Random Quotes

Before you begin a thing, remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead. If you could see them clearly, naturally you could do a great deal to get rid of them but you can't. You can only see one thing clearly and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin - Kathleen Norris

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air. -John Quincy Adam

If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother and hope your guardian genius.- Joseph Addison

Reaching out for status

I called her last Friday and left a voicemail message and then again on Tuesday left another message - called a couple of times after that and then again this morning and I finally got my RFW on the phone - we saw her last on the 5th and signed a new application - so technically they have 90 days to finish writing the waiver and submit - and of course I know she will use the whole 90 days. Her supervisor told us he was approving it so after it is submitted we have to wait for Trenton - Christmas is almost here - not feeling very Christmassy lol finally got the tree up - just the prelit tree- Ny'Lee is bugging me about putting the decorations up - we get paid on Christmas eve - have to work - hope they give us our holiday bonus by then.

Christmas Show

Ny'Lee was in the Christmas show at our church - she had 2 group singing parts and them everyone was in the finale - very good message to the kids - The show was about a little girl named Lindsey who went Christmas shopping with her mom and wanted everything she saw in the toy dept - she was also complaining about the gifts she received - she fell asleep in the toys dept and the toys came to life and she told them the real story about Christmas - all of the toys had a part in the story - very good message for the kids. HAd refreshments afterwards - tried to find the Dollar Tree Store and got lost - forgot GPS at home - On Sunday Isaac and UI dropprd Ny to my moms house and went shopping for her clothes - got a great deal bought 1 winter and 1 spring coat - like 5 pairs of jeans 3 pair of pants 2 sets of pj and shirts and sweaters for each one all for 153.00 - don't get any better than that lol

A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying... that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. ~Alexander Pope, in Swift, Miscellanies

Just because you make mistakes doesn't mean you are one. ~Author Unknown

Troubles are a lot like people - they grow bigger if you nurse them. ~Author Unknown

We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it. ~John Newton

The meeting

The meeting went well Thank God - we spoke with the supervisor and our family worker - bought in our paperwork from the court house and the Supervisor had our worker make us fill out a new application and now it goes on to Trenton. (Remember that they withdrew it because we missed the 90 day mark- and we don't have to do anything else other then wait for Trenton) I am happy that the supervisor asked my dh lots of question - my dh is a big bear 6"4 and built like one lol - but a teddy bear no less - so that he could see that what was on the paperwork was something a "no thinking of the consequences it may have when I married my beautiful wife and decide to do foster/adopt 21 year old did" - and that that incident doesn't/ didn't hinder the man that stood in front of him -basically my dh had an assult charge that was dismissed that showed uop on his fingerprints - even though it was dismissed it is still grounds for denial - but since it happened so far back they needed to know what degree it was to begin with - and when we finally got the paperwork it said no degree assigned - He had my husband right a statement and that he was giving it to his supervisor who would be handling his cases ( today was his last day - he was leaving on medical leave) so I guess they have an additional 90 ( lets all hope and pray not) to get us fully lisenced since our application says 12/5/08 I bought in my time line and he said yes we definately need to streamline the process - but that they have no control when the courts givethem back the info requested.

RandomQuotes

Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left. ~Hubert Humphrey

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. ~Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan, 1893

We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves. ~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

The past is our definition. We may strive, with good reason, to escape it, or to escape what is bad in it, but we will escape it only by adding something better to it. ~Wendell Berry

What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now. ~Author Unknown

just wanted to drop a line - tomorrow we have a 10 am meeting with our Resource Family Worker's Supervisor. As you all know they had withdrawn our application on 11/12/08 - I know that there is no use stressing what I have no control over - I am just praying that what happens will happen and know that in our hearts we did everything in our powers. After the most stressful an uneventful last 2 months I am just ready for whatever. we finally were able to get the final paperworks in and our RFW was like "oh just fax it over to me and I will have my supervisor review it " I said "No - I have already made an appointment for us to meet with him and personally bring it in. I am going to bring in my timeline to him with every detail of our journey - to show that if she would of put more effort we would already have been thru inspection and probably soon to be lisenced - I know don't burn any bridges but this is our last chance.

