Laundry, Laundry, Laundry

Ok so in the last week or so I have fallen behind in laundry. I have had 6 sick kids and 1 sick husband. During this time I have washed more sheets and comforters than I can count! So the other laundry got put on hold.

My laundry room now looks like this and I still have more upstairs. This is how it looks when the kids help bring it down. They aren't very good at sorting but they are great at throwing it over the banister and pushing it into the laundry room. Thanks for the help kids!!

If anyone would like to help I can be reached at........ right like anyone would call.

Can anyone find the cat????

Christmas Decorations

Here are some Christmas decorations around our house.

This is in the basement and usually is full of pictures but Brendyn instisted on the wreath being put up. He is very proud of it!

This is the tree downstairs. Miranda likes the lights around the tv so she did that part. The tree was to tall for that spot so we cut the top. We don't use tree toppers so.....

I think you all saw the snowmen stuff last year but I just really like them so I put them in again. The bowl holds hot chocolate, the snowmen stackers are for chili and the tin had popcorn in it but not for every long. They dont sit right there but its easier for pictures.

This is over our front door. We have to climb up to get up there and it is scary!!!! I plan to have wrapped presents under the tree soon. Great place so the kids can't get to them :) I also need a tree skirt.

This tree is in our computer/sitting rm. I got the train this year and it has been a hit. Thankfully the batteries have run down so it just sits for now. I like it because you can see it out our front window.

Here are all the new stocking the kids picked out this year. The raindeer is something Jims grandpa made for us right before he passed away. They mean a lot to us. The santa I got at a yard sale for $1! Very excited about that.

We also have a netivity scene outside that lights up but its to cold to go outside and windy ( Idon't know if it would even stand up right).... sorry. You can come drive by our house and see it and then stop in for some hot chocolate!

O Christmas Tree

The tree you are seeing below is from a house here in Columbia. They do it every year and have many viewers. Brendyn loves to go see this. I think he wants one also :)

Lost but Found

Sorry it has been so long but for some reason I couldn't get into my page. Now that I can I hope to be better with posts.

Thanksgiving was at our house this year. Grandma Perkins, Lauren, Mike, Des, Micheal, Mason, Sabrina, Dman and Nevaeh were all here. We had plenty of good food and the kids all got to play. Unfortunately after everyone left Joshua started throwing up. After that they started dropping like flies. The next 2 night I spend cleaning up vomit. Good times. I hope this is not how r winter is going to be. It is now Monday night and I think everyone is better. Marshall still has a low fever but is still much better. I am hoping to sleep all night.

We have started decortating for Christmas and I hope to get some pictures on here soon. But for now I really should be cleaning the house. Good night.

WOW has this summer gone by fast! I havent had time to blog anything we have done. So here is a quick update.

We have only gone camping a hand full of times because we have had several house guests.

Alyssa's summer has been rough due to poision ivy and illnesses. I hope winter is much easier for her!

Miranda is turning 17 in just a few days and can't wait. Some upsetting news for her is that her new birth certificate and ssn has never came. (she was adopted 3 years ago!) Now they are telling us it will be another 6 months before she gets it. So that means no drivers license, job and anything else "important" to a young adult. She also will be homeschooled again this year in hopes to graduate early. We are both looking forward to this year. I enjoy having Miranda at home!

Joshua is well.....crazy. There really isn't any other word to use. He has a had a great summer. He has gotten a baby kitten that he is learning to take care of. So far he is doing well with Smokey. He even came up with the name. We just have to remind him that he needs to be careful he's still a baby. Joshua has started new meds for his ADHD and they work really well. I also just give him the meds as needed. I really like that because he's not always drugged. Except at night we give him 2 sleeping pills. So far that is working and mom can get some sleep now.

Brendyn is sweet as ever. He has over taken our bedroom but we have slowly moved him back to his own room. His favorite part of summer would be camping and going to the zoo. We decided at the last minute to go the other week. It was hot but we had a great time. We got to take some friends with us so we had a packed van! 2 adults and 11 kids. (well 4 teens)

James is busy with work and glad the bikers have left so he can get more sleep. Playing in his band and hanging out with the family has also kept him busy. He is also ready for cooler weather so he can mow the grass again. :)

I have been busy with the kids, house, Sabrins's kids, and doing respite for other families. We have stayed so busy this summer but have also had a few days of rest. We also got a season pass to the pool in Centralia and go there about 3 times per week. I am so ready for FALL!

