Home Study #3...... the new house "passed" inspection! I'm getting so excited and scared at the same time! But from waht I hear...that's normal for a "new mom"! we spent alot of time discussing what child I would be comfortable with...it was a lot to think about! I have chosen 0-7 and boy/girl and will accept 2...preferably one child for the first bit! All of this will be effective on October 1.....then will wait for the phone calls!
As I think about the past few months, I really feel as tho I have made a GREAT decision for myself. I have faced some opposition and have shed many tears over it...but it's not their life. I know that many of my friends and family are worried, concerned and who knows what else, and I want each of them to know that "IS EXACTLY HOW I FEEL". I think that if I didn't feel this way then, I would be making a mistake! I don't know what the road ahead of me brings, many dark days I'm sure, but I'm ready for it. I have had my life ALL to myself for 36 years...it's time to start sharing. I have alot of love to give....love doesn't come easy, if it did-we would be a perfect people! God has a plan for me...I believe this is my plan and He isn't going to give me more than I can handle, he will give me ways to handle it!
Dont' stop praying for me, just because a child is placed with me soon. I need it now, and later! so if you feel the need to email me some "advice", please feel free.... alecia825@gmail.com!
Love and THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
ALECIA :-)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
August 30, 2010
I've been a little lazy in the updates recently.... sorry!
so classes are OVER!!!!!!!!!! very sad...the Tuesday night ritual was getting habitual! ha that rhymes! Last week we had a "panel" of people that we will come into contact with in the foster/adoption process. it was awesome to hear what they had to say and experience a Family Support Team meeting. We were able to ask questions that pertained to the person that was there...such as a foster child now adult and hear her experiences, to an attorney that speaks from a legal perspective, to foster/adoptive parents and their thoughts on what journey is before us and from a staffing perspective on how children were placed. I could have listened to them for hours.
I have to admit...i am very sad the classes are over. It's like part of the experience is over and the support of fellow classmates is no longer. I have become close to 2 couples that were in the class with me...we still keep in touch thanks to facebook! they are amazing people!
Tonight I had my 2nd homestudy. it was mainly paperwork but moving the process forward. I have homestudy 3 on September 8, I will mover september 18 and then the final homestudy the week after i move. My licensing worker Tessa said that she hopes to have it all done by October 1....that means I will be on the "list" for available placements on October 1! DID I JUST SAY THAT OUTLOUD.........OH MY GOODNESS...THIS IS REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, with that said, I'm officially nervous and excited! Its going to happen and soon! Just think....who would have EVER thought this of me!!!!!!!!!!
Well...I'm going to fill out more paperwork.....more updates soon....KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING!!!!!!!!!!
love and thanksgiving to you all,
Alecia
so classes are OVER!!!!!!!!!! very sad...the Tuesday night ritual was getting habitual! ha that rhymes! Last week we had a "panel" of people that we will come into contact with in the foster/adoption process. it was awesome to hear what they had to say and experience a Family Support Team meeting. We were able to ask questions that pertained to the person that was there...such as a foster child now adult and hear her experiences, to an attorney that speaks from a legal perspective, to foster/adoptive parents and their thoughts on what journey is before us and from a staffing perspective on how children were placed. I could have listened to them for hours.
I have to admit...i am very sad the classes are over. It's like part of the experience is over and the support of fellow classmates is no longer. I have become close to 2 couples that were in the class with me...we still keep in touch thanks to facebook! they are amazing people!
Tonight I had my 2nd homestudy. it was mainly paperwork but moving the process forward. I have homestudy 3 on September 8, I will mover september 18 and then the final homestudy the week after i move. My licensing worker Tessa said that she hopes to have it all done by October 1....that means I will be on the "list" for available placements on October 1! DID I JUST SAY THAT OUTLOUD.........OH MY GOODNESS...THIS IS REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, with that said, I'm officially nervous and excited! Its going to happen and soon! Just think....who would have EVER thought this of me!!!!!!!!!!
