My Amazing Normal Life

(picture: Joe throwing V in the pool. Jonah is hanging to Joe's back)

V moved on last week...(I forgot to record that!). He's with a new foster family living in Exeter. I have not heard anything from anyone (I think I am being shunned) but I hope they are doing better keeping tabs of their valuables than I was. He is a great kid....really! He just needs some consistency and a positive role model. Before he moved on, we had good times (wrestling, swimming, playing ball and cards and hide-and-seek with my kids and Joe's kids) and not as good times (having to talk to the TJMaxx manager re: stolen goods; tantrums; being reminded I am a *u!k). I find that being a foster parent is the BEST opportunity God has given me to show my true character. I have so so much respect for the long-term foster-parents out there...AND the ones who support them! I implore all of you to seek out someone who supports these soldiers in the field and offer them a hand, a coupon for a free pizza, a baggie of cookies or fruit or another hand on their next trip out and about. They deserve it, and NEED it! AND....it is what Jesus would do.

This week has been awesome so far. I feel very loved, very much like I have a place in the world...what an awesome feeling!

Joe worked so very hard around my house this weekend--cutting 4 or 5 or 6 huge trees/limbs to open up the backyard so we can have a bonfire for Ren's 15th in 2 weeks. He's so amazing....throwing ropes up trees and just CLIMBING these HUGE trees, all with that chainsaw in-hand! WOW, I was very very impressed. Anymore than a chair-height off the floor and my hands start sweating! (Makes me think of the song by Josh Groben, 'You raise me up'....that sounds horribly scary! I dont want anyone raising me anywhere!) But anyhoo, he was amazing, and the yard looks sooo different and I am of course and as always very impressed.

Ren and Drew found out they are getting their braces on 10/9. Drew will have his for 18 months; Ren for 24-ish. I still vividly remember getting my braces---a nasty affair because the Dr. had hairy hands, and an adversion to gloves, so every time I had an adjustment, I got to feel my tongue on his hands. It was....well....not good. The reason, likely I want to throw up when I feel hair in my mouth. Ahh, good times!