Wow! I cannot believe it is Sunday evening already. It seems like the past few days have just flown by. I worked all weekend but the evenings have also been packed full of fun. Here are some highlights.
Friday Night: We invited our friend, P, over for dinner. I made hamburger helper and corn for the kids to eat. Jacob and M really enjoyed showing P our new puppy.
After dinner, Jacob wanted to watch his lifebook DVDs from Ethiopia. He has never asked to see them before. I have mentioned them several times but he always states he doesn't want to watch. I strongly believe that Jacob needs to know his story at an age appropriate level but that he should not be forced to hear more than he is ready to hear. For that reason, I was waiting for him to decide he wanted to see his lifebooks.
While Jacob was excited to see pictures of his birth family and their homes, he was even more excited at the part where I came to get him. That is his favorite part of the story. He loves that he is from Ethiopia but he also remembers not having a mom. He tells me often that he never wants to have to find a new mom again. It makes me very sad to think about the things he lost and hear his fears of losing another mom. I am also very happy that God blessed me with him and that we are a family now.
Saturday: My brother, Chuck, celebrated his thirtieth birthday and his recent graduation from law school. I can't even begin to express how proud I am of him. He is a great role model for me and my kids. He also won his first case last week. It was a jury trial and he was the prosecuter. You go Chuck! I was so happy to be able to attend his party Saturday night and celebrate with him and his friends.
Sunday: Today we went to my parents house. They have been on vacation the past few weeks and have been missed. They are a huge part of my support system. While I do have other people I can turn to when I need a break, they are usually the first people I call. It was wonderful to see them again tonight. The boys also really missed them and had fun playing with them outside tonight.
The rest of the week will also be busy as we prepare to go on our first big vacation in two years. Tonight I started working on the huge pile of laundry that must get done before we can leave town. I got a good start on it and should be able to finish in time to pack up the car on Thursday.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Running Away Already
M has had a very rough couple of days. Lots of time-outs with very few privileges. The past two nights he has gone to bed early partly for discipline and partly to just give me a little break. Tonight is only going slightly better.
M just finished another time-out a few minutes ago. He walked out into the living room, looked at me and stated, "I'm leaving Mom. I'm leaving." I replied, "good." He began to pick up a blanket and dog crate. I reminded him that those things belonged to me and he can't take them with him. He replied, "Oh" and walked away.
Yes, I will probably have a very similar response when he is actually old enough to run away.
M just finished another time-out a few minutes ago. He walked out into the living room, looked at me and stated, "I'm leaving Mom. I'm leaving." I replied, "good." He began to pick up a blanket and dog crate. I reminded him that those things belonged to me and he can't take them with him. He replied, "Oh" and walked away.
Yes, I will probably have a very similar response when he is actually old enough to run away.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Much Better Day
I am very happy to update that after 3 really bad days, things are looking up. They always get better and this time is no different. The problems at work are in the process of being resolved. Wusha is still doing great. The boys are still themselves but somehow it is just easier to deal with them when I am not frustrated with every else in life. Many of the things I was so worried about the past three days have either resolved themselves or will shortly.
And for my misbehaving toddler boys, I think an early bedtime is in order. After all, how many time-outs can they have in one day? Oh, and no puppy time. If you can't listen and be calm with the puppy, you can't play with the puppy. End of story.
And for my misbehaving toddler boys, I think an early bedtime is in order. After all, how many time-outs can they have in one day? Oh, and no puppy time. If you can't listen and be calm with the puppy, you can't play with the puppy. End of story.
Stressful Week
This week has been a long week of stress (and I'm only half through!) I am hoping that I am able to resolve some of the problems quickly.
It began on Sunday when I was told by a supervisor that I cannot use sick leave to care for my children. He stated that as a law enforcement officer, I should have other people care for my children and take them to the doctor. What!?!?! I am still trying to get this one resolved but hope to have it resolved soon. After all, my children will always come first before any job.
I also realized late last week that I misunderstood how the county was changing our paydates. I thought that I would still be paid the same amount just at a different time. I was wrong. One week that I worked this month will be paid when I quit or retire. So hypothetically in 23 years! That along with a paycut due to the economy and I am out about $1100! I'm still not sure how I'm going to overcome that. I'll figure it out though. I always do.
Lastly I received some frustrating news about M. Nothing major or that will risk his placement. Just not what I was hoping to hear. It will work out though. I definitelly want the social workers and attorneys to do everything they have to so that the judge and jury will make the right decisions (if it comes to that).
The boys seem to be picking up on my stress and on the cool and wet weather (where did summer go?) They have been fighting, having trouble listening or cooperating and making some major messes. On Sunday, Jacob and M got ahold of some baby powder the sitter left out. Almost a whole bottle was thrown around the room before I realized what was happening. M also pulled his door off the hinge while slamming the door. Thankfully the door isn't damaged so I am hoping to find someone to help me put the hinge back on soon.
The only positive this week seems to be the dogs. Sierra has settled down and has accepted the new puppy very well. She gets jealous from time to time but mostly is just watching over the puppy. Wusha is still having accidents but is doing well considering she is only 8 weeks old and has only been here for a few days.
