There is a forward going around on facebook. It is kinda interesting, so I thought I would post it here too. Besides, my life is so boring that I have nothing else to write here anyway.
It is basically 25 random things about you. Here are mine:
1. I got pregnant as a teenager, but was not a teenage mom (close though).
2. I have a niece and a nephew that are only a few years younger than me. In fact, at 34 years old, I have 2 great-nephews.
3. I love sweet gherkin pickles, maraschino cherries, and black olives. And yes, the perfect meal would include all three.
4. I totally take after my mom and I like to think I am pretty crafty.
5. I am one of 5 girls and grew up in a two bedroom, one bath house until I was about 13 (ish).
6. I lost my job last year and I secretly think it was the best thing that happened. I just love staying home.
7. I really love my old on the outside, new on the inside 110 year old house.
8. I have a blog and think it is funny to find out how people get there. Some google searches have nothing to do with my blog at ALL. LOL
9. The new GEICO commercials freak me out. I just think that stack of money is weird.
10. I have a total of 18 piercings in my ears, yet I don’t wear any earrings. In fact, I may only own 1 pair. I am sure most of the holes are closed.
11. I have night terrors almost on a nightly basis. I think people are in my room. In fact, the cops have been called to my house on several occasions because of this.
12. I love the fact that everyone in my family says the same grace before dinner.
13. I am super clumsy. I am always bruised and I fall down to the ground at least once a month. Falling down the stairs happens on a weekly basis.
14. When I was younger, I was not allowed to wear makeup, use hairspray, or get my ears pierced unless I had long fingernails. To this day, I pick at my nails.
15. I still sleep with a stuffed dog that I got when I was about 5 years old. He no longer has 2 feet. Lol
16. I have a degree in googlology – you know, I get all my information right from google. Not something I am too proud of though.
17. I am looking at other people’s “25 Things” to get ideas for my own list. Yes, I am a loser.
18. Back in March – after getting really bad news – I cut off about 8 inches of my hair. I just put my hair in a ponytail and took a scissor to it.
19. My first car was a beat up mustang. The only thing was, it was a stick shift. I did not know how to drive it before I got it. I learned super quickly and am so glad that I did. I think everyone should know how to drive stick.
20. I have an extra piece of skin on my ear. At birth, the doctor offered to cut it off. My mother said no - it would give me character. Thanks Mom
21. I wear contacts during the day. But, I wear my glasses all night. Yes – I wear glasses while I sleep.
22. I am SO not a music person. I seriously only have 12 songs on my iPod and own only 3 CDs.
23. The only jewelry that I wear is my wedding rings and my “mom” necklace. I never take them off. If I took them off, I usually forget for days to put them back on.
24. I love a good salad – but that is usually the most UNHEATHLY salad ever.
25. I never thought I would get to 25
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Got a speeding ticket
UGH - coming home from my sister's house I was pulled over. I was going 72 in what I thought was a 65 zone.
Nope - apparently, my state thinks it is perfectly ok to make a road a "construction zone" and mark it 45 mph - um, yeah, even when there is NO constuction.
Yeah - NOBODY was driving 45, but since I was in the left lane and I guess driving faster than the other 2 lanes, it meant that I was a target.
So, I got a ticket for going 72 in a 45. I am sure that is going to be a HUGE chunk of change.
State Police SUCK!
Nope - apparently, my state thinks it is perfectly ok to make a road a "construction zone" and mark it 45 mph - um, yeah, even when there is NO constuction.
Yeah - NOBODY was driving 45, but since I was in the left lane and I guess driving faster than the other 2 lanes, it meant that I was a target.
So, I got a ticket for going 72 in a 45. I am sure that is going to be a HUGE chunk of change.
State Police SUCK!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A plumber he is not...
We have a full bath on the first floor (a new bath). We never use this other than to go to the bathroom and of course wash our hands. We never ever use the tub - or the shower in the tub.
It is a good thing too - the handle that changes water from filling the tub to the shower head does not work. So, we could only take a bath - but not a shower.
This has been broken for months; my dad said we probably need a new fixture. Ok, fine. Well, all of a sudden, Frank thinks this needs to be fixed now. But, here is the thing - he is NOT handy AT ALL!!!!!
He thinks he is though. That is a problem. He goes to the hardware store and "pretends" to know what he is talking about. He wound up getting a wrench of some sort; only to come home to realize that not one of the attachments is the correct size. He flips out like it is my fault that the wrench does not fit.
I don't offer any advice because - um, I am not a plumber. He gets all pissed off about this "problem" that is no problem for our household. Sure, do I want it to work, of course. But, like I said, we NEVER use the shower part.
Even if we decided that it would be the "kids" bathroom, well, they will be taking baths for a long long time. The tub is fine. Not sure why he thought now would be the best time to mess around with it.
He is not handy - I get it - but, he does not.
It is a good thing too - the handle that changes water from filling the tub to the shower head does not work. So, we could only take a bath - but not a shower.
This has been broken for months; my dad said we probably need a new fixture. Ok, fine. Well, all of a sudden, Frank thinks this needs to be fixed now. But, here is the thing - he is NOT handy AT ALL!!!!!
He thinks he is though. That is a problem. He goes to the hardware store and "pretends" to know what he is talking about. He wound up getting a wrench of some sort; only to come home to realize that not one of the attachments is the correct size. He flips out like it is my fault that the wrench does not fit.
I don't offer any advice because - um, I am not a plumber. He gets all pissed off about this "problem" that is no problem for our household. Sure, do I want it to work, of course. But, like I said, we NEVER use the shower part.
Even if we decided that it would be the "kids" bathroom, well, they will be taking baths for a long long time. The tub is fine. Not sure why he thought now would be the best time to mess around with it.
He is not handy - I get it - but, he does not.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Girls Weekend
Yeah - I know, it is past due. But here are some pics of this past weekend. Did not come home a big winner, but came home with something.
