Please join me at my new blog...
MRS. SOUTHERN SPICE
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, September 27, 2010
And....Then....Sometimes.....The Show is Over....
It's obvious....that this blog has come to it's natural end. I may begin a new blog...and if I do I will post the link here. But for now...this blog is over. There are so many new and exciting things going on in our family that a simple blog post just can't handle it all. :-)
For now...you can stay connected to me by email....Facebook or heck....call me! :-)
Blessings and Love to you all.
Mrs. Spice
For now...you can stay connected to me by email....Facebook or heck....call me! :-)
Blessings and Love to you all.
Mrs. Spice
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Show Must Go On....
Most of Foster Care is a hurry up.....and wait game. You are hurried through the licensing process with visions and stories of abandoned, frightened, needy children filling your head. Then....once licensed...you run smack dab into the harsh reality....that you aren't needed....quite as much as you were told you were. Once the reality of the situation wears off....you almost crave the "waiting" times. The times of quiet...where you get to reclaim your house, clean it really well....and get back to your old routines. But you are always waiting...expecting a phone call....that will bring new adventures and children to your home.
Our next adventure with FC began months ago when we were approached and asked to be apart of a new, never before tried program. We climbed aboard immediately. The program has do to with one of the local Native American tribes. And all though I don't think mentioning the tribe would break confidentiality....I am not going to....just in case. So up until now....the children of this particular tribe that are pulled from their homes, abandoned, or placed into FC have been living in a shelter. This shelter opened in 1981. The goal is...to select a few foster homes, train them culturally about the tribe....and transition these children into the homes. I cannot express how neat of an opportunity this is. We could possible be the first foster family to ever, EVER be placed with a child from this tribe. It is absolutely amazing.
We have been matched with 1 of 2 infants. There is a 3 month old and a 4 month old that need homes. We aren't sure which one will be placed with us yet. We have been to the shelter twice to visit them. They are adorable! Sweet faces with huge mops of black hair!
When will we get one of these babies? Good question. Everything is new. This has never been done before. These kids do not fall under DES...they are managed by Tribal Social Services (TSS). And since TSS has never placed one of their children in an outsider's home.....new processes need to be put into place.....and feelings need to be reassured. First, a TSS worker will come to our home, inspect it and meet us. We will woo her over with our charming good looks and Mr. Spice's Baby Whisperer techniques....and then she will transition the baby to our home.
It's exciting to be a part of this new program. There are a lot of details to the program which I will go into another post. But for now....we are waiting with excitement over receiving our baby!!!
Oh, I know you will ask. Can we one day adopt these kids? No. Legally, these kids are not available for adoption by anyone who is not a tribe member. Who knows...maybe if this program is successful.....that could change in 5 or 10 years. But there is a lot of work that has to be done first.
First...I have to remember how to make formula bottles and strap an infant in a car seat. :-)
Our next adventure with FC began months ago when we were approached and asked to be apart of a new, never before tried program. We climbed aboard immediately. The program has do to with one of the local Native American tribes. And all though I don't think mentioning the tribe would break confidentiality....I am not going to....just in case. So up until now....the children of this particular tribe that are pulled from their homes, abandoned, or placed into FC have been living in a shelter. This shelter opened in 1981. The goal is...to select a few foster homes, train them culturally about the tribe....and transition these children into the homes. I cannot express how neat of an opportunity this is. We could possible be the first foster family to ever, EVER be placed with a child from this tribe. It is absolutely amazing.
We have been matched with 1 of 2 infants. There is a 3 month old and a 4 month old that need homes. We aren't sure which one will be placed with us yet. We have been to the shelter twice to visit them. They are adorable! Sweet faces with huge mops of black hair!
