Morgan will be eleven this Friday. My, how time flies!!! She is having a spend the night party again this year. Last year Haylee and Hannah had to sleep in our room and Morgan and her friends stayed in the girls room. However, this year I am going to have all of the girls sleep in the family room, which is right outside my room, so I can hear them. I am going to let Hannah and Haylee stay with them. Unless something happens between now and then for them to lose the privilege. I think they will be okay and get to participate. Sometimes when they are anticipating something like this, they struggle. I pray they do okay. We haven't had many girls spend the night since the girls have been in our family. The dynamics are different and it makes having girls spend the night more complicated.
Saturday morning after the guests leave, Morgan and I are going to visit my mother and go shopping. Morgan asked to do this for her birthday. I struggled with it for awhile because of not including the girls, but Morgan should be able to do this without the girls. They can ask for the same thing for their birthday. I have struggled with this type thing ever since the girls came. I feel like Morgan should be allowed to do things without the twins sometimes. I guess I am still trying to convince myself this is okay. We will be home by lunch on Sunday. It will be a short and sweet trip, I hope!
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, October 17, 2011
Today
Well, I did better today. It wasn't perfect, but everything I said, I evaluated. I am not sure if today was good enough to call Day 1 or not. That is okay because I just want to keep improving.
We had doctor appointments out of town today. All five kids went with me. We went in to the large pet store. The girls wanted to look at the hamsters and birds. The place was empty because it was 10:30am on a school day. I left them looking as the boys and I went to get dog food. We were only gone a few minutes and when we returned, Hannah was trying to open the door to get inside the booth behind the glass where the animals are kept. I couldn't believe it. When asked why,of course she said she wanted to go in there. (Duh, Mom, what a stupid question.) Well, I can say,I didn't lecture or lose my temper. I said that is not a good decision for a ten year old. You will hold my hand and stay next to me the rest of the day. I have heard other blog friends do this, but I have never actually made any of them hold my hand for a long period of time.
Well, she thought it was okay at first. However, we went into a large shoe store next. She discovered it was no fun to be stuck to Mom like glue when the other girls are looking around. (They were within my sight also.) I wasn't negative or ugly. I just made her hold my hand. We left the store and went to eat lunch. I made her get out of the car and hold my hand. She had to sit by me and not choose her seat. This is a big deal for her because she always wants to pick where she sits. It is a control thing with her. During the meal, I had to go to the restroom, so she had to go with me. We survived and did okay. I think it made an impression on her.
I was excited because I contained my emotions even though I couldn't believe what she was trying to do at the pet store. I may be using this form of discipline more with her because it worked well for both of us.
I guess I have finished with Day 1. It may not have been perfect, but I prayed a lot for guidance and understanding towards my girls. I think I did much better than the day before. It is like I tell my children, I tried hard and improved. Tomorrow is a new day.
How is everyone else doing?
However, homeschooling makes this a very interesting challenge. We were out of town most of the day today. I am anxious to see what tomorrow hold for all of us.
We had doctor appointments out of town today. All five kids went with me. We went in to the large pet store. The girls wanted to look at the hamsters and birds. The place was empty because it was 10:30am on a school day. I left them looking as the boys and I went to get dog food. We were only gone a few minutes and when we returned, Hannah was trying to open the door to get inside the booth behind the glass where the animals are kept. I couldn't believe it. When asked why,of course she said she wanted to go in there. (Duh, Mom, what a stupid question.) Well, I can say,I didn't lecture or lose my temper. I said that is not a good decision for a ten year old. You will hold my hand and stay next to me the rest of the day. I have heard other blog friends do this, but I have never actually made any of them hold my hand for a long period of time.
Well, she thought it was okay at first. However, we went into a large shoe store next. She discovered it was no fun to be stuck to Mom like glue when the other girls are looking around. (They were within my sight also.) I wasn't negative or ugly. I just made her hold my hand. We left the store and went to eat lunch. I made her get out of the car and hold my hand. She had to sit by me and not choose her seat. This is a big deal for her because she always wants to pick where she sits. It is a control thing with her. During the meal, I had to go to the restroom, so she had to go with me. We survived and did okay. I think it made an impression on her.
I was excited because I contained my emotions even though I couldn't believe what she was trying to do at the pet store. I may be using this form of discipline more with her because it worked well for both of us.
I guess I have finished with Day 1. It may not have been perfect, but I prayed a lot for guidance and understanding towards my girls. I think I did much better than the day before. It is like I tell my children, I tried hard and improved. Tomorrow is a new day.
How is everyone else doing?
However, homeschooling makes this a very interesting challenge. We were out of town most of the day today. I am anxious to see what tomorrow hold for all of us.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A Day with Morgan
I needed to go to the city one hour away and run some errands. Morgan needed new shoes and some things for camp this summer. She asked first thing Friday morning if she could go. Neither of the other girls asked to go with us. Hannah didn't mention going and Haylee didn't until we were walking out the door. Hannah may not have asked because I usually only take one child with me when I go out of town for the day. Haylee and Hannah both had school left to complete. Hannah was in a tizzy because she had rushed through her school and had many corrections to make. Haylee was taking her sweet time as always.