Well that is everyone. I hope everyone has had a great summer and I hope to write more soon.

Our New Puppies....and Cat

Junior and Maggie

So one day we took Miranda's friend home and she showed us her new puppies. She said they were trying to get ride of them but couldn't find anyone. So the kids wanted one and I said we could find them good homes. Well two is better than one because then they have a playmate. So off we were to try and find them homes. Well nothing yet but the kids are not as excited about taking care of them. They have to do everything! I want them to understand how much work they really are before I did all the work.

Then the other day we had a cat on our front porch. If you know me you know that I hate cats!!! But this cat you could tell hadn't been getting food. Even though I don't like cats I cant stand to see it starving. So we now feed it and it hangs around. It is an outside cat (but has tried to get in several times and has made it a few) and will stay that way. But it now has shelter, food and water and loves to be loved on by the kids. I think it was our neighbors and when they left they didn't take them. We have two cats that like to hang around our property.

First Swim

Friday was the first day at the pool. (Well the second but the first time we only got to swim for 15 min.) Sorry no pictures. Anyway, I put sunscrenn on all the kids including myself and we headed to the pool. We had a great time! We went with firends so all the kids had someone to play with and I had some adult conversation. We stayed for a little over 2 hours. As we were heading home I could feel my shoulder were hot but thought nothing about it. That night I was as red as a lobster and couldn't wear a top. I can't believe that I got so burnt. This is not the first ime. When I was in middle school (i think) I got so sunburned that I had huge blisters on my shoulder. That was my fear for this time. It never happened but I didn't sleep the first night at all because of the pain.

The next day Miranda babysat for a nurse and she said to use naxzima (the face cleaner) to take the sting out, at that point I would have tried anything. So on the was home we stopped and got some. To my suprise it helped. I got some sleep that night. I still can't wear a bra but today I did get to wear a shirt!

We are going swimming tomorrow and will let you all know how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed. Thankfully I was the only one who got burnt. The kids were just fine.

Up on the roof top...

Today I had another migraine and decided to take a little nap before dinner. Well James didn't get the message that was what I was doing and the boys had a little free time. James had come upstairs and saw Brendyns window open and he was really hot and red. So he asked the boys what they were doing. Joshua being the good brother said "Brendyn was on the roof." So James stuck his head out the window and got the toys from the roof. AGAIN we talked about how dangerous it was to be on the roof. Then as we were heading out to dinner we saw several toys on the ground and asked how they got there. Joshua said " we were throwing them out the window and they were making a big splash in the water!" So I said "its not safe to sit on the roof." Joshua replied "mom Brendyn was sitting on the roof, I was standing." It was funny because he felt like he had done nothing wrong because he was standing and not sitting. Tomorrow we are going to the store to buy something to keep that window shut.

Alyssa's Health

Well its been a while since I have written but we have been really busy!!

Alyssa still has her tubes due to the fact that she has been pretty sick. She got the stomach flu that turned into 2 trips to the hospital and eventually pneumonia. At the same time I was sick and in bed also. As I was getting ready for bed and she was just waking up from a nap, I realized she didn't look well at all. So I took her temp and she was running a fever of 105.4! So I called my mom and asked what all I needed to do because Motrin was not working. I put her in a cool bath and called a nurse to see what she recommended also. She told me to get her to the hospital immediately. So that's what we did.

I took her to MU. Well they were full and put us in the hallway with 4 other people to wait for a doctor. I explained what was going on and the did a quick once over and ordered a chest x-ray because she was complaining of tingling in her chest. They found nothing and basically told me I was over reacting and she just had a cold. So I again told them what was wrong with her and they said if she wasn't better in the morning take her to the family doctor. I left not very happy.

The next day after not eating for 6 days throwing up none stop and only going potty twice in 48 hours I decided to take her to another hospital. So we then headed to Boone. There we were seen by an old friend and i new she was in good hands. After all the information they just couldn't figure out what was wrong. Because she was having stomach pains they wanted to rule out appendicitis, so they ordered a CAT scan. While waiting for the results they put her on an iv. The end result was severally dehydrated and pneumonia. They said (in not so many words) that the other hospital should have caught this. So they gave her several meds and said if there was anymore problems to bring her right back and they would admit her. Since he was a friend I was ok with the plan. He even called two days later to make sure she was ok and see if she should come back. It took her several more days to totally bounce back but she is much better!!!

