Fruits of the Hunt {Duck Dinner Party with Twins}

Gargoyle-ish duck 'trophies' proudly displayed on our front porch

Not exactly celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving, but extremely grateful for Peter's first home weekend on the occasion of the national holiday up north, we cooked up the ducks for Sunday's dinner.  Our special guests for the feast were our little twin friends, Luke and Leia, whose visits are always joyful and fun.

Stuffed, seasoned and ready for the oven

Not known as much of a carnivore, Luke chomped down a few pieces of the steak-like delicacy before he realized what was going on.  Peter gladly claimed Luke's portion, though, so nothing went to waste. 

Joseph reads to 'Leia' as Rocky stands guard.

In the early morning fog, driving home after collecting the twins, I mentioned that we would be going to Church together and that there would be music, since it was Sunday. "Where's the sun?"  Luke demanded.  As might be expected of a pair of rambunctious threes, Luke and Leia found it impossible to stay quiet and hold still in the pew, so we took advantage of the parish nursery midway through the Bible readings.  As a result, the other Mass-goers could better hear Father Joseph's fine homily, preceded by another cassock controversy update. 

The twins always enjoy attending Mass with us and love the holy water font in the entryway.  Oftentimes and at odd times,  Luke will beg me to please take him to Church.  Many of our friends there have known these two since they were about eleven months old, so there's quite a fan club of admirers and prayer warriors.

'Luke' practices his daredevil stunts on the plasma car.

Peter's time with the twins may have taken second place behind his first-ever hunting experience as the 'high' of his home visit weekend.  But the 'low' must certainly have been the three hour slog back to school on Monday night; especially the two hour crawl to the border at Sumas.  Luckily the gate at Westminster Abbey had not yet been locked, so Peter was able to rejoin life at the high school seminary, already in progress.  Joseph spent a few minutes helping Peter haul his gear to his room and desk, and after a short visit with other parents we headed back toward the US border.  We were the only car and the wait was 0 minutes, so the balance for the night was an hour each way if you average the two crossings. 

{Note to self: Double or triple travel time to Canada on Canadian holidays.}

Peter and 'Luke' ride tandem on the plasma car.

"I like this meat!" exclaimed Leia, after tasting the roasted duck at dinner.

Nearly as tall as Grandma Billie; Peter's recent growth spurt is hereby recorded for posterity.

Hosting Isabella {Day 4: Puget Sound Ferry Passage}

Isabella with our boys' home schooled cousins Violet, Weston, Sawyer, Aunt Bethany and Uncle Craig

Continued from Day 3: Pike Place to the Narrows Bridge

Navigating our way home to Bellingham with Isabella after Dad's retirement party involved a sleep-over at Tim's brother's house after a spontaneous Friday night dinner at Aileen's place.  With only a short time to visit on Saturday morning before our planned adventure aboard a Washington State Ferry, Isabella became a fast friend of the young cousins over cereal and coloring.

Isabella the artist with Violet and Sawyer

Isabella teaches geography, highlighting Australia

Sawyer takes a closer look.

Arriving at the ferry terminal we were directed to the "maybe" lane, and as it became quite obvious that we wouldn't be aboard the loading vessel, we hatched a quick ejection plan.  Isabella, Joseph and I grabbed our rain coats and boarded the ferry as walk-ons, leaving Tim to wait in the van for the next sailing.  As the Edmonds Saturday Market would be in full swing, we decided to kill time over yonder. 

Isabella, Joseph and I board the Spokane for the Kingston to Edmonds crossing.

White caps on Puget Sound with driving rain and wind made the ferry experience a rather *indoor* experience, at least for Isabella and me.  Joseph preferred to tough it out on the prow, and spent almost the entire trip facing the storm head-on, in shorts.  To each his own!

Isabella aboard the Spokane

By the time we reached Edmonds, our only glimpse of the Saturday Market was of the few remaining vendors hastily loading up their wares and heading out.  The rain and wind claimed the victory, and we opted to pass the lunch hour at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Tim's old home town.

Not much of a view due to the weather, but we caught a glimpse of a passing ferry.

