After my recent phone call with Sammy, and hearing about the wounds that are still so fresh in him, and a beautiful prayer that Coley posted on the Open Adoption blog , I decided to write 10 neat things about Sammy.

1) When he was little he laughed just like Woody Woodpecker.

2) Even though he’s 13, he still likes to have cuddle time, and hugs and kisses from Mom, just not in public.

3) He... more

When you are fostering or adopting you might need some help!

Pregnant moms get baby showers; foods delivered, and help after childbirth. (In a perfect world of course). Foster and adoptive moms may not get the attention and support they could use - the baby showers don’t come, and friends and family may not rally around to help you after the adoption – unless you ask!

So Ask! Or direct your friends and family to this post:

Here are Ten Ideas to Help a New Foster and Adoptive Family:

1. Call on the telephone in the middle... more

As a licensed foster, (preparing to adopt) parent, you must follow your state rules and regulations on fire safety. As part of my series on preparing your home for the inspector, I’m listing the Colorado State statues on fire safety. They should be the same or similiar in your state - check with your local DHS office or agency to be sure.

1. Fire hazards, such as defective electrical appliances and electric cords,... more

Live in a castle in the rolling hills of the south or a high rise in the midst of the city? Doesn't matter. One of the items on your list will be getting your home ready for the inspector to come. You will need his report for the foster portion of foster adoption home study. If there is a long time that passes before the actual adoption, you may have a second inspection.

The... more

In my last post I talked a bit about getting your child to eat. Here are my Top 10 ideas:

1. Engage your child with the shopping choices. Let them choose between two cereals you’ve approved of, or which juice to buy.

2. Teach them how to prepare meals. My two year old can put items in a bowl, stir, get things out of the fridge, hand items to me. She sits at the counter and helps me cook.

3. Make fun and interesting meals. Cut sandwiches into weird and interesting... more

Things to look for in a playground….

Part II (for the first Top 10 list click here)

………………..All kids love playgrounds, but it is up to you to make sure they are safe and fun for your child. We’ve gone to many of them around town, and I like some more than others. Here is the second part of my list of what I like – or don’t, in a playground……

1. Sand. Lots of sand. I love it when K plays in the sand. Add a bit of water and she can stay busy... more

Even though we live in the mountains, I try to take K at least once per week to one of our many local playgrounds. Playgrounds give her a place to interact with other children, try out her climbing skills and run and scream without driving me nuts.

All kids love playgrounds, but it is up to you to make sure they are safe and fun for your child. We’ve gone to many of them around town, and I like some more than others. Here is my list of what I like – or don’t, in a playground.

1. Location of swings, slides etc. Are they far enough from the parking lot that your child... more

Sometimes it's hard to get new children to sleep. No matter what the age, even adults sometimes have a difficult time sleeping in a new room, with new sounds and new smells. Here are a few ideas:

1. Disperse aroma therapy in the room. The ones that have helped me are Peace and Calming, Trauma Life and Gently Baby. I’ve used these for all ages and for myself. They help. They help a lot. Don’t just take my word for it. They help. These are all available from Young Living Oils at their website or one of many qualified independent... more

Ok, you’ve been licensed, maybe you’ve even quit your day job. Now you wait. Wait for a call or a match that you can say YES to. But, What do you do in the meantime? Here are some ideas: (Not in any particular order)

1. Go shopping. Get stocked up on all your grocery staples, canned goods, cleaning supplies, clothing and personal items. Shopping with children is never as fun or efficient as shopping by yourself or with your present family. New children in the mix just make it even more complicated. Older children may not know how to behave in a store, or just whine and run around. Younger... more

What to look for when choosing an agency

1. Reputation – Can you get references from other people who’ve foster adopted with this agency from beginning to end. Did they support you? Answer all your questions?

2. Size of agency. I prefer a smaller agency, but others like to work with large agencies. With a larger agency you’ll get more services. Respite (see below) Classes, support will be more available. The downside of a larger agency is that you may not feel part of the agency ‘family’, unless you have a great caseworker on your side.

3. Training and Classes. What... more