Where have I been?

Let’s start with an update on the kids:
William turned 6 years old. He is such a fun child and I love spending time with him. He is very concerned about animals and their well being. We got him a dog for his birthday and he takes care of it 100%. William spent the week before and the week of Thanksgiving with his dad. Every time her returns from a visit we have to start all over again with appropriate behavior. I know it is a lot for him to deal with and I will try to make his transition as easy as possible. Unfortunately, his behavior has trickled over to school and he has been getting in a little trouble. Not a lot, but it is not him. I will be going to his school this week on Tuesday and Thursday.
Little Bit is 14 months and taking steps. He doesn’t walk out right, but that is his choice. He can crawl faster than walk so he chooses to do so. I am not walking with him or pushing him to walk, it will happen when it happens. LB loves to eat! In fact, it is so much fun to watch him feed himself since he makes moaning sounds when he enjoys the food.J LB is also very attached to the people he knows and loves. Case in point, he screamed when he saw Santa! We went to court for LB Nov. 25th. Not much was done except we have another date set for May 12th. The case worker needs to get LB’s dad’s and mom’s signatures to TPR. Unfortunately, we don’t seem to be high on her priority list……just pray that she gets it done by the 12th.
Potato is 9 months old and is so sweet! She has really come into her own. She is full on crawling and getting in trouble with LB. She also loves to laugh, giggle and say dadada. P also has been clapping for the last month; it is so cuteJ Her next court date is in Feb. In fact, I need to find out exactly whenJ
As most of you know I am a running fanatic. I coach 2 XC and track teams. My high school team took third in state and my #1 runner took first in state. I have another runner who took 4th. All in all, the other 4 runners came within the top 48 in the state.
My husband and I have been very involved in trying to change the school that our son attends. Being the XC and track coaches we interact specifically with Jr. High students. Regrettably, these students have repeatedly stated for the past 3 years that the teachers were not fair and bullied them. We finally had enough and went to the administration over and over again, they did nothing. We finally had enough and sent out a bullying survey to the Jr. High parents. This caused quite the uproar. Needless to say we got everyone’s attention and after a couple of meetings with the school’s pastor, advisory board and administration things look like they are going to change. We will still need to see these changes take place before we decide to keep Liam at the school.

Things I love.....

Things I love:

The weekend: I love not having a schedule, but doing as much as I can to stay busy.

My babies: They make me happy everytime I think of them.

Running: My escape, my true love, my confidence, my strength, my motivation....on and on..

Wordless Wednesday

All of your posts mean so much to me. I always carve out time in my day to read them and post messages. I also always promise to post more and I never seem to find the time or inspiration. I am going to start with Wordless Wednesdays and Things I love Thursdays. Maybe I need to set a day when I post an update, like Update Friday or something?!? We'll see.
As promised:

1st Birthday

Happy Birthday Little Bit!!!

Almost One

I finally got Little Bit’s social security number!!! He will turn 1 in 11 days. I also was told that his biological grandmother wanted another visit. I told our caseworker that I didn’t feel comfortable with another meeting until I felt there was some sort of forward progression in his case. The caseworker didn’t really say how she felt about it either way (like usual) but said that she had told the grandmother that the date she selected wouldn’t work for me and she didn’t argue or get upset.

I’m hoping that with the CASA worker that the next court date will bring a TPR date. Our CASA worker is incredible and she has done all of the research and homework to make sure that the judge is aware of Little Bit’s mother’s ability to function in the real world, and more importantly on a day to day basis(she can not). The caseworker also told me that his mother still states that she wants use to raise him and that she does not want her family to have him. I just hope that his court date isn’t moved and we can get on with it!

Potato is 7 months old. She has been very cranky lately, but so cute. I really took for granted the way I “knew” why my oldest child was acting a certain way because I knew his biological parents (his father and I). I swear it makes a difference. I still respond in the same way, but maybe my foster babies need something else?!? Maybe I needed something else as a child? Just a thought.

My husband and I have been discussing hiring a cleaning service. Today I called and hired one. I’m not even going to tell him, I am just going to wait and see his reaction tomorrow night. He just thinks that we can do it all, but I know I can’t. So if they come every other week, I think my life will be much less hectic. Now maybe I will hire a lawn service:)

More Pics....

Images of my town after the hurricane

Evacuated

The bad news is that my poor town still has no electricity from the hurricane, and probably won't for quite awhile.  The good news is that we had no damage to our house and are actually visiting with family until the situation is resolved; however long that my be:) 

Not much else has been going on in my world.  School started back up and I am coaching two cross country teams; one junior high and one high school.  I probably run between 7-12 miles a day.  I am also coaching my son's school's swim team. I know, I am crazy, but I do love being active.  

The babies go to mother's day out twice a week so I will have time to volunteer at William's school.  I really love his teacher this year and he is doing a great job in kindergarten. However, I am looking into some magnet programs for him for next year. I am not totally dissatisfied with the school he is at now, but I would love for him to go to a public school. Also, the magnet schools are kick ass! The one I would love for him to be able to attend immerses the students in either french or spanish. How cool to become bilingual. He really is gifted when it comes to grasping languages, words, definitions, etc. Anyway, in the meanwhile I am going to see if I can find a tutor so he and I can take lessons.  

I can't believe that in one month little bit will be 1 year old. He is such a big boy now and I enjoy every second with him and potato. Potato is 6 months old and I think she is teething. Also, last time at court her case was changed from reunification to adoption and her case worker is working on the TPR packet probably as I type.  No word from Little Bit's grandparents, I guess they lost interest already....