Reunited with Tim after his ferry landed, we made it home to Bellingham in time to collect the twins (Luke and Leia) and bring them along to the 5PM Mass after spending a bit of time watching Luke race through the house on Joseph's plasma car at break-neck speed. 

Joseph on the prow

We wrapped up our Saturday adventures with a take out Teriyaki supper and an evening trip to Walmart in search of a cheap suitcase to help Isabella avoid overweight baggage fees on her flight home to Australia.  We also enjoyed a bit of Facetime with her Aunt Michele, our dear friend, who will be visiting with her family in January, seeking winter adventures in the Great Northwest. 

An early Sunday morning trip to SeaTac concluded our 'hosting Isabella' days, which brought us great joy and helped us reconnect with our wonderful Australian friends.  Maybe someday Isabella's sisters will venture our way, or perhaps even her parents?  Or maybe we will finally cross the big pond again to visit all of them in their native land.  Only time will tell!

Uncommon Friendliness {Toddler Love}

Peter with the twins at Benediction before Mass

The twins skittered around in the gathering space today before Mass, as we whispered reminders of a few simple rules Church etiquette.  Following last week's double altar dash, general noisiness and mayhem, we've coached and trained in preparation for today's return to Mass. 

"No running in Church.  Quiet voices in Church."  Like little parrots, they echoed the directions ~ visibly excited to attend daily Mass with us. 

Their heads turned in unison toward the front doors of the Church each time another worshiper entered.  A select few merited big smiles and waves, and others got nothing but the tandem sideways glances.   One woman, whose son died suddenly a few months ago, received much more...

When she entered the Church, Leia ran toward her saying, "Hi!" and looked like she was about to give her a hug, but changed her mind and sheepishly retreated with a shy grin.  Luke jumped off of Peter's lap and ran straight for the woman, saying, "I want a hug!"  In a move that was both bold and totally out of character ~ he gave pure two-year-old love to the grieving mother.  Luke hugged her and let her carry him to a nearby chair where he sat contentedly on her lap for several minutes.

Shortly thereafter, I related the tender moment in amazement to the sacristan.  She smiled as she shared that the intention for today's Mass would be for the repose of the soul of the woman's deceased son.  Timing is everything, and God's timing is perfect!

Fostering Peace {Eternal Joys of Foster Parenting}

Acolyte Joseph with Father Joseph; Benediction at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Our recent experience as a foster family reads like a fairy tale in some chapters, and a little like a horror story in others.  The challenges we faced with the maze of daily logistics as a family of nine were sometimes crazy-making.  Parenting seven kids (aged one through nineteen), with several needing delicate handling due to traumatic pasts, required plenty of prayers and lots of help from friends here and above.

Our relationship with the twins (nicknamed Luke and Leia here to protect their privacy) continues to blossom and grow; their mom considers us family, and regularly brings the kids to our house for visits.  They are chattery two-year-olds now, their spunky personalities emerging with every new word and expression.

Recently, Luke found me working in the kitchen and began asking, "Gate...gate...open...hep you!"
I asked him, "Why do you want me to open the gate?" 
"Church... Go Church!" Luke emphatically replied.
I promised Luke that we would be going to Church soon, but "not right now, in a little while."

About one minute later, his little while had passed and he began begging, "Church... Church... Go Church!"

Not every two year old begs to be taken to Mass, but for Luke and Leia, going to Mass with us has become a favorite activity, something they eagerly anticipate.  Seeing Jesus, dipping their little hands in holy water, smiling at familiar friendly faces, holding (wearing) rosaries, and singing are highlights of their visits to Sacred Heart.  Some of Luke's first words were "Holy!" and "Alleluia!" (Sounded more like howey and layooya.)

Luke helps Peter with Thanksgiving meal preparations.

Peter teaches Luke and Leia the fine art of mixing pumpkin pie filling.

Joseph colors with Leia

Upon arriving at Church with the twins, the sacristan approached (my only helper) Joseph, and asked if he would please serve Mass as the normal servers that day were not available.  He agreed, after I assured him that I could handle the twins by myself during Mass.  Little did I know what sort of aerobic activity awaited me.  The little ones were in fine form: chanting (a little behind the congregation); calling out, "JOE!" whenever his motions in the sanctuary caught their attention; pew stomping and circling; and even a run for the altar ~ at which point a friend darted out from her pew to scoop up Leia in the nick of time.  I caught up with Luke from behind, a few steps behind his bolting sister, and every bit as determined to join his big (foster) brother, Joseph and Father Joseph in the sanctuary.