Well...I'm going to fill out more paperwork.....more updates soon....KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING!!!!!!!!!!
love and thanksgiving to you all,
Alecia
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
August 17, 20101
wow, wow, wow!!! Where has the summer gone? It seems like yesterday I started my classes and now we are done with the instructional part and have our party next week.....lots of great things are happening....
I'm trying NOT to get excited, but I have to be honest-its tough! There are alot of 'WHAT-IFS' out there that I can't share yet, because nothing is for certain.
Up till today, I think that all of this has been a dream....today I think I have reached reality and for some reason I'm 99% excited and 1% scared to death. What have I done, what am I doing, why am I doing this....am I ready???
Only GOD knows.....and believe me, I have prayed and prayed about this....."he will not lead me in a direction I can not succeed"
Thanks for all the support and prayers.....maybe calling on you all soon for some kiddo items that you may want to donate to my kiddo closets! Will be making the calls soon, I'm sure!
Love and prayers,
Alecia
I'm trying NOT to get excited, but I have to be honest-its tough! There are alot of 'WHAT-IFS' out there that I can't share yet, because nothing is for certain.
Up till today, I think that all of this has been a dream....today I think I have reached reality and for some reason I'm 99% excited and 1% scared to death. What have I done, what am I doing, why am I doing this....am I ready???
Only GOD knows.....and believe me, I have prayed and prayed about this....."he will not lead me in a direction I can not succeed"
Thanks for all the support and prayers.....maybe calling on you all soon for some kiddo items that you may want to donate to my kiddo closets! Will be making the calls soon, I'm sure!
Love and prayers,
Alecia
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010
Can you believe that August is here? I can't....yet I'm super excited! Life is CHANGING for me and I can't wait!
I'm MOVING again.........yes, I take after my parents.....pack - unpack - live there for a year - and do it all over again! But its for a VERY good reason. With all the life changing experiences that I am about to enter, I wanted to be near my family. Yes, Republic is only 25 minutes away, but I also wanted my future kids to go to my alma mater Ash Grove schools. So, a great house came open for rent and I'm heading back to the Grove on September 18. Painting has begun and things are brightening up! I'm excited.....thanks to those that are helping "renevate" the house!
Class was great last night. We are on the downhill slide! Only 2 more Tuesday night classes and then 2 saturday classes...then my home study will be written by my case worker and BOOM, I'm licensed and let the good times roll!
I can't thank my family and friends enough for the enormous amount of love I am receiving! It's also kinda fun because I am a part of a "pre-parenting" plan....there are 2 gals in my office that are expecting....and for once, I have something that I can contribute to that conversation. Now I'm not "expecting" as they are, but there are children in my very near future. Fun to talk about!
Wish all of you cool days ahead. I don't know about you but I am ready for cooler evenings, fall-like days, craft fairs and city festivals and yes, even the holidays!
Love and blessings,
Alecia
I'm MOVING again.........yes, I take after my parents.....pack - unpack - live there for a year - and do it all over again! But its for a VERY good reason. With all the life changing experiences that I am about to enter, I wanted to be near my family. Yes, Republic is only 25 minutes away, but I also wanted my future kids to go to my alma mater Ash Grove schools. So, a great house came open for rent and I'm heading back to the Grove on September 18. Painting has begun and things are brightening up! I'm excited.....thanks to those that are helping "renevate" the house!
Class was great last night. We are on the downhill slide! Only 2 more Tuesday night classes and then 2 saturday classes...then my home study will be written by my case worker and BOOM, I'm licensed and let the good times roll!
I can't thank my family and friends enough for the enormous amount of love I am receiving! It's also kinda fun because I am a part of a "pre-parenting" plan....there are 2 gals in my office that are expecting....and for once, I have something that I can contribute to that conversation. Now I'm not "expecting" as they are, but there are children in my very near future. Fun to talk about!
