Prayers Answered for A's teeth

Today was dentist day. Got there at 8:30 and they didn't have the correct medicine to make her dopey so we waited about 30 minutes. About 20 minutes after swallowing it, she began to entertain everyone in the office. Good grief, this isn't going to work. Well, it did, even better than I thought. With a little princess nose (laughing gas) and the affects of the oral med, she stayed awake, was comfortable and did awesome. 2 crowns, 2 filings, and 2 new front teeth. She is now the bionic woman. I'd like to take my rotten kids & show them pics of the procedure(but I didn't take any) to prove the importance of a healthy diet and teeth brushing. My stomach turned several times while sitting there with her. My mind kept going, I think I can, I think I can. After all, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. She got a little weepy after an hour and we held hands. She is amazing. Dr. Bell was terrific. Any dentist who offers medicaid in the "bubble" is a true healing hand of God.
Called Super Buddy on our way home to prepare him to carry her in, she was so sleepy. She took a 15 minute nap and didn't stop moving or smiling for the rest of the day. Now, I've never even had a teensy amount of dental work that she has had, but i can't imagine being a trooper like that.
Case Manager made a stop by the house to check on A. We are in the kitchen talking and I'm noticing what looks like mouse droppings by the stove top. Crap, I mean, good grief, chocolate sprinkles from when Madeline & Todd baked cookies. I casually starting wiping the counters in the kitchen. Last time we had a visit we were without running water, and now mouse droppings, just delicious.
Can't help but think of my brother as Lucas is upstairs jamming to Eye of the Tiger. Thanks Uncle Chris for the cd of the favs. Back in Black is so great to wake up to on Saturday mornings.

Thank you for all the prayers for A. I know that this day would not have gone so beautifully without them. Her shiny white teeth in front and her shiny silver teeth in back, are a powerful reminder of so many things. Neglect comes in all forms, parenting is hard work, and everyday I have so much to be thankful for, especially good teeth!

The Mascara

Where has the week gone to? It is already Thursday and I still haven't watched Private Practice from last week. I shutter to think about how many days to Christmas.
Backing up to Wednesday. A made a breakthru today. She was reading books in her room while I went to get dressed. When I came out she wasn't there. Where are you, A? I am not in here, she responds. Well, I am aware of that, i think. I make my way upstairs and find her behind the door in Madeline's room, with black mascara all around one eye. Ok, so do I laugh or scold? I chose the light scold route. She handled it well. But, truth be known, it was funny. Better than that I believe it was a sign of her being comfortable in our house. Or maybe its just the naughty Stanfields rubbing off on it, because i am well aware that the naughty list weighs a little heavy in this house. I'd also rather have a little naughty than abnormal good behavior all the time.
I had a meeting at school about the possibility of A getting screened for the PPCD program. Mrs. Clark, Camille's teacher watched Camille & A. The highlight of Mrs. Clark's afternoon was being called Mrs. Claus!
Camille discovered the joy of visiting the counselor's office. I'd asked the school counselor to check on her for me. Camille is now ready to go back weekly. Did I mention the sack of prizes she came home with? Hey, whatever it takes to feel special.
The blessing of Wednesday always ends with Madeline going to her home group from church. The George's open up their home for an absolutey fabulous group of girls with such a strong conviction for the Lord. And, yes, they do have a great time. I am very thankful for the group of friends that Madeline has. I always look forward to when they come here. Thank you, God for Madeline & her friends.

P Cup

There's something about vanity just flushing away as I was back at Pedi Place with A today holding a cup to catch her tinkles. The even more ironic thing was when the nurse kept us waiting even longer because she had to go get gloves before she touched the cup. I won't go into details about what all I had to touch or get sprayed with while having no gloves. I've never even done that for my own kids. The only other pee cup story I have is when my bestest Texas backyard gal was about 9 months pregnant or so it seemed & I had to help her with the ole pee cup. What fond memories. I do miss Christie.
It was only an 1 1/2 visit today so hey, that's half as fast as last time. Can't wait to see how long it takes to read a tb test on Thursday.
Driving home and get a call from case manager, A's bio mom won't be at the visit because she doesn't have enough money for gas. My first instinct is how can I get the money to her. Then my sensible real-self kicks in and I feel like kicking her. Its just so hard to fathom not walking a 100 miles to see my kids if that's what I had to do. I'd better leave it at that because I'm not feeling very nice about this subject.
I figured out how to keep Camille in a short haircut. I snipped away on the back of her hair and left the front looking exactly the same. She is absolutely adorable with short hair. My plan was going so smoothly and I just grinned when she looked in the mirror and said it wasn't any shorter. The plan was spoiled at breakfast today when Todd told her how nice her haircut looked. She looked at me then ran her fingers thru the back of her hair. My plan didn't last long.

