Merry Christmas

My first Christmas with kids came...sort of.  We had Christmas last night.   It was fun and the kids are comepletly spoiled.   There are new toys everywhere in my living room.   I have no idea where it's all going and we don't have enough to get rid of some things to make room.  I never had room originally.  I'm sad I don't get to spend actual Christmas with them.   They went home tonight for the next few days.  I understand though, they aren't really mine.  I'm not looking forward to them returning...well not them returning, their behaviors when they return is really what I mean.  When they just spent one night it took almost two weeks to semi get back to normal and I'm not sure H ever did, so 3 nights should be wonderful.   I hope all have a fabulous Christmas...I'm going to enjoy my time without kids and see some of my friends.

oops I missed again

I thought it would be great to update this, get my experiences out...blah blah blah.  But time gets away.  I lived through the musical with two kids and they both survived.  Though I will admit the week before my parents came up on a Sunday to 'save me' and then we ended up in the ER with girl.  She got her finger smashed hard in a door.   Overall kids are doing well.  Girl has become exceptionally clingy since the week of the show, I don't blame her.   Kids are behaving though much better or I am handling it better.  Last week during the holidays, they got to spend the night with their mom for the first time.  I have a lot of mixed feelings about that.  They were not able to stay at their home and stayed at great grandma's.   So throw more confusion at them.  I met the family.  It was interesting.  Only the kids' great grandmother talked to me.   And the mom didn't even say hi to the kids when she walked up.   Very young, angry young woman.  I can't imagine being in her shoes though and being told about your own kids.

Of course that stay resulted in digressing for both kids.  They are fighting more again and throwing tantrums.  I've started over with Bryson sleeping again (he's not).  It's frustrating.  We were finally getting to a normal and now it feels like we are starting over.   Both kids are clingy.  Tuesday they went to do their weekly visit with mom and refused to go to daycare the next day.  I had to convince them I was picking them up and no one else.   I feel bad for the kids.  I can't imagine being them and trying to figure it out, especially at such a young age.

A Month into Motherhood

Well I'm not doing a good job of keeping up with this.  Partially because I don't get on the computer anymore much at night and usually it's blocked at my job...though today I found it to be unblocked and here we go.  (don't worry I'm not avoiding teaching- it's a parent/teacher day)
Improvements since last post:   Sleep habits are improving some.  We have now how almost full nights of sleep and Boy has slept in bed most of the time.   Both kids are behaving better for longer spurts and I'm enjoying having them around.   We took a trip to the KC Ren Fest and it was very successful.  Girl screamed all the way up, but we survived and overall they were very well behaved.  It helped that there were 4 adults also.   After the Ren Fest we took them to the Trex restaurant because Boy is really into dinosaurs right now.  That was a lot of fun.  We go every year to both, but it was different to have kids.  We got to see things through fresh eyes.   Boy is asking for things more instead of whining and really both kids fits/tantrums have decreased.   This week has been nice because of P/T conferences, they have had sitters this week and are getting to bed at a decent time.
I know that getting to my schedule is probably rough and every once in a while it really hits me that we are ALWAYS on the go.   Poor kids.
Things I'm still struggling with.  Girl still bites and bit 3 kids yesterday (she also got bit).  It's become less often and she did have a crap load of shots the day before (both kids were really behind in shots).  I wish I knew how to stop the biting.   Boy still pushes/hits/pinches - especially at church.  Last sunday he pushed another child and she bit her lip.   71/2 years at the job and no accidents till now.  very frustrating.  Yesterday he bit someone also.   I hope they don't get kicked out of daycare.   I really like the daycare they are going to.
Really the few times they get like this and nighttime is the only time we are still struggling.  I have seen huge improvements in the last month (it was a month yesterday).  People always ask me how I'm doing but other than night time, it's really not been to different.  I still get up about the same time, I go to bed earlier and eat better.  It takes a little longer to get in and out of the car, but that's about it. I'm still doing everything almost that I was before.  

What to do.

I've hit a delimna.   Nighttime with Boy.  He won't go to sleep.  he's been sleeping on the couch a lot lately.  I get so frustrated.
Also today was rough.  Girl bit Boy and left a lovely mark.  I've been trying so hard to keep the kids mark free for fear of retaliation of parent or social services...though they are bound to have marks.  Girl is just learning to walk and Boy is clumsy.   Also Boy had the biggest and hugest tantrum ever tonight at rehearsal.  He cryed so hard he made himself sick.   I don't know why either.  He won't answer yes or no questions so it's hard to get information from him.
I guess tomorrow I'll call my FSW and find out about the bite.   ack.
Tomorrow will be better...right.  It has improved there are just moments....

