Shortly before Sammy left his foster mom’s house, she wrote us a short little note, but it spoke volumes. She was saying that she hoped he would do well in his new placement, and then she gave this assessment:

He can do well if he wants to, but he’s still to angry too try.

Boy, she couldn’t have hit the nail on the head any better if she had tried. Sammy is so full of anger that he won’t let anything good happen to him.

A few days ago I was struggling with thinking that I could bring him back home and start attachment parenting 101... more

I have been writing this blog for about eight months now. After about 340 blogs, I have writer's block. Not too bad really. Part of it I’m sure has to do with my mood.

Since nothing really appeals to me on the foster care or adoption front right now, I’ll deal with the fact that we’re all busy and serving your kids a nutritious meal that they actually like can be nearly impossible. This is a quick and easy meal that gets rave reviews at my house.

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

I’m not sure where we acquired this book from, but it sure is interesting.

This book is about average, every day items that can hurt you. If you were truly paranoid, you’d be in big trouble after reading this book.

Some of this stuff I can really get into. According to it, I can be injured by walking, taking vitamins, getting in shape, working at my desk, wearing a bra, eating natural foods, and doing laundry.

Hey sign me up. I’ll swear off laundry, exercise,... more

If you need a good laugh, check out this video. My husband and I were laughing because we can relate. If you have a child who fights going to bed, doesn’t like to get up, has a fit at some point during the day, or just plain breathes, you will probably laugh at this.

Have you ever read a book, seen a story or a video and know that the person who wrote it was in your house?

The first time this happened to me was when I read Nancy Thomas’ book “When... more

We went over to watch Nancy’s pony ride yesterday. I think horses are beautiful and welcome a chance to see the majestic animals.

The place where the pony was being ridden also had several other animals including many chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks and some Shetland ponies. The chickens had many little chicks running around and they were cute as can be. I’m a sucker for baby animals of just about any kind, except snakes.

Hannah wanted to hold a baby chick, and we were finally able to capture one.... more

Lest you think I am a Willie Nelson fan, rest assured I am not, nor will I break out in song.

Hannah and I are headed off this afternoon for a week long trip to Kansas. Why would anyone want to go to Kansas you ask? Well, we will be visiting my friend, Nancy, the Reactive Attachment Disorder blogger. She’s been in Kansas for 18 months now, and I have yet to visit.

The initial plan for this trip was to provide some respite for... more

Today Sammy turns 14. This is the second year in a row that he has not spent his birthday at home. Last year he was in a residential treatment center and my husband and I were working at the ATN conference. This year he is in a treatment foster home, and due to some dangerous behaviors on his last home pass, we will not bring him home for the weekend.

It’s not going to be the most fun birthday for him. We are having our monthly team meeting today. We will discuss his behaviors, therapies, etc.... more

A class act is a play on words and my true feelings today. I have just returned from my god-daughter’s high school graduation. I feel old. I am incredibly proud of her for many reasons and tears sprang to my eyes, which took me by surprise. Family relationships being what they are, the few minutes I spent talking with her right after the ceremony will be the only time I spend with her today. I am not welcome at her party, but I take delight in the fact that she specifically invited me to her graduation.

The early part of this... more

Hannah and I are heading out for the weekend. We will be camping with friends in the evening. During the day I will be attending meetings and seminars for the Wisconsin conference of our religion. Hannah will be in child care during the day going to a program that I trust completely. The man running it is the director of the camp that Sammy has gone to for six years.

The director is wonderful. He has dealt with some of Sammy’s issues and knows my background and the kind of kids I deal with. He’s well equipped to deal with anything... more

Do you remember when you first learned how to ride a two wheeler? Were you scared or excited? Was your mom or dad holding on when you realized you could do it, or did it take you a while to realize they had let go?

It is a momentous day here. Hannah has done her first day with no training wheels. Not really a big deal, right? After all, kids learn how to ride two wheelers every day. For kids with trust issues, it is a big deal.

If you can remember back to the day that you learned, you were probably a little afraid.... more