Morgan and I left about 11:30. I felt really guilty for the first thirty minutes or so of the drive. I decided I really needed a break from the girls and special alone time with Morgan. We worked on the last item she had for school while we traveled. We went to a restaurant that is usually pretty fast and it took forever. The blessing is we had a great time visiting.
She has grown up so much in a year. I forget sometimes how much more tense I am with all three girls with me. We had a wonderful day!! I didn't have to remind her to check for cars, stay with me in a store, don't touch, etc. She is ten and acted ten. I was able to let my guard down and enjoy the day. It was a very nice break for both of us. I love all of my girls, but it was nice to have a break from the twins. I had forgotten how much work they are to take places.
Our lives have really changed in a year. I am glad we followed God's plan and adopted our girls, but it is definitely not the easy path. However, it is our path. I must continue to have the trips with only Morgan. We both need them. I do struggle with the guilt at times. I must accept that it is okay to not take all of them everywhere. Our day reminded me so much of days I spent with my mother at the same age. I loved shopping with my mother (and I still do). They are very special memories and I hope to have them with all of my girls.
Also, by leaving them with my husband he understands more of my struggles. Some days when I discuss things about the twins, I think he thinks I am just whining. After he is with them for any length of time, he can relate. I am thankful for my husband and that he gave me a much needed break.
Morgan and I left about 11:30. I felt really guilty for the first thirty minutes or so of the drive. I decided I really needed a break from the girls and special alone time with Morgan. We worked on the last item she had for school while we traveled. We went to a restaurant that is usually pretty fast and it took forever. The blessing is we had a great time visiting.
She has grown up so much in a year. I forget sometimes how much more tense I am with all three girls with me. We had a wonderful day!! I didn't have to remind her to check for cars, stay with me in a store, don't touch, etc. She is ten and acted ten. I was able to let my guard down and enjoy the day. It was a very nice break for both of us. I love all of my girls, but it was nice to have a break from the twins. I had forgotten how much work they are to take places.
Our lives have really changed in a year. I am glad we followed God's plan and adopted our girls, but it is definitely not the easy path. However, it is our path. I must continue to have the trips with only Morgan. We both need them. I do struggle with the guilt at times. I must accept that it is okay to not take all of them everywhere. Our day reminded me so much of days I spent with my mother at the same age. I loved shopping with my mother (and I still do). They are very special memories and I hope to have them with all of my girls.
Also, by leaving them with my husband he understands more of my struggles. Some days when I discuss things about the twins, I think he thinks I am just whining. After he is with them for any length of time, he can relate. I am thankful for my husband and that he gave me a much needed break.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Good News...Bad News
Good News...I went out of town by myself today. My husband kept the kids and helped them with school. I was able to get some things purchased for Tucker, who is going to be traveling a lot in the near future. He is going to a boy scout leadership training for two weekends and to Teen Pact for a week. He is going to be a tired young man!
Bad News...I had to go because my 6 1/2 year old car was having trouble. We were smelling oil, we thought, and it was making a funny noise. This is not going to be a cheap repair. Something about the drive shaft and leaking transmission fluid. At least it can be repaired.
More Good News...they will have it repaired tomorrow and they let me drive a Toyota Highlander home from the dealership today. It is always fun to drive a new car for a few days.
It was nice to not have to be responsible for anyone but me today.
I bought the girls some solid t-shirts at Tar*get today for $4.99. I was excited about the price. Well, Hannah was NOT happy that I told her she could not wear it tomorrow to play outside. They are painting these big boxes they have made into houses and we don't need paint all over their new shirts. Oh well, I guess she will recover from being angry with me, as usual.
After I returned, we took the kids to the pool in my rental car which is really too small for seven, but we squeezed in with 5 kids, 5 swim bags and 5 mesh swim equipment bags. It was pretty funny, like a can of sardines. After swim team, the kids had pizza and movie and my husband and I had quick dinner date. It was nice.
I guess I will travel the hour one way again tomorrow to pick up my car. I wonder if I will be by myself again?
Bad News...I had to go because my 6 1/2 year old car was having trouble. We were smelling oil, we thought, and it was making a funny noise. This is not going to be a cheap repair. Something about the drive shaft and leaking transmission fluid. At least it can be repaired.
More Good News...they will have it repaired tomorrow and they let me drive a Toyota Highlander home from the dealership today. It is always fun to drive a new car for a few days.
It was nice to not have to be responsible for anyone but me today.