Then a week or so later she was covered head to toe with poison ivy!! Poor girl has had a rough month. We are hoping that next week she will get her tubes out and be healthy for awhile. Well other than having to see a stomach doctor due to some issues :)

New Post

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We have been so busy! I am not going back because so much has happened so we will just move forward.

Today we are taking the kids to see Shrek the 3rd. It is the first day of summer and we wanted to kick it off with something fun. Brendyn has been asking to see this movie for awhile now so he is really excited. I hope all is doing well and look forward to a great summer with the kids!

Alyssa's ear

Today we saw the doctor about Alyssa's ear. She didn't bust her ear drum, it just is infected really bad. He tube has gotten stuck trying to come out(this has happened before). We will try drops and if that doesn't work then she will have to have surgery to get it out and clean up her ear. We have been down this road before so we know what to expect. Lets just hope the drops work. On the other hand loving the sunshine!!!!

This week...

This week is going to be very busy for us. We have several doctor appointments and a trip to Springfield and Heather is turning 16.

Alyssa and Joshua go back to the doctor to talk about how the meds have been working or not working. Alyssa's sleeping meds work great! The ADHD meds made her tummy hurt all the time so she wont take them. I hope we can find something because even though her tummy hurts she does better with the meds. We are working on catching up on school, attitude, following directions, and putting others first(I know that can be a hard one for some adults).

Joshua's sleeping meds DON'T WORK!!! He is still up every night until 12 or 2. This makes for long days and nights for mom. The other meds seem to work for the most part but if we have plans in the evening the meds have worn off and it is hard for him to be calm. I know what some of you are thinking, more discipline or just spank them but that is not the problem or the solution. Spanking them just makes his anger issue that much worse. Joshua has been acting out a lot lately and we are hoping to get this under control before he gets worse. If you have any ideas we would love to hear them. Here is what we are working on.....
* using the toilet, not just going anywhere you want.
* lying is a big problem and the scary thing is he's good at it
* temper tantrums (I usually get hit, scratched and he also throws things)
* just plan listening and following directions. He will run out right in front of a car and see nothing wrong with it.
* going on the roof
* back talking

Brendyn is working on listening, following directions and communicating more. Brendyn acts like a 2-3 year old. He has to be watched at all times and gets into everything. Another scary thing is he still doesn't understand cause and effect. I hope we can learn that soon.

Miranda is doing well and getting ready to finish the 9th grade. Next year she will be home schooled and I think is getting used to the idea. Right now she is thinking about a summer job, turning 17 in August and enjoying hanging out with friends and having mom time.

Nobody ever tells you parenting would be this much fun! I love my kids and wouldn't trade them for anything. If you can't think of ways to help the best one is prayer!!!

This Thursday is Heathers birthday and we will be spending it in Springfield. Her caseworker needs her to do a short video for an adoption film. She doesn't know what it is for because with her special needs we don't want her to get upset if they don't find her a family to adopt her. Well I wouldn't want any child knowing because they have so much going on in their lives they don't need one more disappointment. This is not their fault! Teens are much harder to get adopted especially if they have special needs. We know God is in control but its hard to explain that to a child who wants a forever family. ( one of the down side of being a foster parent) So we are going to see my best friend Lori and her kids (hopefully Ryan also) and hang out for the day. We are looking forward to it. Heather can't wait for her birthday. She has been talking about it for months.

This weekend...

This weekend Miranda was in another school play. This one was called Peter Pan, it was a mixture of Peter Pan and Hook. (Two of the boys at school wrote the play) Miranda played one of the lost boys and had several lines. The little ones really enjoyed seeing their big sister on stage. She did a wonderful job. Unfortunately, it was a 3 hour play and by 9:30 I had a little one falling asleep (little Anthony) on my lap and Joshua could no longer sit still(surprised?!). We ended up leaving but got to see Miranda's part before we did. My camera is broken so I don't have pictures now but the school will have some at a later date.

