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.