Kidnapped

Wow- it has been a long time since I have blogged. The truth is that as my kids are getting older, I have less time, and I find that myspace is a lot easier for my needs... Basically I just use it to keep in contact with my friends and family...  Anyway, earlier this week, our community suffered a horrible ordeal when my son's young friend was kidnapped...

Jillian, a little girl that has played baseball with Sam for the last couple of years, was kidnapped from her school. She attends a different school in my kids' district. While this is upsetting enough, I was shocked when I found out that Jillian had gone with her willingly because she knew her- she regularly volunteered at the school! I will spare you the details of the ordeal that Jillian endured. The only thing that matters is that she is home and although she had to have surgery, she is expected to make a full recovery. In speaking with Jillian's mom today, she repeatedly told me that she wished Jillian had just not gone with this woman. She said, "But she didn't know. She didn't know that she shouldn't because she saw her at the school." It made me realize how truly vulnerable our children are. I know we are all always trying to keep our kids safe, But in times like this, I am just really reminded that you just never know what can happen. So, today, I reminded my children that they must NEVER get into the car, or go anywhere with anyone other than me, Toby, or my parents. The only exception is if it is planned ahead of time. To make it perfectly clear, I used one of my best friends (sorry Jacqueline!) I told them, "I don't care if Jacqueline shows up to pick you up at school, if I didn't tell you that she was picking you up, you do not get in the car with her." Period. Clearly, I dont' think Jacqueline would ever harm my children, but it saves my children from having to make that choice. Anyway, it was such an upsetting piece of news. And I pray that all our children will always be safe. And I think we help our children be safe when we share our knowledge. Yep, that is how it is.... I disappear for awhile and show up only to share depressing news... Ok a quick fun update... The kids are all happy, healthy, and safe. They are all doing well in school and excited for summer. We got a new kitten- who we named Ciriana- and life is just all around good here!

This vidoe is SO true... Thanks to Beth for sending it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlY8STkhopc15

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth.

I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
“Why?” my daughter asked.
“Because it’s been on the ground, you don’t know where it’s been,
it’s dirty and probably has germs” I replied.
At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked,
“Mommy, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart.”
I was thinking quickly. “All moms know this stuff.”
It’s on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don’t let you be a Mommy.”
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.
“OH….I get it!” she beamed, “So if you don’t pass the test you have to be the Daddy.”
“Exactly!” I replied back with a big smile on my face.
When you’re finished laughing, send this to a mom.

I just got this from my social worker and it made me smile...

The Gift of Life...
I didn't give you the gift of life,
but in my heart I know
the love I feel is deep and real
as if it had been so.
For us to have each other
is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you life,
Life gave me the gift of you.

-Author unknown...


Priceless:

Certified Home study...$1500
2 Vital Records Tracked Down... $50
2 Fingerprint Sessions with Live Scan....$400
2 years of parenting classes...$300
2 years of adoption classes...$300
Adoption Legal Services... $5000
My children finally in my arms.... Priceless

(Obviously prices are not guaranteed)


Adoption Checklist:

Drown in paperwork
eat chocolate
stalk social worker
act irrational
wait
wait some more


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"Families are Forever, Celebrate Open Adoption"

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However Motherhood comes to you, it's a miracle- Adoptive Mom"

"Adoption is not about finding children for families. It's about finding families for Children."

"It isn't how you birth your baby, it's how you love your child."

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"Adoption... Turning Strangers into Families"

"I'm expecting a baby... and keeping my figure! Ask me about adoption"

Many of these (and more) can also be found on T-Shirts at Cafe Press.com- So Cute for adoptive parents!