We kept getting looks at the casino - like they have never seen a bunch of sisters all in one place. Yeah, I get that we kinda look a like, but we kept getting STARES - it is not like we are identical quads LOL
We are missing one sister - she could not make it :(
We kept getting looks at the casino - like they have never seen a bunch of sisters all in one place. Yeah, I get that we kinda look a like, but we kept getting STARES - it is not like we are identical quads LOL
We are missing one sister - she could not make it :(
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Double Stroller Contest
I would never be able to afford a stroller like this, so I am entering a contest for a free double stroller.
Vanessa at I Never Grew Up is offering a Bumbleride double stroller up as a giveaway. What a sweet giveaway. Check it out and also take a look at Vanessa's fun blog!
Here's the contest.
Vanessa at I Never Grew Up is offering a Bumbleride double stroller up as a giveaway. What a sweet giveaway. Check it out and also take a look at Vanessa's fun blog!
Here's the contest.
Monday, January 19, 2009
This is the last post.......
I have decided to combine my active blogs. It just makes it easier for people to follow everything.
So - this will be the last post on this blog, all additional updates will be on my original blog.
You can see all topics HERE
So - this will be the last post on this blog, all additional updates will be on my original blog.
You can see all topics HERE
OK - the active blogs are combined
I combined this blog and the adoption blog. I am leaving the other blogs as is becasue it took forever to just do this one blog.
I tagged each one from the adoption blog with tags like " adoption, adpt paperwork, adpt home visit, etc"
I will continue to make all updates on this one blog and will eventually delete the other one. I am going to keep it up for a while to just direct people over here.
Hopefully, this will make it easier for everyone to read.
I tagged each one from the adoption blog with tags like " adoption, adpt paperwork, adpt home visit, etc"
I will continue to make all updates on this one blog and will eventually delete the other one. I am going to keep it up for a while to just direct people over here.
Hopefully, this will make it easier for everyone to read.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
OMG! So happy!
We finally got word about the radiators - we are FINE!!!!!!
My worker spoke directly to the actual inspector that will be doing our inspection. She said that the radiators fall into a "supervision" category. This means that is is in the same category as making sure a child does not touch a hot stove or get into the unlocked liquor cabinet (which by the way is high up - but not locked).
We found out on Friday but I was away for the weekend.
I could not be happier.
Also in the same conversation, we found out that the local police report from our town has come in and we are just waiting for the local report from my last town. It has been sent 3 times now. Yup - that is right. The forms have been sent three times. The first two were sent to the wrong precinct. There are over half a million people in my last "town" so of course there are more than one police stations. When we had our local inspection, I questioned where it was sent (at the advice of my husband) and that is when I learned that it was sent to the wrong place.
The paperwork was sent for the third time about 1/7 or so. I plan to call the actual police dept this week just to make sure they actually received it. This is the LAST thing that is needed.
Of course after this is received, we still have to do the state inspection. My worker still has not said if I can schedule the state inspection if all the paperwork is not on file. Kind of annoying waiting for other people to do stuff - stuff that I have no control over.
This week will be the 60 day mark from when the paperwork was received by the local child services dept. But, about 90 days since we submitted our initial application. I know I have to go by the first timeline and I think it sucks that I can't count that first month. Well, I guess I could, we did take our classes in that first month. But, we would have been able to do the classes and the paperwork.
I know I should not dwell on this over and over, since what is done is done, but I am just overly anxious.
......................
On another topic - I am thinking about combining all my blogs. It seems like I do not have enough info to post of several. But if you combine the blogs, I have enough for multiple updates.
I am not sure if I will keep the main on and add all these posts (obviously much easier) or change the blog totally.
Let me know what you think about this idea.
Oh - just an FYI - once we receive placement, all pictures would be on a blog that has a password.
My worker spoke directly to the actual inspector that will be doing our inspection. She said that the radiators fall into a "supervision" category. This means that is is in the same category as making sure a child does not touch a hot stove or get into the unlocked liquor cabinet (which by the way is high up - but not locked).
We found out on Friday but I was away for the weekend.
I could not be happier.
Also in the same conversation, we found out that the local police report from our town has come in and we are just waiting for the local report from my last town. It has been sent 3 times now. Yup - that is right. The forms have been sent three times. The first two were sent to the wrong precinct. There are over half a million people in my last "town" so of course there are more than one police stations. When we had our local inspection, I questioned where it was sent (at the advice of my husband) and that is when I learned that it was sent to the wrong place.
The paperwork was sent for the third time about 1/7 or so. I plan to call the actual police dept this week just to make sure they actually received it. This is the LAST thing that is needed.
Of course after this is received, we still have to do the state inspection. My worker still has not said if I can schedule the state inspection if all the paperwork is not on file. Kind of annoying waiting for other people to do stuff - stuff that I have no control over.
This week will be the 60 day mark from when the paperwork was received by the local child services dept. But, about 90 days since we submitted our initial application. I know I have to go by the first timeline and I think it sucks that I can't count that first month. Well, I guess I could, we did take our classes in that first month. But, we would have been able to do the classes and the paperwork.
I know I should not dwell on this over and over, since what is done is done, but I am just overly anxious.
......................
On another topic - I am thinking about combining all my blogs. It seems like I do not have enough info to post of several. But if you combine the blogs, I have enough for multiple updates.
I am not sure if I will keep the main on and add all these posts (obviously much easier) or change the blog totally.
Let me know what you think about this idea.
Oh - just an FYI - once we receive placement, all pictures would be on a blog that has a password.
I might combine all my blogs
It seems like I have a few posts here and there on several different blogs. But, not a lot on any one blog.
Someone (yeah, you Melanie) said that I should combine this blog with the adoption blog - and I think I might just do it.
The question now is.....Should I keep everything on this blog - or create a new one with a different name??
Someone (yeah, you Melanie) said that I should combine this blog with the adoption blog - and I think I might just do it.
The question now is.....Should I keep everything on this blog - or create a new one with a different name??
OMG - So Excited!
We finally got word about the radiators - we are FINE!!!!!!
My worker spoke directly to the actual inspector that will be doing our inspection. She said that the radiators fall into a "supervision" category. This means that is is in the same category as making sure a child does not touch a hot stove or get into the unlocked liquor cabinet (which by the way is high up - but not locked).
