Dear Kids, I Love You, Even When You Think I’m Mean

Dear Jackson and Cassandra, It’s been a rough week. Heck! It’s been a rough couple of years. There have been a lot of changes, a lot of ups and downs. We left Antioch for a new town, and now we’re leaving the new town for a whole new state. Mommy has a new job, and … Continue reading →

Ten

Jackson turned 10 on January 17, 2016. He opted not to have a birthday party this year. Instead, he’s going to a professional wrestling show with Max next month. Jackson’s birthmother and I exchanged text messages on Sunday. I always feel awkward trying to express how I feel about her and the incredibly difficult decision … Continue reading →

It’s May?!?! Seriously?

I’ve been neglecting this blog, that’s for sure. Working full time and being mom to two does not leave too much free time. I’m going to do a quick recap for my readers who read for that, then promise to go back to posting at least weekly moving forward. I’ve missed this writing! First, I’ve … Continue reading →

My Son Is Michael Brown

A Facebook friend of mine posted a quote from Jen Hatmaker, then added: Thankful to see others on my feed speak out in this manner. Silence from those who claim to be allies is deafening tonight. I sat and reloaded the Google News site dozens of times waiting for the verdict. I knew they weren’t … Continue reading →

These Are the Times That Try Parents’ Souls

Before anyone decides to leave a nasty comment, please know that I love my children. Cassie is an adorable, bright, charismatic, energetic bundle of love. She really is brilliant, and very articulate. I love her from top to toe, and I’m very grateful that she is my daughter. But this weekend? This weekend, Cassie was the “terrible … Continue reading →

Boy Scouts

Max is an Eagle Scout. Therefore, Jackson is a Cub Scout. He is in his second year, so he’s a Wolf. I have very mixed feelings about this. In January 2014, the Boy Scouts of America decided to allow gay members. However, leaders cannot be openly gay. We wouldn’t even use an adoption agency that … Continue reading →

I’m Going to BlogHer 2014!

I mentioned it when unveiling my blog’s new name, but now BlogHer has come out with a nifty badge, so I can proclaim it for all to see: In fact, I am bringing one of my real-life bloggy friends, so I can say: I will not be bringing my kids, so I can also say: … Continue reading →

I Finished House of Hades, Plus Some Cute Pictures

I realized it’s been awhile since I posted a “how’s life” kind of update for those who care a bit more about my family life than about my opinions on adoption (and everything else). Aside from looking for a job, I’ve been busy with Memory Book and 4-H. I’m the Co-Chair of the ACA II … Continue reading →

Getting a Social Security Number for Your Adopted Child

Biological parents who deliver their babies in hospitals or birthing centers can apply for Social Security Numbers from the (relative) comfort of their beds there. Adoptive parents must go to their local Social Security office. When I went to get Jackson’s SSN back in 2007, I went, took a number, waited for 3 hours, came … Continue reading →

Jackson’s Minecraft Birthday Party

Jackson turned 8 last Friday! It seems impossible, but it’s true. He wanted a Minecraft birthday party at the gym at which the kids take swimming lessons. Now, I know nothing about Minecraft, so thank God for the Internet! Pinterest was my friend. There aren’t any commercially available Minecraft party supplies, so I was going … Continue reading →