Here is Ny and our new puppy "Lola" she is a Basenji/Chihuahua Mix

Random Quotes

Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting. Princess Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco

One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it. Henry Moore

Some think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go. Sylvia Robinson

Maybe I wanted to hear it so badly that my ears betrayed my mind in order to secure my heart. Margaret Cho

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. Mother Teresa

Whatever God's dream about man may be, it seems certain it cannot come true unless man cooperates. Stella Terrill Mann

11/6/08

ok so here's my story - RFW (Resource Family Worker) had our fingerprints since last week in Sept - here in NJ it is mandated that the agency have home studies and all paperwork submitted by 90 days - they get written up for this -kept reaching out to her with no call backs - after almost 3.5 weeks she finally calls me and tells me that she needs clarification on something on DH's paper work (really don't want to get too into it but it was dismissed -15 years old may I add) so after finally getting here to give me the number she was calling I contacted the courts and got an official letter in the mail to her - well here is the hokey pokey of this story - because she needed to have our home study completed by 10/31 and she did not get it in to her supervisor - plus the fact she didn't have a one on one with my daughter - our application will withdrawn at this time and resubmitted after she makes her last visit - ooh add to the fact that this is because she didn't get her stuff done or even reach out to me sooner so that I may help her - the only consolidation that we get was that she said they already (her supervisor) approved our home study and that it is much easier to withdraw our application ( make it seem as if we requested this)so they can get more time other than them denying it - if they did then we would never be able to apply again = Like I know I have to look at this as it is for a reason - we are actually looking into adding a half bathroom so at least I can keep myself busy with getting the house ready for inspection - thanks for letting me vent - and any positive vibes you may have sending them my way will be greatly appreciated -Joei

Read between the lines....

we finally got our adoption money refunded - read between the lines and you can figure out what their organization wrote in their condescending letter - they ending with "Welcome to our area"

Thank you for welcoming us to the area and honoring your adoption contract and refunding my adoption fee, since we returned the dogs within the time allotted. Yes, I am aware that my personal check was cashed on the very next day on 10/10/08 and that is the reason as to why it wasn’t returned. We fully understand that your organization is a “Rescue Shelter” and not a pet shop or breeder, and also how much they would go on the open market. I didn’t go into your shelter and look to rummage for a sale. I actually came in to adopt another dog that was already adopted when I got there. The reason as to why my kind hearted family opted in adopting a family pet from a rescue shelter was because we are very much aware that there are many animals in shelters that need a loving home like ours. I was only made aware that their previous owner surrendered them because he no longer could care for them and not neglected as you stated in your letter. I am sure you will find another home for them as long as you advised them upfront of the medical needs that they warrant. We were honest in telling you that because this is something that needs to be taken care of right away; we could not afford $1400.00 in dental bills in one shot. Not one instance did we hear that maybe someone in your network could help us with a more reasonable fee, the first thing out of Christine’s mouth were “ if you can’t afford to meet their medical needs then bring them back”. She did not take into consideration the feelings we had. Within the first hours of adopting them I called her very excited just to tell how that I had purchased many new things for them. Not only that, I emailed your organization that same night with a question on what I should put on Hugo (Felix) for his sensitive skin. And when I did not get a response, I called down to Anderson County to ask them for more information of the type of bath given to him for the allergy to the fleabites he had and also visited Pet’s mart to ask them for any assistance. If we clearly didn’t care for their well being we would of just let them go without the care they needed. How many families do you know would be honest enough to tell you that they could not afford it upfront? Returning them was not any easy thing to do, but we did because we know that we couldn’t meet their needs, and we feel that we were treated one-sided. You automatically wrote us off as uncaring people. We will not let this experience hinder us from rescuing again from a rescue organization, unless you have added our names to a blacklist to prevent us unjustly. My family accepts your apology for not knowing that they had extensive dental problems, and hope that this oversight clearly does not happen again.