When will we get one of these babies? Good question. Everything is new. This has never been done before. These kids do not fall under DES...they are managed by Tribal Social Services (TSS). And since TSS has never placed one of their children in an outsider's home.....new processes need to be put into place.....and feelings need to be reassured. First, a TSS worker will come to our home, inspect it and meet us. We will woo her over with our charming good looks and Mr. Spice's Baby Whisperer techniques....and then she will transition the baby to our home.
It's exciting to be a part of this new program. There are a lot of details to the program which I will go into another post. But for now....we are waiting with excitement over receiving our baby!!!
Oh, I know you will ask. Can we one day adopt these kids? No. Legally, these kids are not available for adoption by anyone who is not a tribe member. Who knows...maybe if this program is successful.....that could change in 5 or 10 years. But there is a lot of work that has to be done first.
First...I have to remember how to make formula bottles and strap an infant in a car seat. :-)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Neeeexxxxxxt!!!!
This afternoon our foster kids went home. And even though I cannot tell you the details of why or how they came into our care....I can tell you this....that they are exactly where they belong. They are in the process of being adopted into a wonderful family. I was able to meet their adoptive Mom this morning and she is great. She is so invested in her kids, it's great.
Last Wednesday night, in a Circle K parking lot....we picked up these kids from the backseat of a CPS workers car. And for 7 days we got to love on them, nurture and comfort them. And today....without one single tear in my eye.....we got to send them home. Sure, I will miss them a little. I will miss the busyness. I will miss the baby resting her tired head on my shoulder and asking for a hug. But they are exactly where they need to be....with their Mom and Dad....their forever family. And now, we get to help the next kid that needs us. This is the best part of the job....we get to love kids, have fun.....give them back....get a break.....and get more kids! It's the best job in the world! It's not hard at all. You should try it. Seriously, it's rainbows and unicorns...all.the.time! Okay, there might be one or two hard times....but then Care Bears come down from above and rescue you!
Actually, I have a whole story about the next kid that is coming into our care. I can already tell you who they are going to be!! It's exciting. But not now. I have barely slept in 7 days....must take a break....process, debrief....and come back tomorrow with details.
Thank you for the texts, emails, support and COFFEE!!! Love you all.
Last Wednesday night, in a Circle K parking lot....we picked up these kids from the backseat of a CPS workers car. And for 7 days we got to love on them, nurture and comfort them. And today....without one single tear in my eye.....we got to send them home. Sure, I will miss them a little. I will miss the busyness. I will miss the baby resting her tired head on my shoulder and asking for a hug. But they are exactly where they need to be....with their Mom and Dad....their forever family. And now, we get to help the next kid that needs us. This is the best part of the job....we get to love kids, have fun.....give them back....get a break.....and get more kids! It's the best job in the world! It's not hard at all. You should try it. Seriously, it's rainbows and unicorns...all.the.time! Okay, there might be one or two hard times....but then Care Bears come down from above and rescue you!
Actually, I have a whole story about the next kid that is coming into our care. I can already tell you who they are going to be!! It's exciting. But not now. I have barely slept in 7 days....must take a break....process, debrief....and come back tomorrow with details.
Thank you for the texts, emails, support and COFFEE!!! Love you all.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Welcome to the lions den...
When we decided to become foster parents, we knew we had a lot of concerns on how we would do. But the thing is...you can't be sure...until you throw yourself in....and experience it. And so we have.
Currently, we are caring for two children....who are in respite. Anytime a foster family cares for another family's foster child, it is respite....kind of like babysitting. They are with us temporarily, for an unknown period of time. We thought they were going home Friday, now we think they are going home next Tuesday. Talk to me Tuesday....and I'll let you know when they are really going home. :-)
We are not set up for taking siblings long term. We just don't have a house that supports having multiple children of different genders with different sleeping needs who are different ages. Get it? :-) AZ law in regards to foster children states that children of different genders cannot share a room, even siblings. And...we only have one bedroom dedicated to kids and Asha's room. So...we are all making it work right now....but we are working with CPS to reunify these kids as soon as possible with their adoptive family.