We found out on Friday but I was away for the weekend. I could not be happier. Also in the same conversation, we found out that the local police report from our town has come in and we are just waiting for the local report from my last town. It has been sent 3 times now. Yup - that is right.
The forms have been sent three times. The first two were sent to the wrong precinct. There are over half a million people in my last "town" so of course there are more than one police stations. When we had our local inspection, I questioned where it was sent (at the advice of my husband) and that is when I learned that it was sent to the wrong place. The paperwork was sent for the third time about 1/7 or so. I plan to call the actual police dept this week just to make sure they actually received it. This is the LAST thing that is needed. Of course after this is received, we still have to do the state inspection. My worker still has not said if I can schedule the state inspection if all the paperwork is not on file. Kind of annoying waiting for other people to do stuff - stuff that I have no control over.
This week will be the 60 day mark from when the paperwork was received by the local child services dept. But, about 90 days since we submitted our initial application. I know I have to go by the first timeline and I think it sucks that I can't count that first month. Well, I guess I could, we did take our classes in that first month. But, we would have been able to do the classes and the paperwork. I know I should not dwell on this over and over, since what is done is done, but I am just overly anxious.
......................
On another topic - I am thinking about combining all my blogs.
It seems like I do not have enough info to post of several. But if you combine the blogs, I have enough for multiple updates. I am not sure if I will keep the main on and add all these posts (obviously much easier) or change the blog totally. Let me know what you think about this idea.
Oh - just an FYI - once we receive placement, all pictures would be on a blog that has a password.
My worker spoke directly to the actual inspector that will be doing our inspection. She said that the radiators fall into a "supervision" category. This means that is is in the same category as making sure a child does not touch a hot stove or get into the unlocked liquor cabinet (which by the way is high up - but not locked).
We found out on Friday but I was away for the weekend. I could not be happier. Also in the same conversation, we found out that the local police report from our town has come in and we are just waiting for the local report from my last town. It has been sent 3 times now. Yup - that is right.
The forms have been sent three times. The first two were sent to the wrong precinct. There are over half a million people in my last "town" so of course there are more than one police stations. When we had our local inspection, I questioned where it was sent (at the advice of my husband) and that is when I learned that it was sent to the wrong place. The paperwork was sent for the third time about 1/7 or so. I plan to call the actual police dept this week just to make sure they actually received it. This is the LAST thing that is needed. Of course after this is received, we still have to do the state inspection. My worker still has not said if I can schedule the state inspection if all the paperwork is not on file. Kind of annoying waiting for other people to do stuff - stuff that I have no control over.
This week will be the 60 day mark from when the paperwork was received by the local child services dept. But, about 90 days since we submitted our initial application. I know I have to go by the first timeline and I think it sucks that I can't count that first month. Well, I guess I could, we did take our classes in that first month. But, we would have been able to do the classes and the paperwork. I know I should not dwell on this over and over, since what is done is done, but I am just overly anxious.
......................
On another topic - I am thinking about combining all my blogs.
It seems like I do not have enough info to post of several. But if you combine the blogs, I have enough for multiple updates. I am not sure if I will keep the main on and add all these posts (obviously much easier) or change the blog totally. Let me know what you think about this idea.
Oh - just an FYI - once we receive placement, all pictures would be on a blog that has a password.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Yup - more about my niece
I have gone to see my niece every week now since she was born. Sofia will be 8 weeks tomorrow. I just can't believe how fast she is growing and how much she is changing.
I got a little teary-eyed yesterday - and not for the reasons you would think.
My sister Katie and I have never been "close". Yes, we got along, sent e-mails, and had conversations over dinner, etc. But, she is not one of my sisters (I have 4) that I would call on a regular basis, or hang out with outside of family functions.
Don't get me wrong, I have always loved her (and even her husband) - but I guess I was just closer to some of my other sisters.
Well, since I have been going there every week, I really feel as though we have become closer. Maybe it is because we now are both mom, maybe because we have both lost pregnancies, maybe it is just because I have the time to do these visits.
Whatever the reason, I love it - and got teary-eyed over it yesterday.
To celebrate our visit - I of COURSE took pics of my beautiful sweet little niece.
I got a little teary-eyed yesterday - and not for the reasons you would think.
My sister Katie and I have never been "close". Yes, we got along, sent e-mails, and had conversations over dinner, etc. But, she is not one of my sisters (I have 4) that I would call on a regular basis, or hang out with outside of family functions.
Don't get me wrong, I have always loved her (and even her husband) - but I guess I was just closer to some of my other sisters.
Well, since I have been going there every week, I really feel as though we have become closer. Maybe it is because we now are both mom, maybe because we have both lost pregnancies, maybe it is just because I have the time to do these visits.
Whatever the reason, I love it - and got teary-eyed over it yesterday.
To celebrate our visit - I of COURSE took pics of my beautiful sweet little niece.
Friday, January 9, 2009
More about the radiators
I figured since I am less pissed, I would tell the whole story of the radiators.
Way back when we were in class, the topic of old house came up. My house was built in 1900 (ish) and so I would call that old. Topics such as unique floor plans, lead paint, short basements, etc came up. I was kind of concerned about our radiators, not because I thought they would be an issue, but because I could think of nothing else in my house that would be an issue.
I asked our trainer (who works a lot in my county) if the old cast iron radiators would be an issue. He flat out said that he has NEVER heard of anyone failing inspection becasue of raditors. Cool, I thought I was in the clear.
To be safe, I posted this topic on a NJ fost/adopt message board. I got several replies about it and all of them said it was not an issue. There were a few people that also had that concern and they were still waiting for their final inspection (from the state).
I thought nothing of it. Our worker comes to our house to do the "couple" interview at which time she quickly looks through the house for the MAJOR violations. Nothing said about the radiators. She comes back a week later to do my indiv interview and sees the radiator. At this point she tells me that it might be an issue. I told her that I spoke to the trainer about this and advised her of the answer. She said she was going to talk to a supervisor.