This weekend I also got to keep my grandson Little Anthony. Again my camera is broken so no pictures. I enjoyed having him and getting to play with him. He did really well at the play (better than Joshua) and at one point saw Miranda and screamed really loud, it was cute and people laughed. Saturday night we went to rent movies and pizza (well we didn't rent the pizza) and on the way back it was pouring down rain. So I took all the stuff in first and went back outside (in the pouring rain!) to get little Anthony. Well he thought it was funny to go from one side of the car to the other and watch mema(that's me) get wet. He was laughing and had the biggest grin on his face! I finally got him out and was pretty wet by this point. Aren't kids fun?!?!

This weekend (Friday late afternoon) I was doing Alyssa's hair and noticed blood coming from her ear (and a really bad smell). So I asked her if she had put something in there or had been scratching it. She replied "I felt something in there and scratched it". So I got a cue tip (don't worry I didn't go in her ear) and cleaned up the blood. Well more kept coming out so I called the doctor and they got us right in. There was to much blood and blood clots they couldn't see all the way down but they believed she has busted her ear drum, again. Poor girl!! She has a very high pain tolerance and when it comes to her ears she usually will not tell us if they do hurt. So she is on meds and will see her EMT doctor Tuesday. I hope and pray that it is just that her tube got stuck again and caused an infection. She already has hearing lose in that ear and a busted ear drum would just make that worse. My kids have the worst luck with their ears, they get this from James (really they do, he had really bad ears to as a child and sometimes as an adult).

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your rainy weekend!

Painting Rooms Again

Joshua's room

Brendyn's wall (he was so proud of himself)

Brendyn's ceiling

Well this last week we had nothing planned. That is amazing for us. I was so excited and got things done around the house and enjoyed extra time with the kids. The little ones wanted me to repaint their rooms so Monday and Tuesday I painted Alyssa and Heather's room and Tuesday Joshua's room. (Pictures later after I get everything hung up) They picked the same colors they had already but different shades. So I told them this will have to last a while. I get tired of painting, but I am getting really good at it (and fast).

When I was all finished Tuesday evening Kelly invited us to play at McDonald's. So I asked Miranda to watch the kids while I took a quick shower. Miranda did and off we were to play. Well when we got home and I was putting the kids to bed I walk into Brendyn's room and there on his wall and ceiling is blue paint. Great job watching the kids Miranda! For some reason Brendyn feels his ceiling should be blue. He also painted a little line in Joshua's room. I know have one more room to paint (brendyn's) then I am going to paint the hallway. It needs it soo bad. I also need to paint the school room and Dining room. If you are in the area and would like to help please feel free to stop by!

My New Hair

Well, on Thursday I decided I wanted a hair cut. I had to return something to JC penny's and remembered they had a salon. So I went upstairs and made an appointment. The stylists name was, Tessa. I really liked her. I didn't know what I wanted so she talked me through some books and I showed her what I liked and she took it from there. This was the first time I let someone kind of pick my hair cut. Usually I say this is what I want, but this time I just let her do her thing. I like it and it is easy to care for and off my neck. I think I will really like it when it is about an inch longer but all in all I like it. I fell like such a grown up now.

Nature Center Trip

Miranda and Alyssa looking in the big fish tank.

Brendyn looking at a fish thing

My favorite animal, NOT

Great pictures boys :)

When we went to see the play we had a little time before so we went to the Nature Center. We went in the building to see all the cool new animals.

Grand babies

Duran at 7 months

Duran is such a happy baby. He is thinking about crawling. And suprise he loves his food.

Little Anthony at the play ground.

Nevaeh getting a bath in our sink.

Nevaeh

Naiona riding in the car.

I have had my grand kids off and on this month and have a few picture. So enjoy. I get little Anthony this weekend and I am looking forward to it. I still need new pictures of Kiera and Dman. They are the cuties grand kids in the world!!

Dentist

Again no pictures, but I wanted to tell you all anyway. Alyssa and Joshua had a dentist appointment this week and did awesome. Alyssa is cavity free!! Way to go Alyssa! Joshua on the other hand has 3. I knew he did and that's why we had the appointment. We can brush his teeth 10times a day and he still would have had them. The dentist said his back teeth looked great (those are the teeth I do). He is so sensitive that he always ends up crying which makes brushing your teeth that much more fun.

I was really impressed because Joshua let them look and clean his teeth this time. He is really growing up. They got new tooth brushes, toothpaste, floss and a toy. It was a great day at the dentist. So afterwards we went for icecream :)
Brendyn has an appointment next month so hopefully I can remember to take pictures.

