I've been absent from blogging,
Not because of a lack of events
Or lack of things floating around in my head
(Heavens no, that is never a problem)
But just a lack of time
A lack of energy
And
Well,
The inability to fully sit at my computer
Due to piles.
However,
I am back
And back with a vent.
A big vent.
Hold on to your hats.
This was the email I received from the CFT Clinical Supervisor today after I told her that I could not attend a meeting at 2:00 on a Wednesday afternoon that was randomly sent to me via another email this morning.
"Hi MaryAnn, we understand your work schedule and work with you around it all the time. But we need to move on and get this children some services as soon as possible and at times we need you to be a little more flexible (as a foster mom and with children in services it is very important.) If its ok with ______ (CPS case manager) and she would like to change it (as she is the Legal Guardian) we can do on your spring break time, I have open 3/XX/13 at X:XXpm at the X office. MaryAnn you can participate by phone if you can't make it in."
HOLY COW! Are you kidding me????
I wrote an email draft.
I put it aside.
Then I picked it back up tonight.
This is what I sent.
(My agency caseworker probably isn't going to love me - but seriously...enough is enough.)
Hello, XXXXXX.
I know that these services are extremely important and I have been pushing for the Miss M to receive them since our first CFT on August 13th. I have faithfully attended every CFT meeting scheduled and have been as flexible as I possibly can by leaving work as much as an hour to an hour an a half early at least on five different occasions plus attending foster care review and attending court hearings. I think my patience and flexibility over the past seven months speaks for itself in my continual push for these services despite months of waiting and plans being changed not because of me but because of wait lists, transportation issues between CPS and YETC, and now the outsourcing of the services.
As I mentioned, X:XX pm on the Xthis impossible for me to attend via phone or in person. I could met by phone after X:XX on the Xth if it would work to push back the meeting 1 hour. I also could meet at the secondary proposed time at X:XX pm on March XXth at the CPS office. I will continually make it my priority to provide the best care and help for both Ms. O and Miss M as I feel they deserve every opportunity in the world and am anxious to see them receive these services they have needed since being placed in care almost 10 months ago.
This was then the follow up email I sent to my agency worker so she knew that I knew that I was being blunt and defensive.
I probably should have run my XXXr response through you - but I was very offended by X's insinuation that I am somehow dragging my feet and not being cooperative or flexible with my scheduling to meet for yet another CFT for yet another meeting to sit down and discuss getting services started and switched for the girls. Between her lack of knowledge of services (supposedly they didn't have any one in the east valley to service the girls, but now they do; not knowing that the girls could not be dropped off my taxi due to XXX agency's policy; getting the notes mixed up about the girls on the sheets each time, etc.) and the _______'s lack of completing any tasks in a timely manner, I am offended that it would be put on my shoulders for the lack of their services not getting started. I will gladly take on any flack that might come my way....but since I also received a voice mail message from her with the same tone and I decided to pen an email with my response. I have been asking since the middle of January for the service information, they cancelled the CFT in the beginning of Feb, and then today was the first day a time was sent out my way.
Granted -
This woman didn't know that we just moved
To a house
Last weekend
And that we then spent the
Entire
Next week
SICK
With three out of three of us having strep.
And that today
Was my first day back to work
When the past 5 out of 6 work days
I was either moving or
Curled up on the couch trying to swallow
And I was buried in work and trying to play catch up.
But...
Who cares if she did
Or didn't know that.
It's not okay.
And I'm not going to pretend that it is.
So there.
***Vent done.***
Praise Reports!
My parents are in town and enjoying their new winter home with us! It SO nice to have all the storage space, spreading out space, and a cul-de-sac and back yard for the girls to run, ride bikes, and be kids!!!
Prayer Requests -
The girls have finally started up bi-weekly visits with their mom and brother as of a week and a half ago. Their mom has found an apartment which is a huge step in their being reunited. Please give everyone wisdom, patience, and guidance as we move into some changing times ahead.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Extra! Extra! Hear All About it!!!!