Fast forward to this past monday. She comes to do her final inspection - it is required before the state can do theirs. She advised me that the radiators WILL be an issue. By this point, the people on that message board have had their inspections and advised me that the inspector did not even give the raditors a second glance. I tell her this and tell her that they will cost hundreds of dollars each for covers. i know I was getting upset, and I was trying to explain to her that they are not a fire hazard or anything - if that was the case, I would not be able to get home owners insurance.
I went back to the message board and someone was able to send me a copy of the inspection manual.
Well, here is the thing - there is NOTHING written in the inspection manual (69 pages) that says anything about the radiators. The only thing close is "all electric portable heaters or fireplaces must have a guard or cover"
I can attest that these radiators are NOT portable and not electric.
So, my social worker was contacting the actual inspector to see if 1) it is actaully a violation or 2) could we get a waiver.
My worker told us that DYFS may pay for them - yup MAY. It would have to go through an approval process and it could really delay things. My worker wanted us to go through the whole thing first before even finding out it is was needed. Hello, backwards!
I suggested that she call the inspector - totally playing it up as "why should dyfs spend thousands of $$ to fix a problem that might not be a problem at all" I guess she aggreed and now we are just waiting to hear back.
Yes, I am sure we could kind of make them ourselves, but each one is a different size, so it would be a lot of work.
The worker basically told the inspector that we don't have the $$ to get covers (not really a lie) and that if dyfs wants to keep us as a family, that if they are needed, then they would have to pay for them.
We have been told by a few people that they can not wait for us to be licensed because we are one of the best families on the books (good job, nice house, renovated, near park, raised a child, nothing bad in the referece or background checks, etc)
So, I know that if we need them, there is a BIG possibility that we won't have to pay for them.
It is just very frustrating at this point. Oh, and we are STILL waiting for our local police check to come back. There is only about 6000 in my town, so the police dept is pretty small. I am sure they only have one person that does the checks. So, if that person is on vacation, well, then I am screwed.
So, we are still waiting. UGH
Way back when we were in class, the topic of old house came up. My house was built in 1900 (ish) and so I would call that old. Topics such as unique floor plans, lead paint, short basements, etc came up. I was kind of concerned about our radiators, not because I thought they would be an issue, but because I could think of nothing else in my house that would be an issue.
I asked our trainer (who works a lot in my county) if the old cast iron radiators would be an issue. He flat out said that he has NEVER heard of anyone failing inspection becasue of raditors. Cool, I thought I was in the clear.
To be safe, I posted this topic on a NJ fost/adopt message board. I got several replies about it and all of them said it was not an issue. There were a few people that also had that concern and they were still waiting for their final inspection (from the state).
I thought nothing of it. Our worker comes to our house to do the "couple" interview at which time she quickly looks through the house for the MAJOR violations. Nothing said about the radiators. She comes back a week later to do my indiv interview and sees the radiator. At this point she tells me that it might be an issue. I told her that I spoke to the trainer about this and advised her of the answer. She said she was going to talk to a supervisor.
Fast forward to this past monday. She comes to do her final inspection - it is required before the state can do theirs. She advised me that the radiators WILL be an issue. By this point, the people on that message board have had their inspections and advised me that the inspector did not even give the raditors a second glance. I tell her this and tell her that they will cost hundreds of dollars each for covers. i know I was getting upset, and I was trying to explain to her that they are not a fire hazard or anything - if that was the case, I would not be able to get home owners insurance.
I went back to the message board and someone was able to send me a copy of the inspection manual.
Well, here is the thing - there is NOTHING written in the inspection manual (69 pages) that says anything about the radiators. The only thing close is "all electric portable heaters or fireplaces must have a guard or cover"
I can attest that these radiators are NOT portable and not electric.
So, my social worker was contacting the actual inspector to see if 1) it is actaully a violation or 2) could we get a waiver.
My worker told us that DYFS may pay for them - yup MAY. It would have to go through an approval process and it could really delay things. My worker wanted us to go through the whole thing first before even finding out it is was needed. Hello, backwards!
I suggested that she call the inspector - totally playing it up as "why should dyfs spend thousands of $$ to fix a problem that might not be a problem at all" I guess she aggreed and now we are just waiting to hear back.
Yes, I am sure we could kind of make them ourselves, but each one is a different size, so it would be a lot of work.
The worker basically told the inspector that we don't have the $$ to get covers (not really a lie) and that if dyfs wants to keep us as a family, that if they are needed, then they would have to pay for them.
We have been told by a few people that they can not wait for us to be licensed because we are one of the best families on the books (good job, nice house, renovated, near park, raised a child, nothing bad in the referece or background checks, etc)
So, I know that if we need them, there is a BIG possibility that we won't have to pay for them.
It is just very frustrating at this point. Oh, and we are STILL waiting for our local police check to come back. There is only about 6000 in my town, so the police dept is pretty small. I am sure they only have one person that does the checks. So, if that person is on vacation, well, then I am screwed.
So, we are still waiting. UGH
More about the radiators
I figured since I am less pissed, I would tell the whole story of the radiators.
Way back when we were in class, the topic of old house came up. My house was built in 1900 (ish) and so I would call that old. Topics such as unique floor plans, lead paint, short basements, etc came up. I was kind of concerned about our radiators, not because I thought they would be an issue, but because I could think of nothing else in my house that would be an issue.
I asked our trainer (who works a lot in my county) if the old cast iron radiators would be an issue. He flat out said that he has NEVER heard of anyone failing inspection becasue of raditors. Cool, I thought I was in the clear.
To be safe, I posted this topic on a NJ fost/adopt message board. I got several replies about it and all of them said it was not an issue. There were a few people that also had that concern and they were still waiting for their final inspection (from the state).
I thought nothing of it. Our worker comes to our house to do the "couple" interview at which time she quickly looks through the house for the MAJOR violations. Nothing said about the radiators. She comes back a week later to do my indiv interview and sees the radiator. At this point she tells me that it might be an issue. I told her that I spoke to the trainer about this and advised her of the answer. She said she was going to talk to a supervisor.