Getting Better

Things dramatically improved since the last post.  In fact that night they slept better and have done much better sleeping most nights.   I've changed daycares and feel better about the new one.    they are adorable, just can be cranky.  The kids at school love playing with them and it wears them out which is good.  

Change can Happen fast!

It has been almost a week since I became a 'mom'.   And it has been crazy.  Boy and Girl are not the well behaved children they seemed at first and can throw a tantrum like none other.   They are extremely adorable when they are in a good mood.   And night time has become harder and harder every night.  
Now I'm not saying I can't handle this all but it is a drastic change especially with two.  Last Thursday we looked into a daycare and found one (or so I thought).  I plan to change to a different one if I can get brave enough to tell the current one.  She wanted it all up front and now I'm poorer than ever.   We also spent time with my 18yr old cousin that led us to going to wichita - mainly because Boy needed to sleep and I thought the car ride would help.  My aunt met us and this ended up in a shopping trip and dinner and another late night...but she bought some cute clothes and we ended up with a stuffed dinosaur that Boy loves!  Friday was even crazier as my family came to my house and we proceeded to go to the zoo.  Boy gets along pretty well with my Nephew and they had a lot of fun playing this weekend.  It was an interesting mess with it also being the last weekend of the Shakespeare show.  I am lacking on sleep and this is not unusual for me, but it's rough when both kids are up screaming most of the night.  Last night was extremely rough as they visited their Mom and caused them to be confused.  Tonight both kids are asleep though and were by 10:30 (Girl much earlier) and Boy went to sleep without much crying.  Yea! ME.   Girl has to cry herself to sleep.  It was shorter tonight.   I know part of it is they have such different   sleeping arrangements here.   I'm amazed at how well they are doing for all the changes in their life.  I don't think I'd be doing so well.

My life is like the Weather

This morning I got up, spent part of the day thinking about how I needed to clean before my inspection next week and not real sure where I was going to find time with rehearsals, show, Landon coming and work.   For the most part is was a pretty normal day.   And then the phone call came.   Around 4:30 this evening I got a call from the foster place asking me to take not one, but two kids.   This phone call is how I found out my temporary license came through.  Ages 1 and 2.  And I said yes.  I had to rush and get two car seats, a toddler bed (thank goodness the crib was already together), food, and necessities.   By 7:30, the kids were here.  Boy and Girl.  And they came with nothing, but the outfit they had and one other.  Thank God for my parents who when I called came and helped me go shopping and welcome the kids.   My dad put the bed together while my mom and I took the kids back to walmart to find some clothes.  I think I spent $700 today.  There is the big downfall of not having kids, having them myself I would have been gifted everything.
It has been a whirlwind of an evening.  The caseworker was only here for about 1/2 and hour and then left.  Both kids are happy and well behaved kids with LOTS of energy.  My parents didn't leave till late and the walmart trip went late and both were still going when we returned home.   Night time was a little rough.  Girl after crying awhile fell asleep, but Boy refused.  I rocked him in the living room till he fell asleep.  Thankfully he didn't wake up when I put him in his bed.  It's now 2am and I'm exhausted.  Tomorrow, or rather today, I have to figure out daycare.   This should be interesting.   I can't believe I now have two foster kids.  This should be fun.  :-)

Moving Along and hopeful

I'm still waiting on information for my fostering.  Getting through this fostering process is a huge waiting game.  I haven't heard anything and feel ti should have occurred.  I've slacked on house cleaning because of all the rehearsals and school starting.   I did last night email my case worker to find out what was happening.  I also asked in the email about finding out about that little girl.  I do want to know about her and would gladly take her.   I think the chance of getting a small baby is slim anyway and she's still young.   I would like to get that moving though if it's a possibility.  I spent part of today with friends and kids and I really want kids.
 
update:  I got an email back that said not to worry that I haven't heard about my license.  My case worker is going to look into finding out about the little girl.   :-)

Waiting.....still waiting

I have now been waiting a week to hear from KHDE for my inspection...Actually it's been longer.   I think waiting is the hardest part.  And I have decided to ask about the little girl.  Just don't know where to start.  I really dislike the waiting.  

