Tag: kids
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A successful new beginning
Yesterday we introduced a new model for taking care of the family and making sure that needs are met and that the older girls are engaged with the family rather than cloistered in their own concerns. Essentially the plan is that Laura and I and each of the girls are responsible for a specific younger…
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All together again
Our family reunification is complete. We still have healing and room for improvement but we now look like a normal family of ten. Yesterday Enoch asked yet again if he could transfer to Deerfield. Although his stated reasons had not changed significantly we were smart enough to realize that his desire was genuine and not…
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Family Kanban
I had shared the idea of a kanban board for the family with Laura and explained that it would be fully compatible with the organization she wanted to establish in the family but until now I had not started it because Laura want ready. As we were having a discussion she disagreed with my assessment…
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Understanding Mormon
In my prayer this morning as I sought answers on how to support my family I felt how much my situation has echoes of what Mormon experienced. He loved his people but could not (on the whole) recommend them to God. He had led his people but his soul cried out for the Lord to…
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Lean on the Lord
Those who rely on the Lord and put their trust in Him will finally have their burdens lifted, even if they have tasted the dregs of the bitter cup before He takes it from their hand. I accept the distinct possibility that everyone in Laura’s family concludes that they can’t give us anything like the…
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Plans on hold
After days of thinking we had a plan, things came to a halt today as Becca finally talked to David and he raised some legitimate concerns regarding what they could offer. They have no final answer yet but we can’t assume they will be able to do what we had felt would be the most…
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A path forward
I took today off to be at two meetings for Enoch. Each was scheduled for an hour and each took over 2 hours. At the first meeting we went to Matt’s Place and meet with a counselor named Shirlene. I love the fact that she soon identified that what Enoch needed was to have the…
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Looking at changes
As we continue to struggle for stability in our family we are constantly looking at potential changes, big and small, which might achieve our goal. Currently we are working with Mom to bring more appreciation and training so that the kids develop more consistent habits of doing the little things to keep the home up.…
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The operating principle of this household
Today was another case where I keenly felt the operating principle for how our house runs. To put it briefly, other people (Laura, the kids, extended family, DCFS, the schools) complain that things aren’t right here then the complainers stand back and request me to expend more time/money/energy to make the situation better. It’s no…
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Refining expectations
I have been disappointed over the last couple of days with how fractious and fairgrounds many of the kids have been. I knew that we were in the middle of a stressful as didn’t adjustment with moving Laura back in but their behavior was worse than expected. The three boys were sticks throughout church today…