Da Kids Week

I would say success is when all the kids you're watching are bathed, fed and on the school bus without any melt downs or loss of limbs. I know that's how I felt this morning because this morning started the 7 day stretch of mornings of respite care, and I guess if there was any morning to worry about it should have been this one. But, I guess there always is the surprise factor. :)
I didn't sleep well last night for 2 reasons. 1: The morbidly obese cat at the house pounced (well more like flopped) on the bed at 2 am, making me literally jump out of my covers in attack mode. 2: I was so scared that the kids were going to be late or maybe I had forgotten to do something the night before that I woke up every 2-3 hours. Well the alarm went off at 615 and as usual I laid in bed for 15 minutes until I had to get K up to start her day. She hates that mornings, so it's slow moving. The boys trotted out before 7, so I was grateful for that. We ate, got dressed and even had a little time to play before the bus came. I would say that's a great feat, well at least for me. The start to, what I hope is, an ability to take other kids in.
So, today I feel successful, and I guess we will see how that goes come supper time tonight. Hopefully the same thing is true!
PS: stay tuned for some Kiddo convos, I plan on having some at the end of the week... they're already reeling in the hilarity.

Kiddo Convo (3)

I'm not sure what I expect when I spend time with the kids in Columbia, but I know it's hardly ever what happens. These are some thing from this week and last week. The next one I do will probably be all magic because I will be spending an entire week with them while their parents are on a little vacation. That's 24/7 for one week! I can only imagine the surprises that will be in store for me. Until then, enjoy what has transpired from the last 2 weeks of adventure!

While getting ready to eat supper:
Me: And some green beans for you.
Don: Uh no thanks.
Me: Not an option, sorry.
Don: Well this isn't fair.
Me: I know, I know.
Don: Kelso seriously I can't eat this I'm not a herbivore.
Me: (laughing inside) Good use of a large word, but you still have to eat it.
Don: What if I said I was a carnivore? (then explains what the word mean)
Me: I'm glad you've been looking those words up, but the green beans still stand.
Don: Man...

Another time out:
Reg: I'll just explain what I did, and why I am sitting here.
Me: Why? It's not going to get you out of time out.
Reg: But you always ask why I was here when I'm about to get up.
Me: Yes, but that's when your time is up.
Reg: Well we could just skip the time and call it even.

Later on that night at supper:
Reg: Thank you God for all this food and people and the sky and the grass...
Me: (chuckling because when he prays it's usually about 5 minutes and all the kids have started eating by then)
Reg: Oh and before I'm done thank you for Kelso, even if she puts us in time out and doesn't understand.

While standing in the drive way with my crocheting hook in my mouth:
Reg: Kelso! We do not smoke!
Me: (laughing) Well I'm not.
Reg: Then what's that?
Me: It's my crocheting hook.
Reg: Likely story.

Before I was about to leave last night:
Ken: Kelso I don't want you to go, just stay here a little longer.
Me: I have a meeting. I have to go.
Ken: But I don't want you to. Just stay and we can talk.
Me: (feeling loved by her sweetness) Well you will see me all next week, everyday all day.
Ken: Well in that case then... never mind.

Kiddo Convo (2)

I haven't been with my Columbia kiddos in a while, but I will get to see them tonight. However, I got to spend some time with the Carson kiddos last night, and as usual they did not disappoint with their comments. I brought them Christmas presents because in the upcoming weeks it's going to be a little hard to see each other. These are some of my favorite quotes.

Me: Well I'm going to go.
Micah: No! Why?
Me: Well you have to get ready for bed and brush your teeth, and I have to go home and do the same.
Micah: But, I wanted you to use my toothpaste.
(this is the first time I have ever gotten this request, so I thought it was funny. But, like any good friend does, and yes this little guy is my friend, I said:)
Me: Well... next time I'll bring over my tooth brush, and I'll use your toothpaste.
Micah: Yeah then we can have a teeth brushing party.


Sometimes I'm a little confused by Avery's convos because communication can be difficult still, but this is what happened, and I thought it was hilarious:
 Avery: Hear that?
Me: What is it?
Avery: Daddy loud, I'm going to spway him.
Me: Spray his with what...
Avery: (runs to the top of the stairs mumbles something then laughs)
Me:  (laughing) did you spray him.
Avery: uh huh (laughs)


As I walked in the door to the kitchen:
Micah: Uh... are those presents?
Me: Yes.
Micah: For us?
Me: Yes.
Micah: Can I have them now?
Me: You have to wait for a moment.
Micah: But Kelso I'm so excited inside I can't wait.
Me: Well you have to wait for your dad to comeup.
Micah: ok... I'll wait. (maybe 10 seconds later) Kelso, now?
Me: Be patient.
Micah: (frowns) You've told me that before, and I don't like it. I just don't think you understand. 