Flustered Thoughts

Today I found out the little girl that started me on this process is not going to her family members and she very well is up for adoption.  Now I'm not sure how to proceed or if I should proceed.   She's 9months, so selfishly I would love a little baby but there are so many unknowns with that.   I don't know.  I'm still waiting for my last inspection and for the paperwork to go through.
Tomorrow starts school with kids.  I'm not sure I'm ready for it to start.  Tonight I had so many things going through my head on the way back from rehearsal that I stressed myself out.   From school, to fostering, to rehearsals, to the musical, to all of sudden realizing a friends comments and lack of lately.   I am 100% positive that I want to go through with fostering/adopting especially since I figured out if I got a baby I'd be in my 50's when they graduate...ouch
However I have had a few...wow i'm busy- is this smart?  -  lots of teachers have kids though and I know it's the way to go.   I just need to remember to take things one day at a time and not to stress over things that will pass.   I'm sure part of it is first day nerves and they will pass after school starts.

Classes Done! More paperwork?

I have moved quite along since the last post.  My aawesome younger cousin came over and we put together the crib and changing table.  I have since finished cleaning my house thanks to my parents and sister and laws help (not that there isn't always more to do).  I still could always clean in the office room, but I have a locked door on it so it's not a problem for the inspection.   I got all the safety items up, a new door lock on the office and finished painting the 'nursery'.  
My last meeting came and we finished the first aide training and then finished the 40+ page application, which I passed the walk through part.   I was given 2 large notebooks, one with forms and one with child care regulations by TFI.   So the last step to getting the final license is a KDHE inspection - the important and much more detailed inspection.  If nothing else comes from this experience- housekeeping will improve.   I was told it could be up to a month before KDHE comes.   I'm also getting licensed to do respite care (temporary care for other people's foster kids)- though honestly I don't know if I want to do that, I don't have the beds for that.   Officially my license will be for kids 0-6, but I'm still wanting under 2 which is what my case worker put on the application and her recommendation for whomever.
After finishing all this paper work, I was handed a new huge stack of paperwork for adoption.   Thankfully I was told I did not have to redo the paperwork part that I did for the foster paperwork- which was the majority of it.   I will also have to do a home study for the adoption part.   There is so much to do.   I can see why people don't do all this.  
I also found out the little girl I was interested in that started all this is going to go to her grandmother.  I'm ok with this, maybe I'll get  a little baby.  I hope I get a little baby, but also know that it may not happen or I'll get someone older.  I know putting the age 6 will come back to bite me in the butt,  as they will give me older kids.  I guess the rest of this process is really a waiting game.   But I'm done with training and will soon have a license.   :-)
And I'm back at work now so that should be interesting.  It's making me think more, but I'll write about that in a later post.

My first big purchase

Today I finished my Master's program.  Woo Hoo.
On other news as I am now near the end of getting licensed (even went and got my fingerprints done today), I purchased the first thing for the room.

It's a height chart.  I was going to create my own that was going to be a birdhouse, but I saw this and it was only $10 and I liked it.  So I bought it.   I actually purchased a much larger item also.  I got a crib/changing bed set from Walmart.  Went cheap, can't afford nice stuff.  But hey it's new.  Sure hope it wasn't a mistake to buy it now and that I get to use it, sooner than later.   I decided it would be safer buying it new because beds always have recalls.   I really really hope I get to use it soon, though I still need a mattress.  :-)

A step closer

It's getting closer.  My last official class is next Monday.  I still have a couple weeks after that though filled with First Aid and the actual licensing.  I am getting nowhere on my house and feel very overwhelmed in doing so.   I need some storage space.  And motivation.  And time.  Thursday is my presentation for my Master's portfolio so that will be done.  Yea!  I have 3 more papers to write for that.  I'm so glad I am not waiting till October to do the portfolio.  Today I'm spending the day with 3 boys.  Ages 3, 5, 6.  Its hard to keep them entertained when A.  I had to get up at 4:30am to head to their house (and of course couldn't get to sleep till after 1am) and B.  it's 107 degrees outside.  Thankfully for the most part they are entertaining themselves...but I have resorted to turning on a movie....partially because I'm sooooo tired

One step closer!