I feel terrible because many, many people want to know the details of how the kids came into our care. Heck, I would! But unfortunately, we are just not at liberty to share. The story and details belong to these kids, and to share it...well, that would be sharing information that could essentially be damaging long term. Or, super, super awkward when you see them at the mall and know them and their story. :-)
We are certainly having an interesting time. I fell right back into my old social worker ways....and it feels very natural. Dealing with CPS...is what it always is....like a box of chocolates....and sometimes....really great. I love our current CPS case manager. I have spoken with detectives, therapists, case managers, crisis specialists, stabilization specialists, etc... Every experience has been great so far. It's neat to have a team of people join together with the sole purpose of making this family as successful as possible. I love it. Honestly speaking, from my own experience, I know....this team like situation...will not always be the case.
The biggest adjustment for Mr. Spice and I? Going from parenting an independent, super easy 5 year old.....to parenting 3 kids. Some of which may or may not have some challenging behaviors. Our quiet, easy going routine has quickly, within minutes turned upside down and sideways. We are sleep deprived and a little dazed....but loving all of it. We both feel like we were meant to do this. Yes, there are some big adjustments and major sacrifices, but isn't that what serving is all about? What is serving without sacrifice? Nothing. So we have no complaints. We signed up for anything.....and we will take what we get and work with it. Love that we get to foster!
Our 4 year old foster boy just let me know that my 10 minute break is over and I have to help him play. Done. Here we go...
Currently, we are caring for two children....who are in respite. Anytime a foster family cares for another family's foster child, it is respite....kind of like babysitting. They are with us temporarily, for an unknown period of time. We thought they were going home Friday, now we think they are going home next Tuesday. Talk to me Tuesday....and I'll let you know when they are really going home. :-)
We are not set up for taking siblings long term. We just don't have a house that supports having multiple children of different genders with different sleeping needs who are different ages. Get it? :-) AZ law in regards to foster children states that children of different genders cannot share a room, even siblings. And...we only have one bedroom dedicated to kids and Asha's room. So...we are all making it work right now....but we are working with CPS to reunify these kids as soon as possible with their adoptive family.
I feel terrible because many, many people want to know the details of how the kids came into our care. Heck, I would! But unfortunately, we are just not at liberty to share. The story and details belong to these kids, and to share it...well, that would be sharing information that could essentially be damaging long term. Or, super, super awkward when you see them at the mall and know them and their story. :-)
We are certainly having an interesting time. I fell right back into my old social worker ways....and it feels very natural. Dealing with CPS...is what it always is....like a box of chocolates....and sometimes....really great. I love our current CPS case manager. I have spoken with detectives, therapists, case managers, crisis specialists, stabilization specialists, etc... Every experience has been great so far. It's neat to have a team of people join together with the sole purpose of making this family as successful as possible. I love it. Honestly speaking, from my own experience, I know....this team like situation...will not always be the case.
The biggest adjustment for Mr. Spice and I? Going from parenting an independent, super easy 5 year old.....to parenting 3 kids. Some of which may or may not have some challenging behaviors. Our quiet, easy going routine has quickly, within minutes turned upside down and sideways. We are sleep deprived and a little dazed....but loving all of it. We both feel like we were meant to do this. Yes, there are some big adjustments and major sacrifices, but isn't that what serving is all about? What is serving without sacrifice? Nothing. So we have no complaints. We signed up for anything.....and we will take what we get and work with it. Love that we get to foster!
Our 4 year old foster boy just let me know that my 10 minute break is over and I have to help him play. Done. Here we go...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I'm in love with two men. Equally...
Seriously. I've been in love with Oscar since I could sit through a feature film.....which....was pretty early on. Mr. Spice knew about Oscar when we met. And...he was prepared to sacrifice the part of me....the time I give....to Oscar. Mr. Spice understood....when we got married....that Oscar would always be a part of our lives.