Although I didn't leave daily Mass with the peaceful sensation of having been rejuvenated and refreshed by the Lord (and certainly without my usual opportunity for silent prayer time) I left completely satisfied and extremely grateful for the love of God in allowing me to serve His little ones and bring them closer to Him.

Independent Indeed {+6}

Moon over Bellingham Bay, July 4, 2012

This was the most independent Independence Day of my entire life, with all the family away (excepting maybe the July 4th I spent in Brisbane, Australia, in 1990).  Dear friends from Church invited me to spend the holiday evening aboard their vessel, moored on Bellingham Bay, where I was treated to a delicious dinner, delightful company and amazing views.  What a needed and appreciated break from Charlie's incessant 4th of July berzerk barking. {Spoiler Alert} Though I departed for home before the city's grand fire works display, the lunar lights visible at sundown beat any man-made production hands down. True beauty, something to celebrate!
 

I met the self proclaimed protégé of Martin Luther at a funeral Mass this week.  A friendly gentleman introduced himself, "I'm just like Martin Luther; I used to be Catholic."   I replied with the same greeting I would extend to Mr. Luther himself, should he wander into our Church for Mass, "Welcome home."

Father Joseph Altenhofen preaches at a funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Only one person passed out during our new priest's first funeral Mass at our Church, and she recovered in no time with a little fresh air and a drink of cold water, plus a lot of TLC from one of our dear nurses and home-bound ministers, Sheila.  Not long after her loss of consciousness, another elderly lady in the congregation asked me for some water.  This is what happens when the temperature creeps into the low 70's here in Washington State, we just can't take the heat.

I don't know how to read our new priest's sign language yet, and this led to another pretty embarrassing-sacristan-moment fine opportunity to grow in humility.  I completely missed Father Joseph's cue when he signaled to me that someone had passed out in the pew.  Somehow I interpreted this to mean that he needed me....in the sanctuary (absurd!).  I can't believe I actually raced around to the sacristy and approached the presider's chair during the responsorial psalm.  By that time, the fainting lady had already been aided by several competent, attentive and timely helpers, and escorted to the narthex to recover.  (When I told the guys this story upon their return from camp, it was almost more than my Joseph could bear to hear, "Stop!" he begged.  It's safe to say he's very glad he missed this fine moment in the life of his impetuous mother.)

Luke on wheels

Although my three boys were away at Boy Scout Camp this week, with Tim as Scoutmaster, I had the pleasure of keeping our weekly Luke & Leia visit on Thursday.  I took the twins for a visit to the Baker's Dozen and Apollo XIV headquarters.  Our arrival there wasn't nearly as exciting for the older boys as when my guys (their preferred guests) pile out of the van, but the younger females in the crew joyfully helped Luke & Leia feel right at home.  Someone took the opportunity to compliment me on the fact that Leia's shoes matched, but I couldn't take credit for it, as their mother had brought them all ready to go. 

Someone brought me freshly picked flowers this week!  In a moment of pure sweet-ness, and not-prompted by anyone as far as I know, Luke (almost 2 yrs.) wandered up to me while we were visiting Apollo's place and brought me a little butter cup AND a tiny daisy.  Too cute.  

Paul with the grilled delicacies

Admittedly spoiled by my daily Mass friends while the boys were away this week, I was an invited guest at a dinner party held in a local palace with a view of the world.  A humble hostess, my friend absolutely set the mark for a hostesses' how-to.  Unfortunately, I forgot my notepad, so I'm going to need to go back sometime soon for another training session!

Visit Jen for this week's pile of awesome Quick Takes.

Pentecostal Insights {7}

This flying visitor looks red-dy for Pentecost today!  It is a migrating Western Tanager.  We mark our family calendar to remind us to be on the lookout for these beautiful birds.  Our house is in their flight path in mid-May each year. 