Please remember to keep the prayers going for A as she has her dental work on Thursday and won't be able to eat breakfast before she goes. The big dread factor gets stronger every day.

Nina, Buddy, and Big Hair

I think that everyone should "rent a just turn 4 year old" for the Christmas season. It is such a delight to witness everything thru A's eyes. We drive thru the neighborhood and I swear, she knows every blowup Christmas decoration and laughs as we pass them by. Tonight we went to the middle school holiday concert for those that take voice lessons. Madeline sang a beautiful solo. Can't tell you the name of the song, something French, but she did awesome. A sat there for an hour just looking at me and smiling with each song. She loves it all.
I had a couple of mild panics over the weekend. One at the Dallas Christmas parade and the other at The Village Church on Sunday. Similar crowds at both, well close. I got to thinking what if I lose this child. She does know her first and last name but who's she going to ask for,"Nina, Buddy, and Big Hair." Geez, even her coat has my niece's name written in it. We stuck one of Buddy's business cards in her pocket and I have begun working on teaching her my name. Its those little things that pop up that I realize what a responsibility I have.
A went to bed so I tried to snap a pic a the Stanfield kids for a Christmas card. Why is something that is suppose to be so merry and bright turn so dark and nasty so quickly. Makes me want to cuss and do bodily. But, since getting our foster care license, I've given up both. Put an email out to Pixie Dust Photography Queen and she'll come save the day on Thursday. Don't know why my kids think she's so fun. Just kiddin.
Prayers today for God's healing hand on all the people who are sick, suffering, or need to be reminded to place all worries in Him who loves us. Thank you God for this day and the thrill I'm receiving from watching our own angel A love all the reasons for this season of Christmas.

Spoiled

We survived the 2nd annual Christmas parade trip. Kids got home from school on Friday and we head downtown Dallas. First stop was dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. A's eyes get so big & excited seeing new things. She was particularly fond of the stage and had no shyness about stepping onto it and doing a little dance. We did encounter our 1st person who showed a sign of ignorance when the waitress asked,"Do they all belong to you?" Of course, I said. I failed to go into the fact that I had actually hatched 3 of them and signed papers for the 4th. But, yes, at this time, they are all mine. Lucas again proved to be my cutie boy when I broke out to the ABBA song "Dancing Queen". He just looks at me and grins like I am so wonderful while I'm sure Madeline wanted to crawl under the table. Its nice to have someone who appreciates my fine talents. The trip to the hotel brought the first ride in an elevator for A. I'm sure she now will add in the fight to get to push the button for the elevator first. The outing reminded me of the things we take for granted. My "hatched" kiddos think nothing of elevators, or cool sliding doors to the mode bathroom. The tv that can turn towards the bed or to the living area. When we first entered the room, A looked at me and said, "I want to go home." I assured her we were going to have a great time. We did have a great time as we broke out the new board game even if M, L, and C were in hyper mode. A found a safe place in snuggling close to Buddy. When it came time for sleep M,L, and C reminded me of Goldilocks as they fought for the best spots. A snuggled into her sleeping bag on top of the sofa pillow, stuck her pacie in, and didn't make a peep until 8 the next morning. Lucas complained about his spot not being soft enought. Camille tried sleeping on the cushioned bench but it wasn't right. I forced Madeline to share the pull-out sofa bed which she did so willingly (ha). Next thing I know, Camille is in bed with us. What a miserable night. I felt like a kangaroo with an evil joey stuck in my pouch kicking and karate chopping me all night. I did decide it would be a long time before I asked Madeline to share a bed with the karate kid again. The next day everyone complained about their night of sleep, everyone that is except A. What happened to the days of kids sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor? When did sleepovers become sleeping in extra beds? Spoiled.
Super Todd trekked out of the room about 7 with Lucas & Camille in tow. They secured us our seats for the parade. It was just darling watching A clap, wave and dance as all the characters and bands went by. The weather couldn't have been more perfect.
Tried to go ice skating at the Plaza of the Americas but private lessons were going on. It didn't matter to A, who was just as interested in going up and down the escalator. So many new experiences.
Lunch at the All Good Cafe, can't beat the pancakes. Madeline discovered the joy of chicken fried steak. A had to go the bathroom and I am not a fan of public restrooms. At least with Camille I can stand outside the door and not have to see how many germs she is coming into contact with. I pleaded with Madeline to take A. I even offered $5. She turned me down flat, stating she was babysitting tonight so she'd make money then. Spoiled. Then sweet Camille said she would. Of course she followed that with she'd do it for $50. Nice try. I bucked up and did it.
Returned home, exhausted. Spent Friday getting us ready to go, now have to get us unpacked. Some more memories to add and I guess its definitely a family tradition now. The Stanfield's annual Christmas parade getaway. Spoiled.