Today was a harsh push back into reality.   I told my boss that I may miss a few more days this year due to the fact I was fostering/adopting and his response was harsh.   "Did you really think this through?  With all your evening conflicts?  I don't think you've thought this through"   Not only did he say this but he kept repeating it.  I sometimes believe I'm not one of his favorite people anyway and I'm sure if it were anyone else he would have been supportive.  It was frustrating.   Boss man I'm sure I've thought this through and yes I've really spent some time considering all this.   Just because for whatever reason boys don't like me and I'm single and a theatre teacher, doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to have kids.  I know I need to get used to it.
On the other hand I got some good news yesterday.  One of the things I've been worried about is coming up with the money to furnish the bedroom.  Baby stuff is expensive and most poeple would have a baby shower if they were having a baby.  Anyway my case worker told me that Foster families loan out and give away stuff they don't need anymore so she is going to ask around and see what she can find.  Yippee.  
At times I do doubt if this is the smartest decision with how busy I get.  However I know I'd be good for a kid and I want to raise one and shouldn't be punished because of my career.lllllll
I'm on book 4 of 6 and have just a couple more weeks left of the training part.  I still have a lot of house to clean but it's getting closer.  And I finished my Graduate classes yesterday and now only have my portfolio to finish.  I'm presenting it next week and then I'll be done!!!

I made it through the week!  And with very little problems.  My nephew behaved extremely well and all went pretty well.   I functioned as a normal person and fed him 3 good meals each day and for the most part accomplished a lot this week..  And let me tell you we had a busy week.  Packed a lot in one week that we wouldn't have done if we see him more.  Wednesday we went to a local garden place and played in the children's area.  I was so disappointed in myself because I forgot the battery for my camera.   We went with grandma (my mom) and then went to lunch and even stayed for awhile so that grandpa could see Nephew.  

 

It was a fun week.  Yesterday morning, he must have woke up before me as I woke up to him holding a piece of something, later to discover he had taken apart a tripod.  :-)  Thursday was the return day and when we got to his house we went swimming with his mom.   Lots of fun.   I really enjoyed my week with my Nephew, I feel that my nephew made a lot of big steps this week (that sadly were lost when returned home).  I get to spend a few more hours with him this weekend and that excites me.   

As for the fostering/adopting thing...I am very very excited to move forward.  I will admit I was a little afraid this week would make me feel differently but it definitely did not.  I am sure that I'm am doing the right thing by fostering/adopting.  I deserve a kid and honestly would do better with out an attached man to argue with.   :-)   I just hope it all works out and quickly.  I love working with little kids.   

Trial run -continues

After sleeping 13 hrs, the nephew woke up finally.  He was extremely tired and spent most of yesterday off and on being cranky.   woo hoo.   We spent the day with family and went swimming, grilled out, played in the water at my parents, and then went to watch the fireworks- which he loved.   Nice way to spend the 4th of July.   Today though was the most fun so far.  We went to a local water park and met a bunch of family there including my cousin and her little girl.  The kids don't see each other much but they played today and both loved playing in the pool.

I also got to hold the new baby in the family so that was cool.  Really life has been going pretty good this week.   Last night nephew did not want to sleep.   We were up till 1:30am and again we are fighting sleep...well nephew is I'm not.  I'm tired.  The pool wore me out.  He slept after and I let him sleep to late again.   oops.   Tomorrow we are spending with grandma (my mom) and then thursday we head back to his house for the night.   I'm really enjoying having him here.  