Ms. O and Miss M Go Visiting
 |
| Chandler, AZ - At 10:38 this morning Maryann was called and informed that the girls were going to be picked up at school and taken to the library for a visit with their mom and their brother! Awesome news, but not so happy with the 4 hour notice! Maryann didn't have anything prepared for them, hadn't communicated it with them, and had a meeting until 6:30. It all worked out in the end and finally, after 5 weeks, their little family was reunited. There is a parent-aide assigned the case again which means (HALLELUJAH!) no taxi driver transport AND they are going to have 2 two-hour visits every week. |
Sale on the Melody House is Finalized
 |
| Phoenix, AZ - The sale of the Melody house has been recorded with Maricopa County and the keys have been exchanged. Maryann and the girls went out to dinner at On the Border while waiting for the sellers to arrive home to get the keys. (This was after the Applebees was found out of business and the IHOP was closed due to some parking lot issue - so much for kids eat free dinner - it was kids split 1/2 off Happy Hour appetizers!) The sellers surprised Maryann and the girls by showing up at the restaurant and hand delivering the keys. The sellers were quoted to say "We're so excited because you are all so excited." The girls were quoted to say "What is this?" when asked by Maryann to hold the garage door opener for a picture. Come to find out, the girls have never lived in a house--let alone a house with a garage--let alone a house with an automatic garage door opener. Maryann reports that moving day is officially Saturday and if anyone has a truck and an extra pair of hands that they would be welcome to come to the condo and help at 9:00 am. |
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A Girl and A Horse - in 25 hours
Had been looking for a special activity for
Ms. O to do since the CPS worker never did her part
With sending the email so she could go to Winter Camp
I came across a Groupon deal for two hour-long
Horseback riding lessons for $29.00 total.
She was ecstatic for a week
Anxiously awaiting this Saturday at 10 am.
Yesterday was day 1.
Ms. O LOVED it.
She rode Ranger.
She made him walk, and kept close to the rails.
She made him trot, and smiled the entire time.
She was proud of herself.
She stayed after and pet him,
Cleaned him,
Feed him.
She loved it so much,
We decided to try again for the grant and ask for 4 more lessons.
And we signed up for her second lesson for today.
At 11 am.
Same horse.
Same girl.
But,
Ranger had an attitude today.
A disobedient attitude.
And Ms. O,
In turn,
Melted down.
The perfectionist in her
Reared it's ugly head
And it was not pretty.
Yesterday was "easy"
Today was hard
And a little scary
And she wanted a new horse.
And she wanted off.
And she wanted out.
God knew she needed a trainer
Who wouldn't give in to her
Who wouldn't let her quit.
Who took her back out
After the other girl in the lesson was done
And with just her, and Ranger, and the trainer
And no saddle,
And no bit,
And just a rope to guide
Made Ms. O walk her.
Made Ms. O brush her.
Made Ms. O not give in.
It still wasn't pretty.
It still wasn't easy.
It still was hard to watch.
But it was right.
It was good.
We,
Okay, I and her trainer,
Scheduled a follow up lesson
(With or without the grant)
For next Sunday,
Because I love her too much to let her walk away
When the going gets rough
When the horse cops an attitude
When a girl goes from joy to fear in a 48 hour period.
When a girl who is begging to go back, switches to begging to quit.
Please pray for her.
(And me.)
Ms. O to do since the CPS worker never did her part
With sending the email so she could go to Winter Camp
I came across a Groupon deal for two hour-long
Horseback riding lessons for $29.00 total.
She was ecstatic for a week
Anxiously awaiting this Saturday at 10 am.
Yesterday was day 1.
Ms. O LOVED it.
She rode Ranger.
She made him walk, and kept close to the rails.
She made him trot, and smiled the entire time.
She was proud of herself.
She stayed after and pet him,
Cleaned him,
Feed him.
She loved it so much,
We decided to try again for the grant and ask for 4 more lessons.
