While doing all the paperwork for Hannah’s adoption there was a list of books and other things we could do to earn “credit” for pre-adoption education. On the list was a book that I was a contributing author to. Honestly, I had forgotten about writing for it since it was an easy topic for me to write on, and required very little effort on my part, although I did find it amusing that I could get credit for reading a book that I contributed to.

The book is, “Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections” by EMK Press. It is a fantastic book,... more

Chances are that churches all over the country, including yours, had the same topic today, Mother’s Day. Prior to a sermon about Mothers, the senior pastor called all of the children to the front of the church to have a talk with them. It was sort of an informal Bible lesson, where he explained to the children why they needed to obey their parents. He told the children that while they made many decisions everyday, some were not the right choices. He elaborated that while they were acquiring more knowledge everyday, they still lacked the experience required to make some... more

I hope all of my friends and readers are having a beautiful Mother's Day. The weather here isn't conducive to any time spent to time in my flower garden which would have been rather therapeutic. Instead, we're enjoying some time indoors with books, Wii and, get this, I'm even going to take a nap today.

I thought that my forced ambivalence regarding the day would make for an easier day. I went to bed last night with the feeling that today was just another day, that it didn't mean all that much and that I would be okay when I woke up. Apparently I'm naive... more

We were all teenagers once, just for some of us it was a little longer ago. Do you remember thinking that your parents didn’t talk right? That is because parents don’t understand or use the current slang that teenagers are using. It has gotten worse because of internet use and text messaging. Now the teenagers have their own abbreviation slang as well. If you have a teenager that you raised from a baby then she might tell you some of the slang. If you have a newly adopted teenager, or a new teen in your foster home, good luck. Chances are, your new teenager wants some privacy and... more

For birth mothers who know what today is, being Birthmother's Day, it's sure to cross the mind of supporters and non-supporters alike. Whether a passing thought or an active participant in birth mother activities today, our thoughts are likely on various issues in adoption. However, I'm presenting some food for thought today.

No matter how you feel about today, no matter how the thought of a separate and decidedly unequal day makes you feel, spend some time in thought about your relinquished child. (Or, if you're in reunion or an open adoption, spend some... more

I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station this morning. The morning DJs are young adults because the station wants teenagers to listen, so they give them people to whom they can relate. Actually, the music and contests are geared more towards teenagers as well, but I like the music. So, the DJs were talking about Mother’s Day and wondering what some of their listeners were planning to do for their moms. A teenage girl called in and said that her mom didn’t want anything for Mother’s Day. The DJs made a couple of suggestions, which did include housework. The... more

Two resent studies identified new genetic variants that influence the risk of obesity and insulin resistance. People who are insulin resistant and obese are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The study in the UK looked at data from nearly 17,000 people of European descent. The research team led by Dr. Ruth J. F. Loos, from Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge confirmed prior research linking variants in the FTO gene with obesity. They also found genetic variants near the MC4R gene were strongly associated... more

There is a new issue coming up for the children that were removed from the polygamy ranch in Texas, and it has the potential to be a rather serious issue.

It seems that there is no documentation readily available that these children have had their normal immunizations.

I know that there is a bunch of controversy over immunizing children because of the potential of mercury in immunizations, but I believe that situation has been taken care of.

Some people may wonder if the children, especially the older children, really need to be immunized and... more

While I gave some ideas of things to do this coming Mother's Day weekend, I think everyone can agree that there are certain things you may also want to avoid in the name of sanity's sake. Of course, those things will differ from mother to mother as our experiences are all different and, as such, so are our triggers. With that said, I encourage you to identify your own triggers and assess your current place in your healing journey in order to better know what is and is not a good idea... more

This has been yet another week of crisis for our family, not just one, but two crises! I’m tired. I’m sleep deprived. But guess what? I haven’t been Mean Mama Menopause. And, you know what else? The kids have risen to the occasion, as well!

On top of everything I’ve had to deal with this week, I honestly thought the kids would just bicker, and fuss, and grate on each other’s nerves until we all imploded. And, while, yes, last I looked, they were still “just” kids and had a bit of all that going on from time to time, they hung together. They voluntarily offered to... more