Annie

This weekend we got to go see our cousin, Jazz, in a school play called Annie. This is one of my favorite movies. She played Sandy, the dog. Jazz did a wonderful job and it was a great play. They all did a wonderful job and I look forward to the next play.

The kids even sat still through the entire play. Alyssa and Joshua sat on the floor so they could see better and Brendyn sat with us. Heather also did a good job and didn't talk during the play. That is pretty amazing because I know being quiet is very hard for her. Way to go kids.

Joshua's Trip to Jeff City

Over the weekend (April 9-10) my sister Rebecca and my parents took Joshua for some special one on one time. This is the first time he has been down there by himself. He spent both nights with papa and nana and spent time on Saturday and Sunday afternoon with my sister, Rebecca and her family. Joshua enjoyed playing with Uncle John and his cousin Ross. I think his favorite time was at my parents house. Just because he got everything to himself, something he doesn't get at home. He played in the play room and out in the play house that we used to play in as kids. I can still remember watching my dad put the house together. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of that weekend. Joshua still talks about it and liked how Max, the dog, slept by his door to keep him safe.

Alyssa was supposed to go down also but at the last minute changed her mind. She had become a very big mommies girl lately. I think now she wished she had gone. Thanks for taking Joshua and letting him have that one on one time, I know he enjoyed. We enjoyed the little break as well.

Autism Conference

April 8-10 we were at an Autism Conference. We learned lots and I have started some of the things we learned. We have started the token system and I now know how to do it the right way, which helps. Alyssa understands it, Joshua is getting it and Brendyn has no clue. But that's ok because we are working on it. We also learned how to help him communicate and interact with others. He is really good at drawing and if he can't verbally tell me he will draw it. It's really cute. Plus we are working with the communicative devise he has. I have more trouble with it then he does. Brendyn has a friend named Paul, and he is going to help us this summer with getting Brendyn to act age appropriate, like notice he is there and wanting to play with him. I think all men have problems with this. It's called ignoring on purpose.

We also have Brendyn working with a nutritionist. He has very poor eating habits and they need to be fixed. I understand its my fault but when your child cam out last you on the waiting game, you usually will cave in if its food. They must eat and drink and they know that. We are starting this summer because we will be more flexible and he might be more relaxed. I guess we will see. She comes Friday to make a plan. I just pray that I can be strong and help him through it.

I would also like to thank Amy(our foster daughter) for helping out with the kids!! YOUR THE BEST! Amy took care of the kids all day Thursday and Friday and had Heather all weekend so I could go see James play. Plus Joshua was a hand full Thursday so thanks for letting him come back on Friday :) Thanks again!

Another Show

The bass player. He is the baby of the group. He hasn't hit his Mid Life Crisis yet but he rocks on the bass.

My rock star!!!!!!

On April 10th the boys had another show. They played in Booneville and rocked the place! There was 3 bands and they were voted the favorite and got asked to do two other show at other places. They guys are having a really fun time and us ladies are enjoying the shows and getting some grown up time. I only got a few pictures but hopefully I can get some from our friends that went to the show. I only got two :( My friends Jennifer and Kelly got some really good ones so I will post those later. Thanks everyone who came out and supported the band!!

My friends Kelly came to the show and during a song was hit in the mouth by a mosh pit (?). I saw her go to the bathroom so I followed. She had bit into her lip and there was blood everywhere. Sorry Kelly :( Even after that we still had a great time.

Play Time

Looking for rocks to throw in the water. Their favorite thing to do!

Still looking. Joshua is also getting ready to jump from rock to rock. He ends up in the water :)

Great picture :) Someone was waling by and asked if she could take a picture for us. I thought that was really nice.

So cute. My three little ones. Now we are just missing the teens.

They are getting so big. I hate this ride but they love it. I usually have to force them off it.

Brendyn doing one of his favorites, climbing.

Ok because I am sooo far behind on my blogs I have decided to just put all of our play pictures on one. We have been to the park several times and play outside daily. The kids are having so much fun. Even Brendyn will go out and play for little bits at a time. Its so cute to see them all playing nicely together.

Happy 10th Anniversary!!!

Alyssa took this picture at Stephens Lake.