And we signed up for her second lesson for today.
At 11 am.
Same horse.
Same girl.
But,
Ranger had an attitude today.
A disobedient attitude.
And Ms. O,
In turn,
Melted down.
The perfectionist in her
Reared it's ugly head
And it was not pretty.
Yesterday was "easy"
Today was hard
And a little scary
And she wanted a new horse.
And she wanted off.
And she wanted out.
God knew she needed a trainer
Who wouldn't give in to her
Who wouldn't let her quit.
Who took her back out
After the other girl in the lesson was done
And with just her, and Ranger, and the trainer
And no saddle,
And no bit,
And just a rope to guide
Made Ms. O walk her.
Made Ms. O brush her.
Made Ms. O not give in.
It still wasn't pretty.
It still wasn't easy.
It still was hard to watch.
But it was right.
It was good.
We,
Okay, I and her trainer,
Scheduled a follow up lesson
(With or without the grant)
For next Sunday,
Because I love her too much to let her walk away
When the going gets rough
When the horse cops an attitude
When a girl goes from joy to fear in a 48 hour period.
When a girl who is begging to go back, switches to begging to quit.
Please pray for her.
(And me.)
 |
| I wish you could see the HUGE smile on her face. Such contentment and peace that first day. Praying for a similar experience for her next time, but yet not too easy so that she isn't challenged to stand up to her horse and learn good lessons along the way. |
Update: Fast to Slow to Standstill
Our Melody house
Has been a lesson in
Patience and waiting.
On the bank, that is.
Everything was super fast
And then Bank of America
Started the loan processes
And it was like we went from
75 mph down the highway
To 25 mph through town.
Then, for the past two weeks,
It's been like sitting in rush hour traffic
And going a mile an hour.
The good news is that,
All the final paperwork was signed by both parties
On Friday.
I guess though,
It's a waiting game for the deed to be registered with
Maricopa County.
I am told
"Maybe Monday?"
And I am praying for the keys by Tuesday.
In a step of faith,
I've taken my two personal days on
Thursday and Friday
To move my tubs and boxes
Already packed
On my own,
And then pack up the other stuff.
Then I am lining up helpers to
Officially move on Saturday
And spend the night there for the first time that evening.
I literally have done absolutely no packing.
You see,
There is no room to pack.
I was using a portion of the dining area to stack and pack.
Then this happened.
The plumber finished on Friday,
Now the ceiling guys have to come out
And fill the hole.
And in the meantime,
This is my bedroom.
(The only place to stick everything that had to leave the kitchen.)
The first morning after I came out of the bedroom,
After moving all of kitchen stacks
Into my bedroom
And on to one side of the bed
Ms. O says
"Oh, good. You made it out alive."
My thoughts exactly.
In preparation,
For some day being able to pack,
I've been collecting boxes
From our lunch crew
And they sit here
Untouched.
In the way.
Waiting.
And,
Despite my efforts to be frugal
(I am so not good at that)
And be wise,
I have picked up some news things
To decorate the house.
All of my current decor is what
I've had for 6-10 years
And I'm sort of over it.
Trying to be smart,
Trying to be careful,
But I sort of LOVE decorating
And designing.
In the meantime,
While waiting to move,
Life goes on.
At home.
At work.
At church.
Things have been insanely busy
And challenging
In entirely different ways at work.
Teenage hormones and emotions raging at every turn.
Teenagers hurting - emotionally, physically, mentally.
Teenagers testing boundaries.
But, I love it.
But, I love them.
On the home front,
The girls are well.
Same old, same old in many ways
And with many issues.
And same old, same old with the CPS issues
The girls still have not had a visit with their mom or brother
Since December.
The girls still have received no therapy - after 10 months in the system.
The girls love each other and then are
Screaming at each other faster than I can blink.
But, Ms. O's stubborn streaks are passing faster
And she is reflecting and apologizing on her own.