Nathan S.

This is Nathaniel, he goes by Nathan. He's 13, and he is very eager to meet a forever family that is willing to adopt him. Nathan, at first, can seem shy and a little bashful, but he opens up quickly. Once Nathan has opened up he is very talkative. Nathan, like any 13-year-old, is very energetic, loves sports and video games. Nathan really enjoys one-on-one time, taking and intreating. Nathan currently has no pending family for adoption.  If you are interested in learning more about Nathan or others like him please visit moheartgallery.org or email moheartgallery@adoptex.org. 

Information from Missouri Heart Gallery

Photo by Jessica Lamb-Rosa

Yes

The mom I want to be, but really the mom I'm probably going to be! My mom said a great truth about this: "Yeah, you always have this great idea in your mind then the kids derail it." 

Jeff City Adventures

What does a girl have to do to get some Indian food in Jeff City? That's all I wanted last night when I got off work. I had been craving it for a while, but I had suppressed the desire because I know cooking it would mean stinking up the house, and I'm pretty sure the family I live with wouldn't really appreciate it. But, yesterday they left, and I knew they would be gone for a few days. Perfect timing, I thought! So, when I got off work a little early, and I didn't have to babysit, I knew all signs pointed to go!
I went to Walmart to buy some necessary things that you need to have the proper Indian meal: parathas, these kind of look like tortillas but different, some needed spices and of course Indian style rice. Well, I struck out there, so I went to Hyvee. No luck. Same for Schnucks. I got desprate, pulled out the trusty Iphone and googled "international food store." An answer to my Indian food dilemma! There was one on the other side of town!
So I was off in Gladys, my trusty minivan, to find this international food store. I hit Jeff City rush hour but nothing would stop me from getting my goods. Nothing, except for the food store no longer being in existence! I was a defeated. My hunt had failed, so like any good book worm does, I went to a used book store to sooth my broken heart. However, on my way to the store, out of the corner of my eye, right next to the Little Ceasers and 60's Love (which reecked of... well I bet you can just guess) I saw a little place called Taste of India. Oh yes, this was it! I didn't stop though, I went to Nancy's Trade a Book and then even to Hastings.
See, I didn't stop because I have a small fear of eating in places alone. Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's a fear I have. I'm not really sure when it developed or why, but it's there. When I moved to Jeff City I vowed to work through it. At one time I wouldn't even go to fast food places alone. But, I can now go into places like Chipoltle or Taco Bell and eat all by myself, like a 22-year-old should be able to do.

I had never ventured out to the sit-down-serve-you type places and that's just what Taste of India was. After my Hastings visit, it had been decided, I was going to go and do it alone! I drove, parked and got out of the car. As I walked to the door my mouth went dry when I saw there was NO ONE else eating in the restaurant. (side note, this may scare some people, but if you are not familiar with Indian places their busiest time of day is lunch because they have a buffet and it's a little cheaper. It doesn't mean the foods bad) I got to the door, and I almost turned around to go back to the van. There was a carry out number on their sign, and I thought about chickening out and doing it. No, I was going to be brave. I went in and of course the waiter, who's name was Joshua and we had a good conversation, asked if I would be the only one dinning. He sat me in a booth and took my order. I got my food, and I ate alone.
Now, because I'm a white girl in an Indian restaurant. when I begin to eat with my hands it draws attention. But, my Indian friends in college taught me well, and they made me promise to the rule, when you eat Indian food you must eat with your hands because it tastes better, plus it's cultural. So, I kept the pact. The ladies that worked at the restaurant were, what I would call, gawking at me. I think I must have gotten stage fright because suddenly I was no longer hungry, but I finished what I had put on my plate. I asked for a to go box, paid and then had a lovely conversation with the lady at the register. By the time I made it home I was hungry again, so I finished my leftovers at home. I'm still counting it though! I was there for 25 minutes, and I actually ate alone.

My next step is to eat somewhere like Olive Garden. It still makes my mouth dry to think about that, but I'm working on it. You never know, I may just work up to going to the movies alone...Yeah, I agree, probably not!

Ash V.

This is Ash! He's 12. Ash is very eager to meet an adoptive family, and he wants family that he can consider his friends, too. Ash enjoys skate boarding, bike rides and garage and yard sales, that's my kind of kid! He has a very captivating personality, and he has a very relaxed demeanor. Ash says that he wants a family who loves him for him. He currently has no pending family for adoption. If you are interested in getting more information about Ash or other children like him visit moheartgallery.org or email at moheartgallery@adoptex.org

Information from Missouri Heart Gallery

Photo by Ed Vaughn