Recognized for his soon-to-be earned AA degree with 60-some other high school 'Running Start' students, Zachary (somewhat reluctantly) took his place of honor on the stage at Whatcom Community College.  Each student had a moment in the spotlight where his academic and other successes were outlined and his plans for the future were announced.   After Zachary's introduction, a collective gasp was heard in the auditorium.  Seriously.  This kid is amazing.  May God be praised!

 If I had to guess, I would say goldfinch, the state bird here in Washington.  But maybe it is a female warbler migrating with her mate?  Ryan?  There was a time on our home school when identifying birds was very high on our to-do list.  We listened to recordings of bird calls to further assist our identification efforts. 

Time with the twins is more fun than ever, as they have grown into playing together and say many words and are better at expressing their wants and needs.  Their mom brings them to play at least once each week, and last week we even had a sleep-over.  Luke must have missed the memo about the sleep part, and he had more of a scream-over.  But Leia slept through all his hysterics and we remember well his dislike for naps and bedtime from the many months he lived with us as our foster son.  They are so dear to us, even when they are screaming.

One more funeral, bringing our total to three this week.  May Belia rest in peace.  Every moment with our pastor is a gift, especially as we prepare for his departure from our parish in one week.  I am especially grateful that we made the decision to center our home school schedule around daily worship, giving us all the chance to be students of Father Qui Thac.  His pastoral ministry, solid teaching and bringing us Jesus every day has blessed us profoundly during these past six years.  He will be missed.

As he prepares to enter the Benedictine Monastery, our pastor has gradually and continually been getting rid of all his stuff.  He will have no personal property as a monk, and therefor has no need for his things.  After the funeral on Friday, the boys helped him take his vestments to his car, to be donated to the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry Chaplain.  Father Qui Thac's emptying of his closets, drawers and shelves serves as a great reminder for us all that we can't take it with us in the end.  So there's no use being too attached to it now.  Let it go.

The second annual Iwo Jima float at our local Ski2Sea Grand Parade featured two of our boys, and two sets of brothers from our close home school and Scouting friends.  The Marine Auxiliary sponsored the float which won either 'best green float' or 'best Memorial Day themed float' (we aren't exactly sure).
The boys love being able to play military and dress up like heroes for the day again this year.  We sat along the route and cheered for them as they passed us by.  Free hamburgers grilled by the Harley Davidson shop a few blocks away made lunch a snap.  Happy Memorial Day all.

Go check out Jen's Conversion Diary next...

Wondrous Love {Twins}

Leia 'helping' with the recycling.

 A three-days' visit by our former foster twins (known affectionately on our blog by the pseudonyms Luke and Leia) during this Octave of Easter brings great joy and multiple opportunities to be of service before the crack of dawn.  Lights of our lives, these two have become little chatterboxes, with many new words and silly antics.  In our wildest dreams we could never have guessed it possible that our relationship with these two would blossom and grow long after our role as their foster family officially ended.  God is so good!

A few noteworthy quotes from this visit:

• Him:
• "Eewwwwww!" during the changing of a poopy diaper
• "CAR! CAR! CAR!"  his same old passion, with better vocalization and an uncanny ability to find a CAR~whether a minuscule car in the background on a printed page or a full sized car speedy past our house
• "Sissy sissy" when talking about his sister
• "Daah daah" as he chases the dog to pet (grab) and love the beasts twice his size whose wagging tails pose a serious threat right at eye level
• "No no" as he pointed to my lap top left open (vulnerable) in the composition of this post!

• Her:
• "EAT! EAT! EAT!" replaces the old sign language (so continually signed by her in days gone by) and reaches feverish pitches before most others in the house are even out of bed; if "EAT EAT" doesn't do the trick, she'll bring me her high chair tray saying, "high chair, high chair!"
• "Rozwy" for her favorite items at our house: the colorful beaded rosaries she wears around her neck at all times (except when sleeping)
• "MWAH" with a big dramatic, cheesy kiss to smooth things over when she's been corrected
• "Side, side!" in begging feverishly to be let outside to play
• "Soseph" for Joseph

Luke and Leia's mom (a delightful friend and devoted parent) reports that their glee (his especially) begins right when they pull onto our street (a few blocks before arriving).  When their mom said goodbye to the twins Wednesday at departure (to visit far-away family) Luke laughed as she walked out the door, Leia cried. 