Wish all of you cool days ahead. I don't know about you but I am ready for cooler evenings, fall-like days, craft fairs and city festivals and yes, even the holidays!
Love and blessings,
Alecia
Sunday, July 25, 2010
July 25, 2010
Hello friends....
This week is super crazy for me with the draft horse show at the fair next weekend. I don't have class this week and next week will be the beginning of the LAST session! I'm super excited for what God has in place for me...there are fears, there are "what if's", there are hesitations...but nothing makes me feel this is a bad decision. God won't give me more than I can handle! He will help me handle what he gives me!
Have a GREAT week everyone and I will catch up with you next week! Can't believe August is right around the corner!!!
Love and grace to Him!
Alecia
This week is super crazy for me with the draft horse show at the fair next weekend. I don't have class this week and next week will be the beginning of the LAST session! I'm super excited for what God has in place for me...there are fears, there are "what if's", there are hesitations...but nothing makes me feel this is a bad decision. God won't give me more than I can handle! He will help me handle what he gives me!
Have a GREAT week everyone and I will catch up with you next week! Can't believe August is right around the corner!!!
Love and grace to Him!
Alecia
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 20, 2010
Session 2 is OVER! One more to go........time is flying by!
Life is GOOD! I have discovered so many inner thoughts and strengths that I didn't know that I had within myself! I am truly blessed to be in this process...not only for the life or lives I am about to change to the way they are going to change mine!
Tonights class was on Discipline! Ya might say, well that's simple! Really it's not....you have to remember where these kids of come from and what trauma they have been thru! Physical discipline is NOT an option and coping mechanism probably won't work. The goal is to figure out what is causing the aggression, then work on solving it! It's hard to determine what will work on paper...got to wait to see what my child will be!
I also made a BIG decision about my journey...we are just changing it up a little! After a lot of prayer and talking with others in my class and Lutheran services connections, i have decided to work through the foster care placement services in conjunction with the ultimate goal of adoption. I never thought I could and would be able to become a foster parent, but through this class and working with others just like me, I have so much to give to a child(ren) for a short time or a long time, that I can be that positive influence in their life. Yes, it's not going to be easy and if you know me well enough, I will cry i am sure alot....but the tears won't be of sorry but of happiness that I can be that person that child looks back on and says "My foster mom Alecia was the most loving person and I will never forget her."
By making this decision, my home study process has just been bumped up to "top priority" because of the need for foster families in Greene county. PLUS...84% of foster placements turn into adoption placements! What an opportunity to think you are going to temporarily change a child's life and then be able to adopt them!
Lots of GOOD in my life! I am so blessed with an amazing and supportive family that I love with all my heart! Not to mention the countless friends that I am blessed to have as well! If you are lucky enough to be on my list, I love you forever!
-Love to all,
Alecia
Life is GOOD! I have discovered so many inner thoughts and strengths that I didn't know that I had within myself! I am truly blessed to be in this process...not only for the life or lives I am about to change to the way they are going to change mine!
Tonights class was on Discipline! Ya might say, well that's simple! Really it's not....you have to remember where these kids of come from and what trauma they have been thru! Physical discipline is NOT an option and coping mechanism probably won't work. The goal is to figure out what is causing the aggression, then work on solving it! It's hard to determine what will work on paper...got to wait to see what my child will be!
I also made a BIG decision about my journey...we are just changing it up a little! After a lot of prayer and talking with others in my class and Lutheran services connections, i have decided to work through the foster care placement services in conjunction with the ultimate goal of adoption. I never thought I could and would be able to become a foster parent, but through this class and working with others just like me, I have so much to give to a child(ren) for a short time or a long time, that I can be that positive influence in their life. Yes, it's not going to be easy and if you know me well enough, I will cry i am sure alot....but the tears won't be of sorry but of happiness that I can be that person that child looks back on and says "My foster mom Alecia was the most loving person and I will never forget her."
By making this decision, my home study process has just been bumped up to "top priority" because of the need for foster families in Greene county. PLUS...84% of foster placements turn into adoption placements! What an opportunity to think you are going to temporarily change a child's life and then be able to adopt them!
