Kim & Jill Stroud's Story: getting closer

We are getting closer to a few things.

One is to finishing a few more house projects, though I am thinking they don't end...ever. But they are fun to plan and do together-I sure hope Kim has as much fun as I do-I think he does! The railing was a must do. It needed to be replaced anyway -since we moved in and it was a couple 2/4s-and we had to fix it for the home inspection. Although we passed by telling her we were replacing it. Which we did.

Another- we passed and are officially licensed for 3 foster kids now! They even gave us a paper certificate! I will have to say I stressed and cleaned and stressed and organized and cleaned and then stressed some more. Kim said I was too worried, and it turns out he was right again. One day- one day I will learn, She only walked around for maybe 3 minutes. I had spent 2 days cleaning- with q tips even and if you know me, you know that is not my style of cleaning. I wanted it to be perfect. I almost told her…I am sorry- but if you don’t mind I scrubbed very hard- do you mind looking closer. Seriously I cleaned for over 12 hours straight and could hardly move the next day. I have been reading a lot of blogs lately- about adoption and so many people said the very same thing. One person asked the inspector to open the closet so she could show her how organized it was!

We are still waiting to get a case worker so we can have children placed with us or adopt. We would prefer to adopt legally free kids, but that might change. Then I try to imagine us with kids and get worried that I will run out of things to do with them…seems silly when I type it, but it is a real concern I have- it has just been us for almost 6 years. Can’t believe that either…time flies! We should have a case worker within the next week....but the state's idea of a quick turnaround time is slow to me. But then again, I know I need to work on patience, so in the long run- what is 6 months of classes, interviews, paperwork , waiting and inspections. It is a long, paper filled and emotional process! But we are one step closer! I have decided that if all couple had to go thru this process before children could come to their home- there would be fewer children in the world. But if this is what it takes to help our family grow from 2 to more- than it is worth it! Plus, there are no needles this way. Don't get me wrong there either- I would gladly get shots if that worked too. Yeah, I would do just about anything- and we are working down that list.

Here are a few pictures of the railing. Thanks to my most excellent and handsome husband and his dad for all their hard work- measuring, cutting and installing. There are some before, during and after for your viewing pleasure. And pictures of downstairs with the carpet. The last pics just had the concrete.