I don’t remember how I wound up on this website, but a few weeks ago I stumbled across a website for Every Child Matters. Every Child Matters is a bi-partisan group trying to get political reform for kids. Since we are in an election year, the “theme” is “I’m Voting for Kids.” The website is extensive in the information that it offers and can make you think twice about what your state is doing for children.

I ordered a promotional packet that had great information in it and things that I will certainly... more

I participate on a weight loss website called Sparkpeople. One of the people I have “met” on the site goes by the screen name of Sarge49. Sarge is taking on a big task in a couple of weeks and it’s one that we should be paying attention to.

Sarge lives in Minnesota and is making a 30 mile walk starting at the state capitol in St. Paul, MN. Is the man just crazy or is there more to it? There is far more to it. Sarge is walking to raise money and awareness for Alexandra House,... more

Do you like ice cream? Do you like kids? Would you like to make a dream come true for a child?

If you answered yes to all three of these questions, this information is for you. There is a fundraising event on September 25, 2008 that can fill all three of these.

Cold Stone Creamery is giving away free ice cream of two different flavors created by children who are on the list for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They will also be selling stars with the proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can go and enjoy one of these custom flavors,... more

Earlier this week I blogged about a radio interview that I was going to do this morning. The schedule ran a little late, but I did it and I’m glad I did.

This interview was part of a three day fundraiser for child abuse prevention. Abuse survivors are interviewed about their stories and how it affects their lives now. I talked primarily about my sexual abuse, some of the abuse my kids have been through, and what I am doing to make changes now, namely my work with ... more

Thursday is going to be a nerve wracking and exciting day for me.

Last year I blogged about the CAP Fund Care-A-Van for Kids fundraiser for child abuse prevention. It is coming around again, and this time I will be an active part of it. I have done financial contributions for many years, but this year is much more personal.

One of the largest components of this fundraiser is the personal stories from abuse survivors. I am one of those survivors and I will... more

A Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard is an adoption book in a different way. First of all is that it is a work of fiction, but based on a true story.

The plot line of the book is that a couple dies in a car accident and leave behind a little girl. A will had been written naming the baby’s uncle (Gordon) as the guardian of the baby (Keefer). After the death another lawyer comes forward and says that the baby’s parents were changing the... more

Hannah’s brothers are joining us for a week while their parents do a wonderful thing. They run a week long camp called Royal Family Kids Camp.

RFKC is a special camp only for abused kids. The most amazing thing to me is that the kids attend the camp FREE OF CHARGE! That’s right, foster kids finally get to do something fun that doesn’t cost their foster parents a fortune. The people putting on the camp must do all the... more

The start of the school year is quickly approaching to the chagrin of many children but the joy of many parents.

In an ideal world children would not be moved close to the start of the school year, but that is not always an option. There are many factors that go into when a child has to move and whether or not the child can stay in the same school district.

The start of the school year also means paying school registration fees and the endless list of school supplies. This can be very hard on many parents, especially foster parents. The number... more

One night, while going through the library, the title of a book caught my attention. “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day.”

The first thought that came to mind was about friend, and former blogger, Julie. I’ve known Julie for about four years now, and what would like crazy to most people is an ordinary day for Julie. Her issues with LuLu are just plain out there. I admire her as a mom and as a person. I’ve spent time with LuLu and I know how tiring parenting her can be. Most of us don’t deal with... more

Looking for something to do this summer? Head out to Washington State. They are offering free camping for foster children and their foster families.

The offer applies to state parks in the Washington State. I think it’s fantastic. Money is tight for everyone right now, and this may be something that the kids have never had the opportunity to do before.

Getting out in nature is a wonderful thing. Hiking, building a campfire, roasting marshmallows, staying... more