Time Away

Last Friday I hit the airport with my friends Cara, Jenny and Paula.We were headed to Atlanta for the Created for Care retreat for foster and adoptive Moms. Our trip there was quite an adventure. Our flight was cancelled so we drove an hour and a half away to another airport and got on a flight there. We arrived and drove another hour and a half to the lodge.We were a little bit late, but at least we got in that night!! I was just glad to be with three people I enjoy. Traveling alone would not have been very fun at all.

The resort was beautiful, the company was fun and the speakers were great!! I think my very favorite session was on domestic adoptions (probably because that is just where my heart is right now). The speaker was Aimee Powell and she was down to earth and completely honest about their experiences. She covered the heartache that comes from a failed adoption, birthparent stuff and transracial adoption. I got home and told Jeremy I think I would like a little Birdie Clare in our family :). That is their adorable little girls name. Jeremy said....."OK." He wasn't really paying attention to me at the time though...he should really watch what he says "OK" too because I totally run with it.

So Saturday was spent in sessions. They were all great. I did have to escape after lunch while my friends attended sessions and take a nap. I was drained. Of course everyone wants to know your story and everyone was encouraging, but I can only handle telling it and shedding some tears so many times in one morning. The bed was awesome....queen size and when you are used to a full that is a fun treat. I think we need to upgrade soon! We've been crowded for a while now.

It is always good to come home. My little people enjoyed time with Daddy, but they were excited to see me and tell me all of the news from the weekend!!

The thing that has stuck with me the most has been "Letting things GOOOOO". Oh, this is so hard for me!! I am working on it and I am literally being forced to let some things go as I struggle through this crazy season we are in. This year without a foster baby would have been nuts. The kids are on three different school schedules. I feel like we live in the car. Add three visits a week to that and it is insane. So, what have I given up this week......

Well, for starters I let Abby wear her tutu to school on Tuesday. It was not a small little tutu, it was Cara's dance recital tutu. She looked cute and she twirled for her teachers and friends. Hopefully it wasn't a huge distraction.

There are some other things I am letting go of that just bring stress and frustration. I am trying to let go of thinking about what people think about me. For example....when I do something like throw away a homework assignment of forget to sign a folder I instantly think the teacher is going to think I am a total flake. Somedays I am. Other days I'm not. Oh well..........doing my best.

On another note, the kids have been flooding my Valentine's box with notes of LOVE :). This one I found very interesting......

Mom, I love you with all of my heart. If you die before me you will be with God!!!

I hope I don't die soon, but I am so glad Jake knows where I am going someday!! I love that little guy.