While Miss M's bottom lip and baby talk
Still rears it's ugly head more than I like,
But she is learning it's not all about her,
And learning to stop and think before blurting things out
(Sometimes.)
And I am learning to trust
Learning to let go on the "little" things
Learning to look for the good
And not focus on the negative.
So grateful for my church
And the teaching of the Truth
Interlaced with Grace
Every single week.
Storytelling has been a treat -
Seeing it's my one time a week I get to truly teach
A group of children who tend to be a captive audience.
And each week I am learning new things
About my God
About my walk with Him,
That challenge me and encourage me.
Moving forward to the call to be a small group leader,
And praying that the Lord allows the opportunity to weekly
Invite fellow believers in to our home
To learn
To pray
To support.
February already.
2013.
Wow.
Has been a lesson in
Patience and waiting.
On the bank, that is.
Everything was super fast
And then Bank of America
Started the loan processes
And it was like we went from
75 mph down the highway
To 25 mph through town.
Then, for the past two weeks,
It's been like sitting in rush hour traffic
And going a mile an hour.
The good news is that,
All the final paperwork was signed by both parties
On Friday.
I guess though,
It's a waiting game for the deed to be registered with
Maricopa County.
I am told
"Maybe Monday?"
And I am praying for the keys by Tuesday.
In a step of faith,
I've taken my two personal days on
Thursday and Friday
To move my tubs and boxes
Already packed
On my own,
And then pack up the other stuff.
Then I am lining up helpers to
Officially move on Saturday
And spend the night there for the first time that evening.
I literally have done absolutely no packing.
You see,
There is no room to pack.
I was using a portion of the dining area to stack and pack.
Then this happened.
The plumber finished on Friday,
Now the ceiling guys have to come out
And fill the hole.
And in the meantime,
This is my bedroom.
(The only place to stick everything that had to leave the kitchen.)
The first morning after I came out of the bedroom,
After moving all of kitchen stacks
Into my bedroom
And on to one side of the bed
Ms. O says
"Oh, good. You made it out alive."
My thoughts exactly.
In preparation,
For some day being able to pack,
I've been collecting boxes
From our lunch crew
And they sit here
Untouched.
In the way.
Waiting.
And,
Despite my efforts to be frugal
(I am so not good at that)
And be wise,
I have picked up some news things
To decorate the house.
All of my current decor is what
I've had for 6-10 years
And I'm sort of over it.
Trying to be smart,
Trying to be careful,
But I sort of LOVE decorating
And designing.
In the meantime,
While waiting to move,
Life goes on.
At home.
At work.
At church.
Things have been insanely busy
And challenging
In entirely different ways at work.
Teenage hormones and emotions raging at every turn.
Teenagers hurting - emotionally, physically, mentally.
Teenagers testing boundaries.
But, I love it.
But, I love them.
On the home front,
The girls are well.
Same old, same old in many ways
And with many issues.
And same old, same old with the CPS issues
The girls still have not had a visit with their mom or brother
Since December.
The girls still have received no therapy - after 10 months in the system.
The girls love each other and then are
Screaming at each other faster than I can blink.
But, Ms. O's stubborn streaks are passing faster
And she is reflecting and apologizing on her own.
While Miss M's bottom lip and baby talk
Still rears it's ugly head more than I like,
But she is learning it's not all about her,
And learning to stop and think before blurting things out
(Sometimes.)
And I am learning to trust
Learning to let go on the "little" things
Learning to look for the good
And not focus on the negative.
So grateful for my church
And the teaching of the Truth
Interlaced with Grace
Every single week.
Storytelling has been a treat -
Seeing it's my one time a week I get to truly teach
A group of children who tend to be a captive audience.
And each week I am learning new things
About my God
About my walk with Him,
That challenge me and encourage me.
Moving forward to the call to be a small group leader,
And praying that the Lord allows the opportunity to weekly
Invite fellow believers in to our home
To learn
To pray
To support.
February already.
2013.
Wow.
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