Oscar takes a lot of time. Usually, during this time of year I move out of our home temporarily and move into this home. It's only temporary, but this time of year...Oscar is much more demanding of my time.
Some people don't understand my love affair with Oscar.
People will often say, "It's just an award ceremony" or "They are just movies."
And I say to those "people"....Go wash your mouth out with soap! Do you speak to your Mother with that mouth? Huh?!
My love of film runs deep....through generations. My Great-Grandfather, both my Grandfathers, and two Aunts all worked for film studios. I was born in Los Angeles....the water....there is something in it....and I don't just mean e coli and syringes. I love L.A.....but that is a whole other blog.
Film is as much a part of me as my two arms and two legs. I would have said uterus....but now that it's gone....it doesn't have the same impact in metaphors. I can't imagine my life without films. Writing about them...critiquing them....observing them....researching them....loving them....it's what I do. It's what I know.
So this time of year....when the Oscar nominations come out....and Hollywood gets a little peppier and a little punchier....something in me just wants to burst with joy. It's like a kid at Christmas.
Someday...if the public get a chance to buy a ticket to the Oscars....I would probably sell a kidney to go...because I don't have many salvageable organs left in my body. What a dream that would be!
So even if you haven't seen all the films nominated.....and can't stand sitting through those crazy speeches where people thank God....but then forget about Him the next day. Just remember that each of those films....started with a dream.....an idea....which turned into a story....which led to a script....which was believed in by people with money.....and those people with money turned that script....convinced other people....to leave their families for a few months....and help turn that idea into movie.
And then....people like me....go and watch those ideas....multiple times.....and critique the crap out of them....sometimes killing their original dreams. What is not to love about this business???
Oscar and I have a date. You are invited too. March 7th. ABC. 28 days.
Oscar takes a lot of time. Usually, during this time of year I move out of our home temporarily and move into this home. It's only temporary, but this time of year...Oscar is much more demanding of my time.
Some people don't understand my love affair with Oscar.
People will often say, "It's just an award ceremony" or "They are just movies."
And I say to those "people"....Go wash your mouth out with soap! Do you speak to your Mother with that mouth? Huh?!
My love of film runs deep....through generations. My Great-Grandfather, both my Grandfathers, and two Aunts all worked for film studios. I was born in Los Angeles....the water....there is something in it....and I don't just mean e coli and syringes. I love L.A.....but that is a whole other blog.
Film is as much a part of me as my two arms and two legs. I would have said uterus....but now that it's gone....it doesn't have the same impact in metaphors. I can't imagine my life without films. Writing about them...critiquing them....observing them....researching them....loving them....it's what I do. It's what I know.
So this time of year....when the Oscar nominations come out....and Hollywood gets a little peppier and a little punchier....something in me just wants to burst with joy. It's like a kid at Christmas.
Someday...if the public get a chance to buy a ticket to the Oscars....I would probably sell a kidney to go...because I don't have many salvageable organs left in my body. What a dream that would be!
So even if you haven't seen all the films nominated.....and can't stand sitting through those crazy speeches where people thank God....but then forget about Him the next day. Just remember that each of those films....started with a dream.....an idea....which turned into a story....which led to a script....which was believed in by people with money.....and those people with money turned that script....convinced other people....to leave their families for a few months....and help turn that idea into movie.
And then....people like me....go and watch those ideas....multiple times.....and critique the crap out of them....sometimes killing their original dreams. What is not to love about this business???
Oscar and I have a date. You are invited too. March 7th. ABC. 28 days.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Alive...and Well!
First of all, thank you...thank you....thank you.....for your prayers and kind wishes. What an encouragement you all have been to me.
I am doing great. Sore for sure! But emotionally, physically, mentally, doing great. Surgery went well and all the events that were supposed to occur...did successfully.
I won't be blogging, checking email...Facebooking for a while...because it is very uncomfortable to sit at the computer. So, give me a little more healing time and I will be back to catch you all up on the gory details. You know I will, too!