 

Luke's love affair with all things 'car' continues.

Lawyer Visits {Pawn Shop Stop}

My husband Tim and my brother (our lawyer) Peter exchange goods for services at our pawn shop. 

 

-1-

In order to get my little brother to drive north for a visit, we required his legal assistance for a matter plaguing one of our pawn shops.  We tried all the usual avenues for enticing him and his family to drive the full two and a half hours up Interstate 5 to see us, but none brought us a victory like needing his legal help.  Now we know the secret to getting a piece of "Uncle Pie" as we lovingly call my little brother Peter John. 

 A little glimpse into Tim's work life

 -2-

Visiting our pawn shop(s) is never dull.  On this occasion, we were showing my brother Peter one of our "new" locations (been doing business there for 3 years now, but hey, it's new to him).  While there, we found the perfect 'payment' for his legal services.  Peter so generously donates his time and talent for our benefit, and it's a pleasure to be able to find a tangible way to show him our appreciation.  Peter drove home with 250+ pounds of weight lifting equipment, bars, plates and accessories to make it happen.  He had a bench at home, and just needed the hardware to seal the deal.  Probably hoping his boys will beat our boys at arm wrestling

 -3-

Did I mention we opened a new music shop?  With lesson rooms in the back?  Here's proof. 

'Luke' and 'Leia' in the (constant) act of climbing

 -4-

Our former foster twins spent the weekend with us, and we thoroughly enjoyed their company.  They have mastered the art of climbing, and found every occasion to stretch their vertical limits.  Leia took a few steps, but still defaults to crawling and begging to be held.  Luke runs, and says "car" every three seconds.   Their mom needs help with occasional babysitting, so we are blessed to be included on her list of helpful and willing twin-sitters. We do miss them dearly.

-5-

Joseph made a 'gold' time in the 50 free at his swim meet Saturday.  This means... he swam fast.  His teammates had a sharpie war on deck, and Joseph's back was decorated to look like abs (as in abdominal muscles).  Beats having a pig on his belly, like one of his (very thin) friends; or a handle-bar mustache on his face, like one of his (goofy) teammates.  Who says swim meets aren't entertaining? 

Goofy hat (Chris) with wild hair (Zac)

-6-

Zachary's psyche sheet is posted and he's heading into his final 2 weeks of varsity swimming.  Although I am excited to cheer for him at the district meet and (hopefully, if he qualifies) the state meet, I am most eagerly anticipating the return of my clean-cut son after the big shave later this week.  We are hosting his pre-district team dinner this week at Grandma Billie & Grandpa Cliff's place, which is much bigger and more awesome for entertaining than our humble abode.   The menu calls for tons of pasta and a several baskets of bread.  Nothing like a good carb-loading fest to kick off the post-season competitions.

me

-7-

When given the choice today between the Knights' big screen Super Bowl party or a quiet afternoon at home followed by evening Mass on campus with a friend (who missed our morning Mass with a sick kid), which do you think I chose?  Not a bad way to begin the week!  May your week be blessed.  Thanks for stopping by.

Click here for more Quick Takes.

Snow Week {+Meltdown}

 -1-

Five days of real winter weather (with snow) and subsequent closures and cancellations made this week an extension of an already monumental break from home schooling.  Other than Joseph's required algebra, and our daily religion (and sacraments), no tangible school work has been accomplished around here for quite some time.  Today the big melt hit, along with a big rain storm which unfortunately followed the guys up the mountain for a Boy Scout lodge stay for skiing and sledding.  Good thing they have good gear and a great love for the outdoors despite the messy conditions. 

 -2-

Today I drove "Tony" to his daycare for (probably) the last time.  He returns to his former foster family (whom he adores) for another temporary placement while his permanency plan continues to evolve.  We will gladly welcome him back for visits, but our daily foster routine of the past seven months ended with this morning's drive and drop-off.  He had a small tantrum when we arrived, and pulled what we lovingly refer to as "a Tony" when asked to come join the other kids (he curled up in a ball and refused to cooperate or communicate).  A fitting good-bye incident to cap off our time together.  When I walked away, there was a sense of relief, yes, and also sadness.  When I heard the teacher telling him it was OK to come to the 'waving window' I wondered what had inspired him to come out of the fetal position so soon and follow after me.  Turning around, I saw him crying at the gate and went back to ask him if he felt sad "Yes"; and why, "I want my airplane!"  He mistakenly thought his share-toy for today's share-time had been forgotten in the car or perhaps confiscated like last week's share toy (as a consequence for misbehaving in the car after a warning to stop).  We pray his living situation will be finalized soon, in whatever way and with whatever family will best meet his needs and nurture his soul.  We are blessed to have been a small part of his journey.