Fast forward to this past monday. She comes to do her final inspection - it is required before the state can do theirs. She advised me that the radiators WILL be an issue. By this point, the people on that message board have had their inspections and advised me that the inspector did not even give the raditors a second glance. I tell her this and tell her that they will cost hundreds of dollars each for covers. i know I was getting upset, and I was trying to explain to her that they are not a fire hazard or anything - if that was the case, I would not be able to get home owners insurance.
I went back to the message board and someone was able to send me a copy of the inspection manual.
Well, here is the thing - there is NOTHING written in the inspection manual (69 pages) that says anything about the radiators. The only thing close is "all electric portable heaters or fireplaces must have a guard or cover"
I can attest that these radiators are NOT portable and not electric.
So, my social worker was contacting the actual inspector to see if 1) it is actaully a violation or 2) could we get a waiver.
My worker told us that DYFS may pay for them - yup MAY. It would have to go through an approval process and it could really delay things. My worker wanted us to go through the whole thing first before even finding out it is was needed. Hello, backwards!
I suggested that she call the inspector - totally playing it up as "why should dyfs spend thousands of $$ to fix a problem that might not be a problem at all" I guess she aggreed and now we are just waiting to hear back.
Yes, I am sure we could kind of make them ourselves, but each one is a different size, so it would be a lot of work.
The worker basically told the inspector that we don't have the $$ to get covers (not really a lie) and that if dyfs wants to keep us as a family, that if they are needed, then they would have to pay for them.
We have been told by a few people that they can not wait for us to be licensed because we are one of the best families on the books (good job, nice house, renovated, near park, raised a child, nothing bad in the referece or background checks, etc)
So, I know that if we need them, there is a BIG possibility that we won't have to pay for them.
It is just very frustrating at this point. Oh, and we are STILL waiting for our local police check to come back. There is only about 6000 in my town, so the police dept is pretty small. I am sure they only have one person that does the checks. So, if that person is on vacation, well, then I am screwed.
So, we are still waiting. UGH
Way back when we were in class, the topic of old house came up. My house was built in 1900 (ish) and so I would call that old. Topics such as unique floor plans, lead paint, short basements, etc came up. I was kind of concerned about our radiators, not because I thought they would be an issue, but because I could think of nothing else in my house that would be an issue.
I asked our trainer (who works a lot in my county) if the old cast iron radiators would be an issue. He flat out said that he has NEVER heard of anyone failing inspection becasue of raditors. Cool, I thought I was in the clear.
To be safe, I posted this topic on a NJ fost/adopt message board. I got several replies about it and all of them said it was not an issue. There were a few people that also had that concern and they were still waiting for their final inspection (from the state).
I thought nothing of it. Our worker comes to our house to do the "couple" interview at which time she quickly looks through the house for the MAJOR violations. Nothing said about the radiators. She comes back a week later to do my indiv interview and sees the radiator. At this point she tells me that it might be an issue. I told her that I spoke to the trainer about this and advised her of the answer. She said she was going to talk to a supervisor.
Fast forward to this past monday. She comes to do her final inspection - it is required before the state can do theirs. She advised me that the radiators WILL be an issue. By this point, the people on that message board have had their inspections and advised me that the inspector did not even give the raditors a second glance. I tell her this and tell her that they will cost hundreds of dollars each for covers. i know I was getting upset, and I was trying to explain to her that they are not a fire hazard or anything - if that was the case, I would not be able to get home owners insurance.
I went back to the message board and someone was able to send me a copy of the inspection manual.
Well, here is the thing - there is NOTHING written in the inspection manual (69 pages) that says anything about the radiators. The only thing close is "all electric portable heaters or fireplaces must have a guard or cover"
I can attest that these radiators are NOT portable and not electric.
So, my social worker was contacting the actual inspector to see if 1) it is actaully a violation or 2) could we get a waiver.
My worker told us that DYFS may pay for them - yup MAY. It would have to go through an approval process and it could really delay things. My worker wanted us to go through the whole thing first before even finding out it is was needed. Hello, backwards!
I suggested that she call the inspector - totally playing it up as "why should dyfs spend thousands of $$ to fix a problem that might not be a problem at all" I guess she aggreed and now we are just waiting to hear back.
Yes, I am sure we could kind of make them ourselves, but each one is a different size, so it would be a lot of work.
The worker basically told the inspector that we don't have the $$ to get covers (not really a lie) and that if dyfs wants to keep us as a family, that if they are needed, then they would have to pay for them.
We have been told by a few people that they can not wait for us to be licensed because we are one of the best families on the books (good job, nice house, renovated, near park, raised a child, nothing bad in the referece or background checks, etc)
So, I know that if we need them, there is a BIG possibility that we won't have to pay for them.
It is just very frustrating at this point. Oh, and we are STILL waiting for our local police check to come back. There is only about 6000 in my town, so the police dept is pretty small. I am sure they only have one person that does the checks. So, if that person is on vacation, well, then I am screwed.
So, we are still waiting. UGH
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Just an adoption Update
The update is that there is no update. We are still waiting for some police checks to come in and we still have our final State License Inspection.
It is like TTC, you wait and hope for the best - only to be disappointed month after month.
I know it will happen, but it seems like everything is another delay.
So, really no update
It is like TTC, you wait and hope for the best - only to be disappointed month after month.
I know it will happen, but it seems like everything is another delay.
So, really no update
Monday, January 5, 2009
God Damn Stupid Radiators!!!!
These Radiators will be the death of me.
We have radiators like the one below in EVERY room in our house (hallway is pictured). Today, we found out that we might need a cover on ALL of them to pass inspection. We have about 10 of them and each cover costs about $300!!!!!!!
i will not go into this now as I am super PISSED off
We have radiators like the one below in EVERY room in our house (hallway is pictured). Today, we found out that we might need a cover on ALL of them to pass inspection. We have about 10 of them and each cover costs about $300!!!!!!!
i will not go into this now as I am super PISSED off
God Damn Stupid Radiators!!!!
These Radiators will be the death of me.