My trial run - The first 24hrs

This is my 2yr old nephew whom I have successfully brought home with me for the week.   I am using him as a test run on being a mom....ok and I really wanted to spend time with him.  We left his parent's house yesterday and drove the 3hrs home.  He thankfully slept the whole way.   As I'm going through my books and filling them out and also being around him, I am becoming more confident in my choice of adopting and adopting young.   It's interesting having him away from his parents and he's done really well.  Last night we went to supper with my parents and stopped and bought some necessities that of course weren't sent with him.   Then we came home and he went right to sleep.  He woke up only once and I only gave him a drink when he went to bed (he finished it before he fell asleep~his parents give him drinks all night- up to 1/2 a gallon of milk)  he asked for more and I told him no...he rolled over and went to sleep.  I didn't give him more till early morning not long before he got up cause he asked for a drink.   Today I took him to church with me.  He is not very good at sharing and takes toys...we had to do a time out.  However he did very well with it.  No crying and we discussed what he did and he agreed not to do it anymore and got to go play.   After church he slept all the time I was in the grocery store which I thought was funny, as did all the other shoppers around me.   I made a lunch with a lot of variety since I don't really know what he really likes and then we went to a movie this afternoon.  He fell asleep about 20 minutes into the movie and has been asleep since only waking up momentarily.  I know later tonight I'm going to totally wish I had forced him to wake up.   But he's sooooo tired.  I can't believe he is sleeping through the loud annoying fireworks outside.  he's been a good boy.  I think this is a great experience because I'm taking in a kid that hasn't really been away from mom and dad much and I see him only once a month, but I think it's a lot of the same things I'll go through taking in a foster---except my nephew does at least know me.   

So far it's going well.  I hope he sleeps most of the night and I hope that the fireworks stop soon.   My dog and cat are curled up with me cause of the dumb noise..  I wouldn't mind them so much if they could use some sort of respect for others.    

I also went back to the horse place this last week.  I talked with the owner some.  I'd like to go more...I'm still a little lost about what to do.  I spent time with the mamma's and babies.  one got mad at me for not paying attention and came over and stomped on my foot.  It's still all bruised a week later.    

Here's a picture.  It's the big brown one.   That's her baby~the youngest there.

here's a picture of the shetland pony I call pickpocket.  I forgot her name.

Enjoy the pictures.  I really should get some sleep since I know my nephew will be up sometime in the middle of the night.

Week 2

Well I've made it to week 2.  I turned in all my paperwork and finished the first book.  My worker was impressed.   She did bring up my house and actually wanted to look through it and I told her no.  I know it needs a lot of work...however she did say that was the only concern.   I haven't accomplished much this week because I spent a day with my cousin (even got to go see the new baby in the family) and some time with my friend and her boys.   today I have to go to town for a show and auditions for the next shakespeare show.  
However I did buy a rug for my living room...$300 dollar rug for $60...yeah I'm that good.  I also have plans to get the piano and cabinets out of her tomorrow and that's one of the things she mentioned.  I haven't been back to the horse place which saddens me lots...I emailed a question and never heard back so I haven't made it yet.   I keep meaning to.  I really need to work on motivation.  I also haven't started the second book....ack.  Guess I better be motivated somewhere.   Or tomorrow and Monday morning are going to be extremely hard.
:-)  PS.  I LOVE SUMMER!

I'm doing it anew!

This summer I've really branched out to change my life and do new things.  I'm working with a Shakespeare company in a nearby town (hurts with gasoline, but eh) and am about to finish the first show this weekend and have already volunteered to be involved in the next one.  I also have started this whole foster adoption process.   I've had my first meeting, my house was not as clean as I wanted it, and have been working hard on the first book and two stacks of papers.  
Today (well technically yesterday now)  I went to a Horse rescue place not far from here to have orientation for volunteering.   I spent almost 3 hours there and really enjoyed brushing and petting the horses.  I've always loved horses and wanted to e around them and hopefully this will work out.  And no matter how much I want to (which I already do)  I can't take a horse home.  :-)   Although many were very thin, almost all of them were not shy or jumpy.   Tonight I really spent most of my time with the shetland ponies/donkeys and one big horse.
Hopefully all these new things will work out.    I'm excited about these new activities.  

Meeting One done!

Well today I met with my trainer.  I have 2 stacks of paper to fill out and a whole book to read and answer questions.   The paper stacks are about me, while the book is more about fostering and adopting and what it means.  There are 6 books total so this should be fun to do along with my homework for school.  Overall I think the meeting went well.  My house isn't as clean as I'd like it, but I got the kitchen clean and most of the living room.   I'm also starting this week volunteering with a horse rescue place.  I think this will be an interesting experience.  I've always considered volunteering at a humane society, but am always afraid I'll want to bring all the animals home.  I know I can't bring a horse home.  :-)

Here Motivation, Here motivation!

home after a weekend of fun with my friends and their boys, I know I need to start some massive cleaning but I am so unmotivated.    I have two days to really get this place clean, unless I don't spend time with my nephew this weekend...which will never happen.    :-)

Oh I also talked to the guy that is fostering the baby I was interested in...She's not up for adoption at this point, though it may happen and he said he'd keep me updated.  She's definitely not going back to her mother, but there is an Aunt and Uncle that may take her.      