Letter to dog pound << sighs deeply>>

Sy,
It is with a sadden heart that I write this letter- as you can see from the email attached I came in to adopt "Devine" but she was not there. When I arrived I immediately feel in love with 2 Chihuahuas then named "Hugo & Giant" – Now “Felix and Oscar) they had to go together because they were all they ever knew. Christine was there when I got there - I was so happy to be taking these 2 boys home with me that I wrote on the check and on the contract 10/8/08 - even joked with her about it - the actual date was the 9th - I was off for Yom Kippur. (you can also verify it by the next email that I will forward; and also the one that I sent the same day that I bought them home.) She told me that I had to return with Giant back to remove his sutures - I was not able to; nor my husband able to make it to the shelter - since we already had an appointment with the vet (Landing Animal Care Center) I called the office and they told me that they would take care of it. Upon taking the dogs for their wellness visit - Dr.Vallari examined their teeth and advised us that they were in really bad shape - even pointing out that they both had missing teeth and so much plaque that he was able to scrap an piece off, they also had an infection in both ears - (the medicine was returned with them) also he examined Giant (Oscar) and said that the suture still needed to stay in and for me to wait an additional 10 day and to bring them both in - by then the ear infection should of cleared up and Now I understand that it would be my responsibility to take care of any medical needs that they would need - going forward - but I was not made aware that they needed extensive dental work - their office quoted me $663.18 for each of them. We decided that I could not afford to pay this much money - they need this and I cannot provide it - so my husband took the dogs back today. Upon arriving Christine asked for of the paperwork she had given me ( I only have the copies of the original which your organization has) and when my husband asked about our refund she said we forfeited it because it was past 14 days - I picked them up 2 weeks ago on Thursday- not only that the check was already cashed on the very next day - she said you can clearly see on the contract and on the check - I believe should my either receive my money back or be able to chose another dog.. Now we have no dogs nor our money - Here I thought we were doing some thing good by adopting rescued dogs and helping out to be treated this way - treated with animosity because we were not notified about the condition of their teeth and were honest enough to inform you that we could not afford to get both of their dental work done. Can someone please look into this give me a response?

Random quotes

Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others - Jules Renard

Truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking. - Malcolm Gladwell

I am just too thru with my resource worker- I completely understand that they have huge workloads but when I have to do her work for her it becomes frustrating.... I finally got in touch with her after playing "messenger Maggie" sorry couldn't think of another name with the letter M lol so the last time I spoke with her she had finally gotten back our fingerprints and stated that she needed clarification on something on DH's paper work (really don't want to get too into it but it was dismissed never made it on a docket 15 years old may I add) so she tells me that she has been trying to contact the courts to get an official clearing letter and that the number that she has all it does it ring and no one answers - mind you she has had our paperwork for over a month now - would you think that maybe you should try to find another number and why did I have to keep hounding her ( I called her 2 a week since she gave us word about the fingerprints)so I asked her for the number that she was calling which it is a general number to begin with was on hold for about 6 min got someone who told me that no one ever answers that number - gives me the correct number and viola- I spoke with someone there who is putting the info in the mail as we spoke - - come on that took me a total of 14 min from start to finish - so I gladly called her back gave her the number and name of the person I spoke with - ok off my soap box

Random quotes

There will be a time when loud-mouthed, incompetent people seem to be getting the best of you. When that happens, you only have to be patient and wait for them to self destruct. It never fails. - Richard Rybolt

You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.- Stanislaw J. Lec

It's been a while...

so I haven't written in a bit - just been busy with work and with Ny - I have contacted our worker 2 times and still haven't heard from her - "technically" we should be licensed by the end of the month - the state likes to have it done by 3 months and we were assigned to a worker in July - So I will call her back again.... We have 2 Halloween parties to go to this Saturday ....

"Mrs CrankyPants"

I am a bit cranky - and I'll be the first to admit to it- after thinking that maybe this was the month - because I was 13 days late- the ugly witch showed up - it made me kinda sad - I even went to great lengths as to double check with Fertility Friend and just knew that I was preggos due to how many days late and using their ticker counter had pin pointed day of conception - <<<<>>>>> oh well another month......

Random Quotes

“Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads.” Harry S Truman

“Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart” Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

"New Addition (s) "

OK so I saw this little Jack Russell Terrier on pet finder and made an appt to see about adopting her - well when I got there- she was already adopted last night and so I left with 2 mini chihuahuas - their new names are "Felix" 3 lbs and "Oscar" 2.5 lbs graciously named by my daughter since "Oscar is so cranky" lol

Random Quotes

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.- Elizabeth Stone

Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted. - Garrison Keillor

The love we give away is the only love we keep. - Elbert Hubbard

Bitter are the tears of a child: Sweeten them.
Deep are the thoughts of a child: Quiet them.
Sharp is the grief of a child: Take it from him.
Soft is the heart of a child: Do not harden it. - Pamela Glenconner

Random Quotes

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good." - Author unknown

"There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day." - Alexander Woollcott

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi

"Today's drama"

my 8 year old has chores - some before school (make sure bed is made - nothing on her floor and that she feeds the cat ) some after - (make sure the dinner table is wiped down and cleared after dinner and on alternate days use the swifter in the dining room & living room -well it seems that every morning I have to literally dress her because she moves in slow motion ( I have to leave at 7 just to make it to work by 8) so I try to help her so that she can get her chores done and earn her ( my money) - well this morning she was playing her "DS" with the headphones on so that I wouldn't hear it - - Isaac took off her red "focusing" bracelet and gave her a black one (which means any "extra" fun stuff is taken away) so today she got it taken away and can't go to soccer practice and she is now in her room cleaning - when I got home my husband asked should she go or not - I said no because then it would defeat the purpose- I asked her if she understood the reasoning about it and she did - So tomorrow is a new day and a new start.....