We have radiators like the one below in EVERY room in our house (hallway is pictured). Today, we found out that we might need a cover on ALL of them to pass inspection. We have about 10 of them and each cover costs about $300!!!!!!!
i will not go into this now as I am super PISSED off
We have radiators like the one below in EVERY room in our house (hallway is pictured). Today, we found out that we might need a cover on ALL of them to pass inspection. We have about 10 of them and each cover costs about $300!!!!!!!
i will not go into this now as I am super PISSED off
Sunday, January 4, 2009
I just lost it over a twin bed...
When we moved into our house, we set aside one bedroom as a kids room. We painted in a neutral sage color knowing that we would not want to paint it again.
It has been used as a storage room while we did major renovations on our house. It helped me emotionally that the room was not stark empty.
But, now the room is cleared out and there is a crib and a twin bed in there. We are having our 1st of 2 home inspections tomorrow so our room has to be ready for at least 2 placements.
And, since we are willing to accept ages birth to 5 yrs old, we had to have a crib and a bed. We bought a bunk bed set that can be separate.
We assembled one of the beds and the crib was set up a few weeks ago. The bed has been made and the crib now has a sheet and a little blanket.
It was just the realization that the room is FINALLY going to be used for the intended purpose and I just lost it.
Granted, the room is very simple, nothing matches, everything is second hand - but, it will be filled with a child soon and I guess that is the best thing that could ever go in there.
I just can't believe that more children in our house is not just a dream, but will be a reality.
The bedding that is on the twin bed is for a girl - but it was what we got for free so it is fine for now. Our plan is to buy bedding once we get a placement. If we get a girl that needs a twin, then we will just keep the current bedding. If we get two girls, we might just get one that has similar colors as the one that we have. Boys will eventually need new bedding. The set that we have is REALLY girly.
So, here is our super basic room that will be a little more decorated in the future.
It has been used as a storage room while we did major renovations on our house. It helped me emotionally that the room was not stark empty.
But, now the room is cleared out and there is a crib and a twin bed in there. We are having our 1st of 2 home inspections tomorrow so our room has to be ready for at least 2 placements.
And, since we are willing to accept ages birth to 5 yrs old, we had to have a crib and a bed. We bought a bunk bed set that can be separate.
We assembled one of the beds and the crib was set up a few weeks ago. The bed has been made and the crib now has a sheet and a little blanket.
It was just the realization that the room is FINALLY going to be used for the intended purpose and I just lost it.
Granted, the room is very simple, nothing matches, everything is second hand - but, it will be filled with a child soon and I guess that is the best thing that could ever go in there.
I just can't believe that more children in our house is not just a dream, but will be a reality.
The bedding that is on the twin bed is for a girl - but it was what we got for free so it is fine for now. Our plan is to buy bedding once we get a placement. If we get a girl that needs a twin, then we will just keep the current bedding. If we get two girls, we might just get one that has similar colors as the one that we have. Boys will eventually need new bedding. The set that we have is REALLY girly.
So, here is our super basic room that will be a little more decorated in the future.
I just lost it over a twin bed...
When we moved into our house, we set aside one bedroom as a kids room. We painted in a neutral sage color knowing that we would not want to paint it again.
It has been used as a storage room while we did major renovations on our house. It helped me emotionally that the room was not stark empty.
But, now the room is cleared out and there is a crib and a twin bed in there. We are having our 1st of 2 home inspections tomorrow so our room has to be ready for at least 2 placements.
And, since we are willing to accept ages birth to 5 yrs old, we had to have a crib and a bed. We bought a bunk bed set that can be separate.
We assembled one of the beds and the crib was set up a few weeks ago. The bed has been made and the crib now has a sheet and a little blanket.
It was just the realization that the room is FINALLY going to be used for the intended purpose and I just lost it.
Granted, the room is very simple, nothing matches, everything is second hand - but, it will be filled with a child soon and I guess that is the best thing that could ever go in there.
I just can't believe that more children in our house is not just a dream, but will be a reality.
The bedding that is on the twin bed is for a girl - but it was what we got for free so it is fine for now. Our plan is to buy bedding once we get a placement. If we get a girl that needs a twin, then we will just keep the current bedding. If we get two girls, we might just get one that has similar colors as the one that we have. Boys will eventually need new bedding. The set that we have is REALLY girly.
So, here is our super basic room that will be a little more decorated in the future.
It has been used as a storage room while we did major renovations on our house. It helped me emotionally that the room was not stark empty.
But, now the room is cleared out and there is a crib and a twin bed in there. We are having our 1st of 2 home inspections tomorrow so our room has to be ready for at least 2 placements.
And, since we are willing to accept ages birth to 5 yrs old, we had to have a crib and a bed. We bought a bunk bed set that can be separate.
We assembled one of the beds and the crib was set up a few weeks ago. The bed has been made and the crib now has a sheet and a little blanket.
It was just the realization that the room is FINALLY going to be used for the intended purpose and I just lost it.
Granted, the room is very simple, nothing matches, everything is second hand - but, it will be filled with a child soon and I guess that is the best thing that could ever go in there.
I just can't believe that more children in our house is not just a dream, but will be a reality.
The bedding that is on the twin bed is for a girl - but it was what we got for free so it is fine for now. Our plan is to buy bedding once we get a placement. If we get a girl that needs a twin, then we will just keep the current bedding. If we get two girls, we might just get one that has similar colors as the one that we have. Boys will eventually need new bedding. The set that we have is REALLY girly.
So, here is our super basic room that will be a little more decorated in the future.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Scheduled the 1st Home Inspection :)
Spoke to our worker this week. ya know to ask what the status of everything was. We are still waiting on our local police report and the police report from my previous town.
Kind of funny that the two things that are needed are from two small towns. Does not surprise me, expecially since there were holidays in there. Last year I hit a deer and it took over a month to get that police report because the ONE person that does it was on vacation.
Previously, she told us that we could not schedule the first of two home inspections until all the paperwork was submitted. She said that was because the state inspection must be within a certain time frame from her inspection. I guess she thinks these reports will be submitted soon because she scheduled our 1st home inspection for Monday. The home inspection is really the last step of the home study.
She has been to our house several times and did a "once over" to see if there were any OBVIOUS reasons why we would fail home inspection. But on Monday she is really looking at the house with a fine tooth comb. She wants to make sure the house will pass when the state comes out for their inspection.