At the park. James dosent like this picture because he says he's going bald. I love this picture!WOW its been ten years with James! Who would have thought?? I can't imagine being married to anyone else. He is a wonderful husband!! James is so sweet, caring and really good at being patient with me :) (about money) I don't think there is another man in this world who could do that, its a full time job. So here is to another wonderful 10 years! I LOVE YOU JAMES.

For this year we decided to (again not do gifts) go to a really nice dinner at a winery. Well that never happened. We couldn't find someone to help with the kids. So we just did a mine date and hopefully will get to do the big romantic date another day.

I was going to do old pictures of us but the computer wouldn't work with me, to bad.

My birthday

April 1st was my Birthday and I turned 31! I can't believe I'm this old. We decided to go camping this weekend so when James got home, from a out of town training, we were packed and ready to go. We went to Finger Lakes in Columbia because James still had to work, but we also like this campground. We set up camp and the just watched the kids play. That evening we went to Steak n Shake for my Birthday dinner. I really enjoy this place and the kids got to have chocolate shakes, one of their favorites also.

For my Birthday weekend we also had some visitors. Brianna who is Miranda's best friend and Sabrina's three little ones. It was a full camper and tent! We did get a compliment at the restaurant for how good the kids were, so that made me feel good.

For my Birthday I got a picture frame with my kids in it that Miranda and Brianna put together. They are black and white pictures and very cute. Thanks girls!! James and I decided not to do gifts this year for each other. We got our basement finished and he got a man cave. All in all it was a very busy but good birthday.

To much excitment

So the last couple of days have been filed with excitement I guess you can say. On Sunday evening Brendyn wanted to take a bath on his own! I was upstairs cleaning when I hear the kids downstairs yelling "there are bubbles coming from the toilet"! So I went downstairs to investigate. Sure enough bubbles where everywhere! So Miranda, Bre (mirandas friend) tried to figure out what had happened. Then it hit me, Brendyn was taking a bath upstairs. So I ran upstairs and as I walked in the bathroom all I could see were bubbles and Brendyn covered in them. He said (with a big smile on his face) "sorry mommy". I'm not sure I believe him. It took forever to get all the bubbles to go away in both bathrooms. I would have taken a picture but was trying hard to stop the bubbles from flooding the floor and on to the carpet.

The next day Joshua decided to call 911 and of course it was the Sheriff's Dept that had to respond. Thankfully they know us so they just called to see how everything was going at the house. Then Joshua decided to potty on his sisters floor instead of using the bathroom! At this point I am ready for a nap and it is only 11:30 (we got up around 9)and I have stuff to get done today.

Today was ok but Joshua was terrible!! He doesn't listen to anything I say and he mouths back. We are working on this but it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I hope the boy can make it to 6. With that being said Joshua has made yet another mess that I must go clean. He should be in bed but is refusing to do so. I hope you all have a great night.

A Trip to the Park

It was so nice out today so we decided to go to the park. James had yesterday off so he got to enjoy in the fun too. The first place we went to had about .5 inches of water in it. When we walked on it all our shoes were soaking wet. At that point I decided we needed to try a different park. We found another one that was totally dry and had a great time.
Brendyn sliding down this thing. Not sure what it is but they all loved it.

Miranda pushing daddy on the tire swing and James trying not to throw up!

How sweet! :) I had another great picture but James said he looked to bald. So I didn't use that one.

Daddy pushing them as fast as he could. That was entertaining.

Joshua playing and getting ready for the rain. He got a matching coat, hat, and rain boots and has been very eager to use them.

I am surprised I got one with them all together. I had maybe 1 min to get it. I love taking group pictures.


We are sooo ready for the nice weather to come and STAY!! But until then we will put on our coats and be happy for a dry playground to use.

Alyssa's New Hair Cut

Alyssa has wanted her hair cut for a while now, but I was nervous she wouldn't like it so I made her wait. Well today was the day. She went in told the lady what she wanted and did it. She doesn't get this from her mother. I am so crazy about my hair. I found a really cute short style but I know I will never do it. Alyssa just went in there and did it. I was so proud. She really likes it and it should be easy for her to take care of, which I love. These aren't very good pictures but her hair really does look cute!!

