for us. So does Kate.

It turns out that Even is afraid of Charlie. I was a little surprised since he is such a rambunctious person. It was interesting to see that he has a fear. Everything else seems to be for his enjoyment. Charlie has become the one thing he does not like about this house. All Charlie did was be himself. There isn’t much more he can do. It will take some time, but Evan will overcome his fear.

Not surprisingly, Evanie is very good about telling her brother what to do. She tells him to behave and listen to us. That will make the transition that much easier.

However, she also told us that we were only foster parents. “Fake parents”, she said. That one really hurt. A lot. I know she is unable to understand what is going on, but this where the real work begins. How do you take someone else’s children, teach them right from wrong and then potentially have to give them back? Sounds like a sermon to me.

Well, this day is quickly winding down. I am glad for that. It was a long day and evening. I don’t miss my quiet Friday evening, but I know they will be on my mind for while. The children aren’t the only ones who have to make a transition.

Me brain is almost on fire

October 5, 2007, by No comments yet

I’m so tired that I am typing with a phony Irish accent.

Can you hear it?