I bought the girls some solid t-shirts at Tar*get today for $4.99. I was excited about the price. Well, Hannah was NOT happy that I told her she could not wear it tomorrow to play outside. They are painting these big boxes they have made into houses and we don't need paint all over their new shirts. Oh well, I guess she will recover from being angry with me, as usual.
After I returned, we took the kids to the pool in my rental car which is really too small for seven, but we squeezed in with 5 kids, 5 swim bags and 5 mesh swim equipment bags. It was pretty funny, like a can of sardines. After swim team, the kids had pizza and movie and my husband and I had quick dinner date. It was nice.
I guess I will travel the hour one way again tomorrow to pick up my car. I wonder if I will be by myself again?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!!
What a glorious day!! I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!!
We had a long day yesterday. We were all tired emotionally and physically. It has been a very long 4 days. We took the girls back to the foster family last night. We had a very good dinner with them. The mother and I talked about everything!! I told her everything we have encountered with the controlling daughter. We have the same rules at our house the foster mother has. She broke every one of them while here for four days. We caught her most of the time or she would tell us seeing what our reaction would be. One rule we didn't know about was chewing gum. She isn't allowed to chew gum at her foster home because she doesn't dispose of it properly. Well, that explains why she wanted gum in her mouth ALL the time. She is very sweet, but has to be watched constantly. I don't believe anyone can truly understand what this is like unless they actually live it. I thought I did, but I didn't understand the total magnitude of it. I was able to sleep well last night because I didn't have to worry about what they were doing or if they were okay.
I have friends that say they understand, but if you haven't fostered or adopted, I don't believe you can. It is very mentally and physically exhausting. It just can't be put into words.
I love these girls as my own already. It was hard to leave them last night. One cried and it wasn't the one I expected. Maybe she was trying to control, who knows. I think it was genuine because her chin started quivering and then she started crying. This is so confusing for these girls!! We kept reassuring them that they are coming back FOREVER Tuesday.
I need to take pictures for Easter today, but we are missing two people. I know that sounds strange, but it is weird. I feel like it isn't right. I will take pictures and know that they were part of our family, just not here today.
We went shopping at Target yesterday. It was a lot of fun. Three silly little girls in the dressing room giggling and playing as they tried on many clothes. They have lots of clothes, but many are too small. They also needed swimsuits. It looks like we are going to have three sizes. Girls XS, S and M. Sometimes two XS and a S. It was a lot of fun, but very expensive!! They all want to match with everything!! I wonder how long that will last? My boys were so good! They sat outside the dressing room and waited. The girls would show them their clothes and they would roll their eyes and ask how many more items? It was a good day overall.
Eventhough it has been a hard few days, I wouldn't change it for the world!!! I can't imagine life without them anymore!! It is definately quieter!!
I am sorry I rambled on and on, but this is my journal of our story. It also helps me to evaluate how things are going.
We had a long day yesterday. We were all tired emotionally and physically. It has been a very long 4 days. We took the girls back to the foster family last night. We had a very good dinner with them. The mother and I talked about everything!! I told her everything we have encountered with the controlling daughter. We have the same rules at our house the foster mother has. She broke every one of them while here for four days. We caught her most of the time or she would tell us seeing what our reaction would be. One rule we didn't know about was chewing gum. She isn't allowed to chew gum at her foster home because she doesn't dispose of it properly. Well, that explains why she wanted gum in her mouth ALL the time. She is very sweet, but has to be watched constantly. I don't believe anyone can truly understand what this is like unless they actually live it. I thought I did, but I didn't understand the total magnitude of it. I was able to sleep well last night because I didn't have to worry about what they were doing or if they were okay.
I have friends that say they understand, but if you haven't fostered or adopted, I don't believe you can. It is very mentally and physically exhausting. It just can't be put into words.
I love these girls as my own already. It was hard to leave them last night. One cried and it wasn't the one I expected. Maybe she was trying to control, who knows. I think it was genuine because her chin started quivering and then she started crying. This is so confusing for these girls!! We kept reassuring them that they are coming back FOREVER Tuesday.
I need to take pictures for Easter today, but we are missing two people. I know that sounds strange, but it is weird. I feel like it isn't right. I will take pictures and know that they were part of our family, just not here today.
We went shopping at Target yesterday. It was a lot of fun. Three silly little girls in the dressing room giggling and playing as they tried on many clothes. They have lots of clothes, but many are too small. They also needed swimsuits. It looks like we are going to have three sizes. Girls XS, S and M. Sometimes two XS and a S. It was a lot of fun, but very expensive!! They all want to match with everything!! I wonder how long that will last? My boys were so good! They sat outside the dressing room and waited. The girls would show them their clothes and they would roll their eyes and ask how many more items? It was a good day overall.
Eventhough it has been a hard few days, I wouldn't change it for the world!!! I can't imagine life without them anymore!! It is definately quieter!!
I am sorry I rambled on and on, but this is my journal of our story. It also helps me to evaluate how things are going.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)