Respite Care

We have some good friends names Susie and Ron. They have a 11 year old boy that they were needing sometime away from (like all parents need at times) so we said we could help them out. Plus we are the only people who will take him. He is a very demanding child. He has been here about 3 days and so far has...
1. Put a hole in my wall
2. Put a hole in the inside of my car
3. Put bruises on me
4. Has had several tantrums (one that James has been dealing with has been going on for 3.5 hrs now)
5. Hit and kicked Miranda ( Don't worry Miranda can hold her own, she hit him back)
6. Tried to break a window and jump out (3rd floor)
7. While driving unbuckled and opened car door saying he was going to jump
8. Has tried to hit James with objects

So we have called the casework and said he must go. They are now calling a kids hospital to take him. The reason I tell you all this is because he needs prayer and so does the family taking care of him. They have had him for 4 years now (plus his sister, which we have also watched and is just like him) and love him but don't know if they can continue. The two of them together is a LOT to deal with. They also have other kids in the home to think about. I know to some of you the decision seems easy but when you have cared for and loved a child like they were your own it is harder than you think. You feel as you have failed them some how and wonder is this the right decision?

I know all children can be annoying at times... yes I said it and yes you have thought it too! But to see this child hurting this way is heart breaking. I feel at times that the system has failed these children. I look at my kids and I can't imagine putting that much pain on them.
In working with children from DFS, I know with some they will never change. It makes me very sad to think a parent has done this to their own child. The children deserve better!! Again please pray for this family. Thank you!

New Blog!!

I think I have figured out how to change things on my blog! I have spent about 2 hours on it but I am really happy with it. So I hope you all enjoy it. Have a great night.

A little time alone

I am glad that the weather is getting better. The snow is almost gone and I can feel Spring in the air. Brendyn wanted to have pizza hut for lunch today so we decided that was a good idea. I had a rough morning and could use some special time with the family. While we were eating grandma Lauren and Aunt Justine came in to eat with us. After we finished they asked if they could take the kids to the park and I said sure. I would have been crazy not to :) So i decided to go home and clean....that's right I am alone at the house and decided to clean. Good times. Well I better get going and start. The quietness won't last long.

SNOW???

Well here is what the Perkins Family has been doing the past couple of days.
Today we woke up to see.....snow? What is that all about? It is 8:00 pm and still snowing! Isn't today the first day of Spring?! We were going to meet friends at the park today but decided against it. So instead we meet up with them at McDonald's for some play time and then headed to their house for more fun. We got this cute picture of them while we were at McDonald's. It is Joshua, Kiera, Brendyn, Alyssa and Isaiah.

On Thursday we decided to go to the Columbia Library. We don't go often because they aren't kid friendly in my opinion. We love our library! They are the best and they know us well. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Alyssa cooking breakfast, I think.

Brendyn reading a dinosaur book..surprised?

I have had Nevaeh for a week now and I think she enjoyed the library. She really liked putting the puzzles together. She also liked having me chase her all over the library.

Here is Joshua listening to a book on tape and watching it on TV.

They also enjoyed playing on the computers and learning about animals and letters. They are getting so good at working with the computers. I still have problems!

Friday we played outside and the kids played in the camper. The weather change was not nice. My kids were so excited about the nice weather (and so was I) and weren't the happiest when they woke up to snow this morning. They want to go camping soo bad (as do I). They also got to jump on the trampoline yesterday and asked today if they could push all the snow off of it and jump. They can be so cute at times. I hope everyone survives this weather and remember this to shall pass, and hopefully soon.

The attack of the pen

So a few nights ago I put all the kids to bed and begin cleaning the house (so much fun). About 30min later Joshua comes down the stairs looking like this! I ask him what happened. He said "Alyssa did it". I said, "why did she do that and why would you let her"? He said, "I don't know". So I began to clean his face. While I was doing that I said "I'm going to have a little talk with Alyssa". He said" well shes asleep and you can;t wake her up". At that point I wondered what was going on so I had Alan go check on Alyssa. Sure enough she was sound asleep.

We have been having problems with Joshua lying and he is really good at it. So while I finished cleaning his face we talked about what really happened. He finally said, "I did it". But he didn't know why. Then we had to have the talk, again about telling the truth. I'm not sure how many times we are going to have this conversation but it is getting old. At least it was his face this time and not my walls. You always have to look at the positive side. :)


SCARY!!

Such a cute face! It was a nice try to get out of trouble.