Lots of GOOD in my life! I am so blessed with an amazing and supportive family that I love with all my heart! Not to mention the countless friends that I am blessed to have as well! If you are lucky enough to be on my list, I love you forever!
-Love to all,
Alecia
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 13, 2010
Hello everyone....
I'm on the downhill slide in my classes....only 4 more to go and then 2 all day classes on Saturdays in September! Woo Hoo!
Last nights class was on building family relationships! Many times when children are placed in the foster care system, reuinification is the goal with returning to the family. I have very mixed emotions about this but understand the bigger picture. When the child can't be safely returned home, the possibility of terminating rights of the parents may occur and the child may need to be placed in an adopted situation. Children have emotions in this process and the act of saying "goodbye" to their parents can be difficult, but in the best interest of the child. Its hard to believe that a child would ever be removed from their home because someone abused and neglected them. Unfathomable to me!
It's important to develop a LifeBook for the children that come into our lives....a book of history that they may take back with them to their parents or to where ever they may go. So many times, children move from home to home, and have no tangible objects of their time in that home. It's sad to me that a LifeBook of memories has to be done...not the book itself, but the purpose of it!
Classes are going well. We said goodbye to one of the Social Workers as she is taking another job. Amanda started out with me in the beginning of this process and I wish her the best.
On another note....we discussed "planning" for the future and as usual I am thinking ahead! It's important to know your community resources and how they will best work with your adoptive child and whatever special needs they may have...I have talked with several people at Ash Grove schools and I feel that is the best school that I would feel comfortable sending my child too. Ya know...that's where I grew up and I turned out okay! With that said, I am hopefully moving back towards "the grove" and will post more about that later. I have found a house and am going to look at it again tonight.....Hope it all works out! Would be nice to be closer to all the family and the kids especially!
Well I better get off here and head to work! Have a BLESSED day and thank you for all your support! I had a fellow member of my class, Annette, last night say how much she admired me doing this (being single).....thanks to her for affirming that my decision that becoming a mom to a special needs child is a blessing!
Until next time....
Alecia
I'm on the downhill slide in my classes....only 4 more to go and then 2 all day classes on Saturdays in September! Woo Hoo!
Last nights class was on building family relationships! Many times when children are placed in the foster care system, reuinification is the goal with returning to the family. I have very mixed emotions about this but understand the bigger picture. When the child can't be safely returned home, the possibility of terminating rights of the parents may occur and the child may need to be placed in an adopted situation. Children have emotions in this process and the act of saying "goodbye" to their parents can be difficult, but in the best interest of the child. Its hard to believe that a child would ever be removed from their home because someone abused and neglected them. Unfathomable to me!
It's important to develop a LifeBook for the children that come into our lives....a book of history that they may take back with them to their parents or to where ever they may go. So many times, children move from home to home, and have no tangible objects of their time in that home. It's sad to me that a LifeBook of memories has to be done...not the book itself, but the purpose of it!
Classes are going well. We said goodbye to one of the Social Workers as she is taking another job. Amanda started out with me in the beginning of this process and I wish her the best.
On another note....we discussed "planning" for the future and as usual I am thinking ahead! It's important to know your community resources and how they will best work with your adoptive child and whatever special needs they may have...I have talked with several people at Ash Grove schools and I feel that is the best school that I would feel comfortable sending my child too. Ya know...that's where I grew up and I turned out okay! With that said, I am hopefully moving back towards "the grove" and will post more about that later. I have found a house and am going to look at it again tonight.....Hope it all works out! Would be nice to be closer to all the family and the kids especially!
Well I better get off here and head to work! Have a BLESSED day and thank you for all your support! I had a fellow member of my class, Annette, last night say how much she admired me doing this (being single).....thanks to her for affirming that my decision that becoming a mom to a special needs child is a blessing!
Until next time....
Alecia
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