Day 7: Wiped Out

We've been really good at maintaining a level of comfort for Hayden during this allergy season, until today. (maybe because the air quality hasn't been that bad yet). Poor guy started a sneezing fit as soon as he walked in the door from school, probably from all the wind we had. After the 20th consecutive sneeze, I sent him up the the shower to wash off and put new clothes on. A little while later I checked on him, and he was completed zonkered and wraped up in bed. I'm amazed, he has never once complained about his allergies, he just deals with it.

Bells had her friend Daysha over today. These two are a hoot to listen to play. They love imitating their mommies. Such cute girls.

Day 6: Visits

Today we had another visit from the social worker. They come twice a month to speak with the boys, to speak with us, and to do a home inspection. (That's just the social worker, it doesn't include the phone calls/visits with their ILP workers, county workers, etc). Today's visit was much more thorough and in-depth, she was here for a long time. It's odd, I have nothing to hide, but I get nervous and apprehensive, almost like I'm about to get in trouble for something. Sometimes I feel like saying, "we really don't need to do all this, you see, I'm normal, I'm not one of those crazy or weird foster parents".

When we were first getting approved to be licensed, I was amazed at the rules and checklists that applied to us and to our home, that we go over every month. (For example, checking our water heater to make sure it's at the appropriate temperature, all medicines are kept in a locked box, cleaning supplies can't be kept in the kitchen at all or anywhere at eye level or below). Today ended with a big list of "To Dos" for Jeff and myself, including 18 hours of training by August, getting our CPR renewed a.s.a.p., act out and complete a fire drill as well as post an evacuation route. (Luckily, our first aid is good for another year). The list could go on and on.

It's been challenging at times having the boys. I've also learned a lot about myself. Even with all of the struggles, the bad days, frustrations, and endless agency requirements, I would still do it over again. They have immensely blessed our lives and have given me opportunities to grow and slowly become the person Heavenly Father knows I can be. And for that, I am extremely grateful.

Day 5: Freckles

All of the walks, bike-rides, and trips to the park, have brought out the freckles on this little one's face. She normally has a light sprinkling across her nose, but they have been quickly multiplying in the long anticipated warm weather. We had a chance to sit and talk today about friends and school, which was so nice and very needed.

Day 4: Tenderness

Everyday after school, these two walk across the field towards home together. Usually I can hear them in deep conversation about the events of the day. They have a special bond, which they've had since they were tiny. It's simply adorable.

Today, Ana stayed a little after school let out, as she does occasionally. I give them snacks, and then they sit at the table working on homework. Ana needed a little help with a couple of questions, and Hayden pulled up a seat next to her, and helped her with the remainder of her homework. So sweet, so innocent, so tender.

Day 3: Sunday Conference

Our Sunday Conference included: homemade cinnamon rolls, conference packets, art projects, more bike-rides and walks, a cut-throat game of risk, a basketball shoot-out, Sunday dinner, and some just plain fun hanging out.

Day 2: Favorite Weekend

Conference weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. As a child, I hated it. It meant sitting in a dark chapel for what seemed like an eternity. Now as an adult, it's 2 days listening to talks which seem to be written specifically for me, watching in the comfort of my home, surrounded by my family, and eating yummy snacks. I just love it! We spent our 2 hour breaks in between sessions at the park, on walks, and on bike rides, loving the wonderful spring weather.

Picture A Day: Day 1

For the next month, I am going to (hopefully) take a picture and blog everyday, in an attempt to better document our real-everyday-life. Life is flying by, and I want to slow down and remember it (days when I have grumpy children or when I'm a grumpy mother, I don't want to have slow down or remember :)

So today, my afternoon looks like this; 2 little boys playing Wii to celebrate the weekend. Friday is our play-date day. It's the only day I let the kids have play-dates. Am I mean? It makes my life so much easier to not have to listen to whining all week about wanting to go over to someone's house.

The girls are away on their play-dates, and the boys are at school and football practice. Right at this moment, my life is pretty cake. I only have 2 here, and they're not fighting or arguing! I am getting the house organized for the weekend, starting to think about dinner, and getting ready for my Friday night date which begins in a few hours. Hooray for weekends.