A week post-op....and doing well. Thank you so much for your emails, phone calls and comments. I am not quite up to phone chats or visitors yet because it takes SO much energy to just get through a normal day right now. It's temporary....so soon I'll be up and at em'! It's an 8 week recovery....and I only have 7 left....not that I'm counting! One more week of strict bed rest and then I can be up and around a little more....even drive! Yay! Who knew I'd be so excited to drive.
Please pray for my healing as my Dad's side of the family joins us for Christmas next week. I will have 3 family members staying in my home. This year is so different. I am confined to a chair or bed.....no lifting, no bending, no moving, no walking for one more week....no doing anything except rest. Sounds great, right? UNTIL YOU HAVE TOO! I miss baking cookies, cooking meals, shopping, you know....normal holiday stuff......it's just a different year.
I am so thankful for this surgery. I feel nothing but free. After the surgery, I woke up in my room and thought..."I'm FREE!" No more bleeding! No more pain! No more peeing my pants! You'll miss that....won't you?! I am so glad to be where I am. So thankful that God provided this amazing opportunity after a really tough year that....at some points....I didn't quite see the light in.
Okay, so sorry to leave you. Miss you all. Got to get back in bed.
Thank you! Thank you God!
I am doing great. Sore for sure! But emotionally, physically, mentally, doing great. Surgery went well and all the events that were supposed to occur...did successfully.
I won't be blogging, checking email...Facebooking for a while...because it is very uncomfortable to sit at the computer. So, give me a little more healing time and I will be back to catch you all up on the gory details. You know I will, too!
A week post-op....and doing well. Thank you so much for your emails, phone calls and comments. I am not quite up to phone chats or visitors yet because it takes SO much energy to just get through a normal day right now. It's temporary....so soon I'll be up and at em'! It's an 8 week recovery....and I only have 7 left....not that I'm counting! One more week of strict bed rest and then I can be up and around a little more....even drive! Yay! Who knew I'd be so excited to drive.
Please pray for my healing as my Dad's side of the family joins us for Christmas next week. I will have 3 family members staying in my home. This year is so different. I am confined to a chair or bed.....no lifting, no bending, no moving, no walking for one more week....no doing anything except rest. Sounds great, right? UNTIL YOU HAVE TOO! I miss baking cookies, cooking meals, shopping, you know....normal holiday stuff......it's just a different year.
I am so thankful for this surgery. I feel nothing but free. After the surgery, I woke up in my room and thought..."I'm FREE!" No more bleeding! No more pain! No more peeing my pants! You'll miss that....won't you?! I am so glad to be where I am. So thankful that God provided this amazing opportunity after a really tough year that....at some points....I didn't quite see the light in.
Okay, so sorry to leave you. Miss you all. Got to get back in bed.
Thank you! Thank you God!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It's Take Away Day...
Wow. I just sighed a huge sigh of relief. I heard yours too. This thing is almost over. I am ready. Not real excited about the process and pain....but ready to get this over with. No more talking about it. No more preparing for it. No more starving myself...
I am looking forward to the surgeon taking away the parts that don't work and repairing the parts he can. Let's get this over with!! :-)
Let's start posting about other stuff....when I can type without narcotics raging through my system....and that might be a while! :-)
I am looking forward to the surgeon taking away the parts that don't work and repairing the parts he can. Let's get this over with!! :-)
Let's start posting about other stuff....when I can type without narcotics raging through my system....and that might be a while! :-)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Cleaning Out The Pipes....
In the midst of "bowel prep" and a clear liquids diet. Just thought I'd share that with you. It's the grossest, most terrible feeling. But I am looking forward to more orange Jello and chicken broth for dinner.....the same thing I had for breakfast.....and lunch too. :-)
This is the part that hysterectomy patients don't talk about....and now...I know why!
This is the part that hysterectomy patients don't talk about....and now...I know why!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)