Our house is very recently renovated so I don't think there will be any big things. We have locked up the meds and put the cleaners up high. We bought brand new smoke and CO2 detectors and had the fire dept check our fire extingishers.
To be honest, the thing that I am most concerned about is our 100 yr old cast iron radiators. The only thing that is putting me at ease is the fact that about 75% of my town have these same radiators. And I KNOW there are other resource families in our town.
So, this weekend we will be doing another good clean job - but not too clean as was suggested by another resource family. And to be honest, we will declutter the house, clean up the kitchen, wipe down the bathroom, make sure all the beds are made, etc. I was told that state inspectors are a little leary about super clean houses. I guess they wonder what will happen when kids come in and mess up the house.
Oh - also, the room has to be set up. We have a crib and we are getting a set of bunks tomorrow. The bunks are actual beds that just stack as bunks. We are going to just set one up and the crib. This was we are not putting together two beds and it turns out that we only need one.
I will take some pics this weekend when it is all done. But, it will really just be semi-done because we will do most of the decorating once we get placement.
So, yay - moving forward
Kind of funny that the two things that are needed are from two small towns. Does not surprise me, expecially since there were holidays in there. Last year I hit a deer and it took over a month to get that police report because the ONE person that does it was on vacation.
Previously, she told us that we could not schedule the first of two home inspections until all the paperwork was submitted. She said that was because the state inspection must be within a certain time frame from her inspection. I guess she thinks these reports will be submitted soon because she scheduled our 1st home inspection for Monday. The home inspection is really the last step of the home study.
She has been to our house several times and did a "once over" to see if there were any OBVIOUS reasons why we would fail home inspection. But on Monday she is really looking at the house with a fine tooth comb. She wants to make sure the house will pass when the state comes out for their inspection.
Our house is very recently renovated so I don't think there will be any big things. We have locked up the meds and put the cleaners up high. We bought brand new smoke and CO2 detectors and had the fire dept check our fire extingishers.
To be honest, the thing that I am most concerned about is our 100 yr old cast iron radiators. The only thing that is putting me at ease is the fact that about 75% of my town have these same radiators. And I KNOW there are other resource families in our town.
So, this weekend we will be doing another good clean job - but not too clean as was suggested by another resource family. And to be honest, we will declutter the house, clean up the kitchen, wipe down the bathroom, make sure all the beds are made, etc. I was told that state inspectors are a little leary about super clean houses. I guess they wonder what will happen when kids come in and mess up the house.
Oh - also, the room has to be set up. We have a crib and we are getting a set of bunks tomorrow. The bunks are actual beds that just stack as bunks. We are going to just set one up and the crib. This was we are not putting together two beds and it turns out that we only need one.
I will take some pics this weekend when it is all done. But, it will really just be semi-done because we will do most of the decorating once we get placement.
So, yay - moving forward
Scheduled the 1st Home Inspection :)
Spoke to our worker this week. ya know to ask what the status of everything was. We are still waiting on our local police report and the police report from my previous town.
Kind of funny that the two things that are needed are from two small towns. Does not surprise me, expecially since there were holidays in there. Last year I hit a deer and it took over a month to get that police report because the ONE person that does it was on vacation.
Previously, she told us that we could not schedule the first of two home inspections until all the paperwork was submitted. She said that was because the state inspection must be within a certain time frame from her inspection. I guess she thinks these reports will be submitted soon because she scheduled our 1st home inspection for Monday. The home inspection is really the last step of the home study.
She has been to our house several times and did a "once over" to see if there were any OBVIOUS reasons why we would fail home inspection. But on Monday she is really looking at the house with a fine tooth comb. She wants to make sure the house will pass when the state comes out for their inspection.
Our house is very recently renovated so I don't think there will be any big things. We have locked up the meds and put the cleaners up high. We bought brand new smoke and CO2 detectors and had the fire dept check our fire extingishers.
To be honest, the thing that I am most concerned about is our 100 yr old cast iron radiators. The only thing that is putting me at ease is the fact that about 75% of my town have these same radiators. And I KNOW there are other resource families in our town.
So, this weekend we will be doing another good clean job - but not too clean as was suggested by another resource family. And to be honest, we will declutter the house, clean up the kitchen, wipe down the bathroom, make sure all the beds are made, etc. I was told that state inspectors are a little leary about super clean houses. I guess they wonder what will happen when kids come in and mess up the house.
Oh - also, the room has to be set up. We have a crib and we are getting a set of bunks tomorrow. The bunks are actual beds that just stack as bunks. We are going to just set one up and the crib. This was we are not putting together two beds and it turns out that we only need one.
I will take some pics this weekend when it is all done. But, it will really just be semi-done because we will do most of the decorating once we get placement.
So, yay - moving forward
Kind of funny that the two things that are needed are from two small towns. Does not surprise me, expecially since there were holidays in there. Last year I hit a deer and it took over a month to get that police report because the ONE person that does it was on vacation.
Previously, she told us that we could not schedule the first of two home inspections until all the paperwork was submitted. She said that was because the state inspection must be within a certain time frame from her inspection. I guess she thinks these reports will be submitted soon because she scheduled our 1st home inspection for Monday. The home inspection is really the last step of the home study.
She has been to our house several times and did a "once over" to see if there were any OBVIOUS reasons why we would fail home inspection. But on Monday she is really looking at the house with a fine tooth comb. She wants to make sure the house will pass when the state comes out for their inspection.
Our house is very recently renovated so I don't think there will be any big things. We have locked up the meds and put the cleaners up high. We bought brand new smoke and CO2 detectors and had the fire dept check our fire extingishers.
To be honest, the thing that I am most concerned about is our 100 yr old cast iron radiators. The only thing that is putting me at ease is the fact that about 75% of my town have these same radiators. And I KNOW there are other resource families in our town.
So, this weekend we will be doing another good clean job - but not too clean as was suggested by another resource family. And to be honest, we will declutter the house, clean up the kitchen, wipe down the bathroom, make sure all the beds are made, etc. I was told that state inspectors are a little leary about super clean houses. I guess they wonder what will happen when kids come in and mess up the house.