Things will get better and easier. I know that. I just am struggling this week. So bear with my self-pity post. It is just where I am at today. After all, parenting isn't all roses and being a single parent can be pretty scary some days.
It began on Sunday when I was told by a supervisor that I cannot use sick leave to care for my children. He stated that as a law enforcement officer, I should have other people care for my children and take them to the doctor. What!?!?! I am still trying to get this one resolved but hope to have it resolved soon. After all, my children will always come first before any job.
I also realized late last week that I misunderstood how the county was changing our paydates. I thought that I would still be paid the same amount just at a different time. I was wrong. One week that I worked this month will be paid when I quit or retire. So hypothetically in 23 years! That along with a paycut due to the economy and I am out about $1100! I'm still not sure how I'm going to overcome that. I'll figure it out though. I always do.
Lastly I received some frustrating news about M. Nothing major or that will risk his placement. Just not what I was hoping to hear. It will work out though. I definitelly want the social workers and attorneys to do everything they have to so that the judge and jury will make the right decisions (if it comes to that).
The boys seem to be picking up on my stress and on the cool and wet weather (where did summer go?) They have been fighting, having trouble listening or cooperating and making some major messes. On Sunday, Jacob and M got ahold of some baby powder the sitter left out. Almost a whole bottle was thrown around the room before I realized what was happening. M also pulled his door off the hinge while slamming the door. Thankfully the door isn't damaged so I am hoping to find someone to help me put the hinge back on soon.
The only positive this week seems to be the dogs. Sierra has settled down and has accepted the new puppy very well. She gets jealous from time to time but mostly is just watching over the puppy. Wusha is still having accidents but is doing well considering she is only 8 weeks old and has only been here for a few days.
Things will get better and easier. I know that. I just am struggling this week. So bear with my self-pity post. It is just where I am at today. After all, parenting isn't all roses and being a single parent can be pretty scary some days.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wusha Update
Wusha is doing great. He is 8 weeks old and progressing on housebreaking. He hasn't had any accidents when I have been home although he did have a few while the babysitter was here. I'm just happy we haven't had any major problems in that area. I will take a few accidents. After all, he is still learning.
Wusha loves Jacob. He allows him to carry him in baskets and the shopping cart. It just amazes me. When I make Jacob leave him alone, Wusha just follows him everywhere. He is definitelly bonding.
Wusha is already coming when called and recognizes his name. Some of it may be that he is so young and still a little scared. I am still impressed though. I have hope he may be trainable yet.
He has a healthy appetite. Well, he did. He hasn't been too hungry tonight. The boys wouldn't let him sleep except while they missed so he is EXHAUSTED. He also didn't sleep well last night. I am sure he will be interested in food again tomorrow after he sleeps. If not, I'll call the vet. We already have an appointment scheduled but maybe we can get in sooner.
Wusha hasn't destroyed anything yet and has been easily redirected to chew toys as opposed to other things.
Sierra, our other dog, has taken over the mother role. She keeps an eye on Wusha making sure he isn't getting into trouble or doing anything he shouldn't. She also checks on him when he cris.
I haven't heard Wusha bark. He definitelly knows how to cry. I am sure there is a bark in there somewhere. I just haven't heard it yet. Maybe when he feels more secure.
For those of you totally bored by my dog report, bear with me. This is our area of excitement. The past few days have been very stressful for me and the dog is one of my bright spots. Otherwise, I am just trying to stay focused and ignore those people who want to see me fail.
Wusha loves Jacob. He allows him to carry him in baskets and the shopping cart. It just amazes me. When I make Jacob leave him alone, Wusha just follows him everywhere. He is definitelly bonding.
Wusha is already coming when called and recognizes his name. Some of it may be that he is so young and still a little scared. I am still impressed though. I have hope he may be trainable yet.
He has a healthy appetite. Well, he did. He hasn't been too hungry tonight. The boys wouldn't let him sleep except while they missed so he is EXHAUSTED. He also didn't sleep well last night. I am sure he will be interested in food again tomorrow after he sleeps. If not, I'll call the vet. We already have an appointment scheduled but maybe we can get in sooner.
Wusha hasn't destroyed anything yet and has been easily redirected to chew toys as opposed to other things.
Sierra, our other dog, has taken over the mother role. She keeps an eye on Wusha making sure he isn't getting into trouble or doing anything he shouldn't. She also checks on him when he cris.
I haven't heard Wusha bark. He definitelly knows how to cry. I am sure there is a bark in there somewhere. I just haven't heard it yet. Maybe when he feels more secure.
For those of you totally bored by my dog report, bear with me. This is our area of excitement. The past few days have been very stressful for me and the dog is one of my bright spots. Otherwise, I am just trying to stay focused and ignore those people who want to see me fail.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!
Happy birthday to a great man. Nelson Mandela is turning 91 years old today and still fighting to make his country and the world a better place. He is truly a hero that I admire. He is also the person on the top of my list that I would love to meet. In the midst or recent news coming out of Philadelphia, it is nice to be reminded that people are still fighting for justice and equality throughout the world. So today, I say a prayer of thanks for President Mandela and the wonderful work being done by brave heroes throughout the world.
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