Bubbles

Today I was once again reminded of what a little "bubble world" I live in. It was the day to take A for her well check. No one in bubble world takes Medicare so we went to Pedi Place in Lewisville. I've been to Tuesday Morning, Hancock Fabric, and 2 consignment stores, but never ventured an additional block off the main drag. It was entering a different world. The place is divided into the well child side and the sick child side with different entryways for each. While we sat waiting, there were 4 other families that entered, none of which spoke the same language, and Spanish was the only one I was even familiar with. My eyes drifted to peoples shoes because I believe you can tell so much from looking at them. One sweet boy had on tennis shoes with toes getting ready to pop thru. Another mom had shoes that were at least 2 sizes too small. I fluctuate between wanting to put on a sign that says I do not belong here to feeling like what else should I be doing to help. We were there for 3 hours. I decided not to write about my experience during those 3 hours until tonight because maybe i would be less snide. The main thing I think is, how could I have a job and still be able to spend half my day there? Absolutely insane. Probably more insane is the fact that I remained so appreciative and kind while I was there. Not to mention that A was her usually angel self the whole time. I do know that if I'd been at a doctor appointment with Mad, Lucas, or Camille & had to wait that long, it wouldn't have happened. The humble effect kicks in when you are so appreciative for this service that a child you have fallen in love with is able to get care at a clean, fun, clinic for free. Thank you to all you tax payers!
Shots didn't go over to well but she bucked up when she had to. We were preparing to leave & had to go out the sick child exit. I opened the door and it was almost like peering into a picture of a refugee camp. There were at least 8 children under age 5 sitting on the floor with their parents in seats behind them. I quickly shut the door and told A that she had to stop crying so that she wouldn't scare all the little children in the waiting room. She sucked up her sniffles, painted on a smile, and off we went. She is something else.
Another amazing thing is, I can't remember ever being complimented on my mommy skills during any of the doctor visits with Madeline, Lucas, or Camille. I think the doc today must have told me at least 3 times what a good job I am doing. I wanted to say, well duh, isn't this what I'm suppose to do? And the sad thing is that, yes, its what mommies & daddies are suppose to do. So why doesn't the job get done? Stinkin' world. Can't we reach out and help more people.
A was rewarded with a trip to the dollar store after being so brave. And lo and behold, what did she pick out, bubbles. Perfect way to end our experience to "the other side" by coming back home and buying bubbles. And I must add that it was sheer delight getting to experience her first bubble blowing, sitting in the front yard with the sun against my back as we blew bubbles and giggled together. Thank you God for all kinds of bubbles.

No Running Water

Sometimes a day without running water can be a blessing, a reminder of something we normally take for granted. I guess I could use it as my fasting for church, but I guess that doesn't truly put me in the right frame of mind that it should be. So, no running water today isn't a blessing, its a huge pain. Especially since I had about 10 loads of laundry all lined up for the day. And of course today was when the case manager came to check on us. No running water at the Stanfields. Yes, Todd, I did check to make sure I'd paid the bill. Turns out the whole street is without. I think I must wash my hands about 50 times a day. I didn't miss the laundry one bit. Enjoyed gluing, cutting, painting, and play dough with A. My favorite things to do. Even better day for the case manager to be here as A trips on a basket in the kitchen and now has a bruise on her cheek. At least i have my witness.
I am once again reminded of what a crummy world this is as I got two calls this afternoon to take in other children. My heart breaks that I can't do it, but my practical side knows I can't. First, it would be very hard on A to have to share "her" room. Second, I don't know how I could find the energy to do it. The documents and doctor visits are very time consuming right now. Please pray for all children who are needing homes to stay in. If anyone close by wants to be a back up babysitter sitter for us by filling out some docs, taking first aid/cpr, and a behavior management class(couple of hours), let me know. All is calm right now as all 3 girls are playing. Lucas is taking up court with the neighborhood boys in the driveway. Now, if we could just have running water.