Oh - also, the room has to be set up. We have a crib and we are getting a set of bunks tomorrow. The bunks are actual beds that just stack as bunks. We are going to just set one up and the crib. This was we are not putting together two beds and it turns out that we only need one.
I will take some pics this weekend when it is all done. But, it will really just be semi-done because we will do most of the decorating once we get placement.
So, yay - moving forward
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Here is your gift, now give it back.....
Some backstory. Colin sees his father 2x times a year. Yup, TWICE a year. This has been the "norm" since he was 4 yrs old. Before that, he did not see him at all. His father does not live near us, he is about 3 hours away - this is not the reason why he does not see him - just some extra to the story.
Multiple times, Colin was "given" things from his father for either a birthday or a holiday.
Given is in quotes because these are things that were never intended for Colin to actually keep. He has been given: a telescope, a fishing pole, a sled, and a dog. Yes, a real dog. I am sure there are more, but since he does not have them, I lost track. Colin was told that he has no use for these things where we live so that is why they stay there.
Um, you can keep the dog (sorry dog lovers), but I live in the country, I guess we don't need a telescope. Oh, and the river is just around the corner, but I guess the fishing pole would not come in handy.
These things are always REQUIRED to be left at his father's house. Seriously, WTF.
Now, yes - these are things that are very useful at his father's house. The live on a lake and get lots of snow and love to star-gaze. Fine, the 2 times a year that he is there, he will bring all these things with him.
In the past few years, his father has been getting in the habit of "giving" Colin board games for christmas. Sounds like a good gift, right. Well, he makes him leave them there! He father says that they have to stay there so they have something to do when Colin visits - TWICE A YEAR!!!! This has been a few years now, so Colin comes home with NOTHING. No gifts.
So, of course I pick Colin up today from his visit. I asked him about the presents he got for Christmas. He tells me he got Electronic Battleship, he tells me how cool it is and how much it has changed since the "original". He then proceeds to tell me that his father wanted it to stay there.
When Colin was packing his stuff, he father brought it back upstairs. Colin went and got it to pack and his father said "no, it was bought for you - but it has to stay here." You can't be serious.
Colin stood his ground and told him, "well, it is a cool game and I want to play it with my friends" I guess it went back and forth a few times, but in the end, Colin brought the game home. I can actually hear the conversation in my head......
Seriously, WTF!!!!!! You see your kid 2x a year, why the hell would you buy him stuff that you have no intention of him using. The larger things (we all know) were not real gifts. But, board games!!!!
It is like, "here is your gift, see you in 8 months so we can play with it"
If it was the situation of shared custody, or an every other weekend type of thing - well then I guess I can understand that. That makes sense to me. But, he only goes there twice a year.
We do NOT have a court order or anything that states that he has to go to these visits. I have FULL LEGAL custody of Colin with NO ordered visitation. Which means, in english, I am not required to send him there.
This past summer, he told me that he did not want to go. I told him he really should because 1. it is still his father and 2. it is the only time he sees his grandparents.
I really think this is it. As much as I don't want to be the "bad" guy and tell him he can't go - Colin is starting to actually express the fact that HE does not want to go.
Oh - and there was another thing that happened with a sneeze - but that would be a whole post in itself.
The whole thing just really pisses me off and the thing that gets me even more upset is that this jerkoff is hurting MY KID!!!
Sorry - just had to vent that out.
Multiple times, Colin was "given" things from his father for either a birthday or a holiday.
Given is in quotes because these are things that were never intended for Colin to actually keep. He has been given: a telescope, a fishing pole, a sled, and a dog. Yes, a real dog. I am sure there are more, but since he does not have them, I lost track. Colin was told that he has no use for these things where we live so that is why they stay there.
Um, you can keep the dog (sorry dog lovers), but I live in the country, I guess we don't need a telescope. Oh, and the river is just around the corner, but I guess the fishing pole would not come in handy.
These things are always REQUIRED to be left at his father's house. Seriously, WTF.
Now, yes - these are things that are very useful at his father's house. The live on a lake and get lots of snow and love to star-gaze. Fine, the 2 times a year that he is there, he will bring all these things with him.
In the past few years, his father has been getting in the habit of "giving" Colin board games for christmas. Sounds like a good gift, right. Well, he makes him leave them there! He father says that they have to stay there so they have something to do when Colin visits - TWICE A YEAR!!!! This has been a few years now, so Colin comes home with NOTHING. No gifts.
So, of course I pick Colin up today from his visit. I asked him about the presents he got for Christmas. He tells me he got Electronic Battleship, he tells me how cool it is and how much it has changed since the "original". He then proceeds to tell me that his father wanted it to stay there.
When Colin was packing his stuff, he father brought it back upstairs. Colin went and got it to pack and his father said "no, it was bought for you - but it has to stay here." You can't be serious.
Colin stood his ground and told him, "well, it is a cool game and I want to play it with my friends" I guess it went back and forth a few times, but in the end, Colin brought the game home. I can actually hear the conversation in my head......
Seriously, WTF!!!!!! You see your kid 2x a year, why the hell would you buy him stuff that you have no intention of him using. The larger things (we all know) were not real gifts. But, board games!!!!
It is like, "here is your gift, see you in 8 months so we can play with it"
If it was the situation of shared custody, or an every other weekend type of thing - well then I guess I can understand that. That makes sense to me. But, he only goes there twice a year.
We do NOT have a court order or anything that states that he has to go to these visits. I have FULL LEGAL custody of Colin with NO ordered visitation. Which means, in english, I am not required to send him there.
This past summer, he told me that he did not want to go. I told him he really should because 1. it is still his father and 2. it is the only time he sees his grandparents.
I really think this is it. As much as I don't want to be the "bad" guy and tell him he can't go - Colin is starting to actually express the fact that HE does not want to go.
Oh - and there was another thing that happened with a sneeze - but that would be a whole post in itself.
The whole thing just really pisses me off and the thing that gets me even more upset is that this jerkoff is hurting MY KID!!!
Sorry - just had to vent that out.
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