She did good :)

 

Cara did great today and her doctor (same guy that did B's tubes a week ago) was able to cauterize both sides so hopefully no more nosebleeds. She looks so pretty in that blue color, doesn't she?? And, she was thrilled to have two blue icees. 

I love that girl. She has such a sweet and kind heart. I enjoyed being with her and getting her ready and helping her to feel better. Jeremy says we are a bad pair when it comes to hospital stuff, 

but we did good today ;). 

I was looking at her and thinking about when she had tubes at 18 months and was in disbelief that she is now almost 7 and in first grade. 

Good thing she is my mini-me and plans to live in the neighborhood when she grows up!! 

Getting Stuff Done

We are all adjusting to being back on our school schedule. I am trying to take the kids in the mornings so Jeremy can get to the office early as much as I can and so far it is going well. We leave the house around 7:35 and get there right on time at a little before 8. Jake hops right out and then I circle the lot a couple times while Cara works up the courage to get out of the van or spots Mimi and walks in with her. Progress :) At least there are no tears.

Speaking of Cara....

First grade is going great. She seems to enjoy eating lunch at school. She loves it when she sees Jake and he gives her a hug. We gave him a big "be nice to your sister....she's nervous....you're the big brother" speech and he seems to have heard it. He brought home a paper the other day that was all about him and my favorite part was when it asked, "what do you like most about yourself" and he answered, "I'm the most trusted child because I'm the oldest." Ha! Good one, buddy!

Cara is crazy nervous about having her nose cauterized tomorrow.  The very small surgery is at 3:20 and she can't eat anything all day. Really?? I've got bets on Jeremy cancelling it because of the drama that we are expecting when she wakes up. Thank you to the doctor who felt the need to refer to the procedure as surgery and talk about her being put to sleep right in front of her.

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In other news, things are slowly moving along with B's case. Our court date was cancelled because of a mistake. It was scheduled to be heard before a magistrate and needed to be heard before the judge so now we wait for a new date. I am hoping for a September date, but have been told late October. Foster care sure can be frustrating, but one thing for sure, you do have plenty of opportunities to learn patience :)

For the most part, we just go with the flow, but from time to time I just wear out and feel exhausted. It was that kind of weekend. This parenting gig is hard work. Foster parenting is hard work. Is it bad that I'm dreaming of Florida already?? I am really hoping we will be celebrating in January! 

My Big 3rd Grader

Can't believe he is in 3rd grade and almost 9 years old!

He told me the other day, "Just think Mom, only 8 more years until I can drive you around." 

or this one, "Hey, since you won't let me have a cell phone, can I have the house phone?" 

Um, sure, buddy....have the house phone. It's all yours!! Ha!

Another School Year

We had a great first day back to school. Jake went on in to his class while I walked Cara in. She did great and had a wonderful day!!! Praise the Lord!

Jake and Cara's classes are literally across the hall from each other. So fun! They see each other throughout the day some and she told me in a very happy voice, "Jake gave me a hug at school today!" She was thrilled. I had talked to him about being an encouragement to her because she gets nervous and he totally came through for me :). Love him.

On the way home I didn't bug anyone by asking too many questions. I just waited for anyone to offer up some information. Jeremy says I drive them nuts by bombarding them with questions! Ha! I probably do, but I just want to know everything. It is very exciting to have Cara there because she will keep me posted :)!

B pretty much drove Abby crazy all day since he had no one else to occupy his time. I didn't realize how much Jake plays with him. He followed her around all day long and tried to play with her stuff. If you know abby.....she's a tad territorial. So, we have some things to work on! I am excited about spending some good time with A and B.

Little B had tubes put in his ears yesterday and did great. We are hoping his speech will come along more quickly now. I did notice that he is definitely hearing better. Everytime I walked up behind him and said his name I startled him. It was pretty funny!

Here are some pictures from this morning.

I can't tell you how good it is to see this girl HAPPY about going to school!! We are so thankful and sure do hope it last.

Don't tell anybody, but I think Jake is happy to have Cara at school with him :). There is something comforting about having each other. I love it! 

American Girl Trip

The girls and I made a very quick trip to American Girl in Chicago with my Mom last week. We literally took the train there, got off, shopped, had lunch and got back on and came home. It was a BLAST! So much fun!!! I loved doing this with the girls. They were so much fun. It was a great day all around.

Sometimes it is nice to get away from all the stress of daily life. This was perfect trip!

Thanks so much Mom!!!

Bike Race (Father Son Bonding)

Jake watching for Jeremy while he races.

Jeremy and Jake riding together in Jake's first race. Very fun for them. I did hear that there might have been a stop to check out a bird :). 

Visit to Tennessee

We made a quick trip to Tennessee to visit family. In our short amount of time we were able to enjoy two delicious meals made by Jeremy's Grandma. The kids ate really well and I would like to say that we are making progress in the food department :)!

We also got to stop in for a quick trip to see Jeremy's Aunt and Uncle. They have a beautiful home and property and the kids enjoyed exploring in the woods and painting rocks.

I wish I could show you sweet B's happy face being a big boy with Jake!! 

Such a great trip even if it was cut short. Jake has been sick for almost 2 weeks and was needing to get home. Praying that he returns to his happier self soon!!!