Well I should at least get motivated to find some food.

Moving Forward

Well I got the call.  I start my training in a week.  It's at my house and will actually finish the week I finish my college courses.   Nice timing.   I'm excited but at the same time nervous as I'm not sure I can get my house clean.  I need to rent a storage shed to get a lot of it out.   With the show I'm in I'm just not sure when.  This weekend I get to go to KC with friends and their 3 little boys.  We are going to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of fun.  I hope it gets warm enough for Oceans of fun and stays cool enough for Worlds of fun.  I'm waiting for them now.    They have a 3,4, 5 years old boys.  It should be an interesting weekend.   3 adults, 3 kids, one hotel room.  :-)   Well they should arrive any minute so I guess I should go.  

Glimmer of Movement

I finally emailed the lady who had first emailed me after I started this process.   She finally emailed back and said they had finally just two days ago gotten enough references (found out last night one friend still hasnt' sent it).   So we started discussing MAPP classes - they are a required 10 week class.  The only one they had started June 15 in a town that's about an hour away....so I told her I had rehearsals and wasn't able to do evenings.   Now she's trying to get it to where I can do it with a smaller group/one on one.    AND it's only 7 weeks.

Other glimmer - my coworker talked with the guy who currently has a little foster girl at his house.  He did ask questions about who I was working with and said he'd like to talk to me.   :-))))   so maybe this can happen faster and quicker than I ever thought.   I dont' know.   The lady currently doing my information said well "there aren't really any kids 0-2, they are all 8 and above"  I told her I know...but for now that's really the age I want.   And honestly....I want that little girl.   So be thinking about a speedy and happy process.  I never see this guy so hopefully he will come talk to me when he's at my work place.  :-)  And hopefully not to bring bearer of bad news.  

The First of Many to come....

Well I officially got my first..."you're doing what" response from my closest friend no less.   She gave me a look that said...."Are you totally freakin' crazy"   Not very encouraging when it come from a friend...and one who is supposed to fill out a reference for me.   Which she says she didn't get.   arg.    Oh well I might as well get used to it.     However I know this is the right decision.  This weekend I'm at a wedding of a friend where I totally had a breakdown....mostly because of a photography issue (I thought I was a photographer...long story and not really of value here)  and partly because I think it hit me this friend was getting married, before I could even get a date.........though I love her to death and now I feel like the worst friend in the world for having the breakdown...it was during pictures.   I spent a lot of the time playing with the little kids.  I really want one so I know my decision is right

An Introduction

Hello Blog readers.  If you have come across my blog, I'm glad you've stopped to read.   This blog is basically about my path to a family.   A little background information.  I turned 33 in February of this year and I desperately want kids.  However I am single and have been for...well....33yrs.  For whatever reason, God has not brought a love to me and although I always thought I'd be the married woman with children, I am not.   However I do want kids and I want them before I turn really really old.  :-)    I have been looking at adoption/fostering for the past couple of years almost daily and have thought about it prior to that.   Sadly flat out adopting an infant is way to expensive....I'm only a high school theatre teacher - not a millionaire.   AFter talking with a couple people in town and trying donor sperm and not getting pregnant, I finally made the active decision to fill out the application to foster to adopt.  I do want a baby very badly and hope that something works out.  I know there are older kids in need of a home and down the road I would be very happy to foster/adopt them, but I want to raise a kid also.  So I'm going to blog about trying to get to my family.  I live alone in my own house with a 3yr old dog, a 1 year old cat, and a 2yr old rescued goldfish.  So my first official step was to file an application.  I filed with TFI family services.  They sent out 5 reference forms and I know some of them have been sent in.  Hopefully all have with good remarks and I'm waiting to hear from them that my application was accepted and to move on to the next step.  I've inquired about a specific baby I know about in town who is 5 or 6 months old.  They couldn't give me any information, but a coworker is going to talk to her foster dad.....we will see if she does.  I feel a little wierd about asking.   I am hoping she might be a possibility as I've been wondering about her for about 6 months.   However there is a lot of stuff I have to do to be able to foster or adopt.  First step---must be accepted by TFI.  I hope this process goes quickly and smoothly.  So wish me luck...check back and see how it goes!