Random Quotes

Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.- Jane Adams

Whoever said anybody has a right to give up?- Marian Wright Eldeman

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.- Franklin P Jones

"Focus"

Ok so today is Soccer night and we have a "focusing" issue - DD (what appears to me) has a serious time focusing at the task - ok So do I but I just don't want it to get out of hand - she gets easily distracted and the teacher has already pointed it out - so Dh had a talk with her and just called me and thought of a good idea - to tie a bright colored bracelet on her wrist so that she can zero in and focus - I hope this help - not that it has anything to do with soccer - just wanted to let you know today was soccer night lol

Random Quotes

"If God is calling you to take a step of faith that defies earthly wisdom, put obedience first and let logic catch up. If you can't understand the why, trust the Who." Author Unknown

Never shall I forget the time I spent with you. Please continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.-Ludwig Van Beethoven

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess

"The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing; but in our culture, we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture. -Doug Phillips

So - Today is Monday - the dreaded back to work day lol - actually today was a good day considering that it's month end and it' s usually crazy, plus the fact that my supervisor changed my hours from 8-4 - but hey let me not complain. Didn't have to cook today "I love my husband" he picked up chinese food and so I am working 2 hrs remotely from home - so that's it for today - oh moved up 1 in line for afterschool care so now I am number 5 woo hoo lol

First Blog

I decided I need an place to write what I am going thru - just as a need to have a place to vent , share, etc - I like writing things down - funny in the past when my husband and I didn't agree or just got into to a free for all argument , I would always write down my feeling - It helps me ;-)







Ok - So here are the players on my team lol - me JoAnn - 30 years old grew up in Newark, NJ with my mom and brother, Isaac - my 38 yeard old husband who also grew in in Newark - with his mom and 1 brother and 1 sister- and my princess Ny'Lee who is a spunky 8 years old. - and I feel as if I have been trying to concieve for the last 8 years - we had been "officially ttc #2together with help " since July - dh kept saying "oh JLIH" (just let it happen) then I was like wait til dd is 5 then we decided to wait until we bought our first home - so "we" have decided to go see a RE and found out we are having second time infertility. Well after 3 SA the RE sent my husband to the urologist - -Dh was just put on clomid - the ur said he wanted to try this to see if it would help us for Ivf , that he may put him on for 3 months- Well after speaking to my case nurse at the RE office she said that with dh #'s that we would have to seriously consider IVF w ICSI. So it got so stressed between us that I seriously thought that it was going to break us up -I was afraid that I was stressing him out to the max - almost every night I would go and look on the foster/adopt sites just reading .... so one night I was on the waiting children's page for adoption for my state and there was this little girl named Andrea- if there ever was a moment that you looked at some one and knew they "were the one" this was it - so I copied her bio and emailed it to my dh with her picture - knowing that he checks his email in the morning at work and as the day went by was a bit sad that he had not said anything to me about it - well wouldn't you know it he called me from work (2nd job) and told me "hey - that little girl you sent me is adorable contact the recruiter that is mentioned on there - so emailed the contact that was on her bio - and I got a call form the Resource worker that had came to see us over a year ago - so that's is how we got started with the whole Fostercare

We have decided to pursue foster/adopt (concurrant planning) to add to our family - A decision that was may over 2 years ago but due to lots of things we held off on it . But we got everything worked out -So here was our schedule

• 7/4/08 - intital application (again)
• 7/30/08-RS (Resource Worker) assigned
• 8/6/08 1st HS (Home Study) with DH (dear husband) and me together
• 9/17/08 2nd HS- my DH "one on one"
• 9/26/0- my HS "one on one"
• 9/27/08-finished Pride classes classes were 4 Saturdays form 9:30-5pm except for yesterday which was our "Graduation Party" and we stayed till 3