-3-

We forced our boys to attend an annual home school family dance held at Sts. Peter and Paul in Tacoma recently.  You might have thought they were being asked to run barefoot over hot coals (except they would take that challenge and any challenge involving fire much more willingly than an invitation to socialize with strangers and girls).  Predictably, before the end of the evening, our entertainer, Peter, courageously broke the ice and joined the line dance as if it were an athletic event, followed not too much later by a hesitant but rowdy Joseph.   Zachary passed the time texting gaming suggestions to his friends playing DnD back home, and lingered by the snack table all night (on a different floor from the dancing).  We met some delightful people and enjoyed visiting with our dear friends with whom we have much in common and enjoy thoroughly though distanced by the miles. 

-4-

"Luke and Leia" visited last weekend, as guests in our home after being returned to their mother's custody in court last week.  Oddly, they refused to drink their milk;  I theorized that their mother must have erased milk from their diet for some reason.  After several attempts to serve it, and startled at "Luke's" slightly violent reaction (hurling the bottle across the room) I tasted a small sip.  ROTTEN! Disgusting, sour milk... no wonder they weren't interested!  The full gallon had only been open a few days and was well within the stated expiration zone.  Poor twins ~ come back for a visit and get poisoned.  We miss them after our six months together, and praise God that their mom has them in her care after going to such great lengths to regain custody.   May they all be well together.

 -5-

I was saddened by a subtle division in the pro-life camp at the March for Life in Olympia.  Instead of solidly joined forces against evil~ conflict, confusion and disharmony simmered.  It's an ugly business, abortion.  It took witnessing an actual abortion for former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson to reconsider and completely reverse her staunch pro-abortion position.  The graphic images (truth) of abortion are unnerving and detestable; as is the act of abortion itself.  What will stop this insane violence against the unborn (and against families) and heal our culture?  I pray:

Lord, may we grow stronger and become united in our pro-life efforts.  May we bring about positive change and spiritual renewal to our culture through our words, works and prayers in accordance with your holy will.  May there be an end to all abortions and healing for those who have suffered by abortion.

 -6-

I was not tempted to watch the "Why I hate religion" video that made waves recently.  I saw it 'liked' on FB, but didn't have any interest in looking at it.  This week several links appeared giving apt responses to the heart of that matter:  Why I Love Religion and Love Jesus came to me via my little brother, and a dear blogging friend; and a Father Barron Comments video found at the Thin Veil, both inspired me and reminded me why I LOVE BELONGING TO JESUS' CHURCH!

-7-

Zachary's university selection and application process continues to move along; at a much slower pace than his swim races, but faster than his Eagle Project.  Several top choices are in the running, and it's been a delight to read his essay responses to the various prompts on the applications, like this:

It is a somewhat common misconception that one attends college, any college, to be trained for a career; however, I believe that the proper reason to attend college is to seek education—knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. These Gifts which lend themselves specially to the academic life build upon the basis of the other four Gifts of the Holy Ghost—fear of the Lord, piety, fortitude, and counsel ....

My desire to know the truth is deepened through the Gifts of the Holy Ghost that lead us to truth; desire for these Gifts is likewise deepened through the understanding of how they are passed on to us through the living history of the Church.

What will Zachary's future hold? Only God know for sure, but it looks pretty bright to me!  Today I began a Novena asking St. Thomas Aquinas (patron of students) for his prayers for Zachary's discernment.  This nine-day prayer will conclude on the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, which also happens to be the anniversary of Zachary's baptism, my baptism, and my husband's baptism: January 28th.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Fostering Moments {Placement Changes}

Tim cares for the twins outside the courtroom, after the judge ordered them out.  

Waiting in the courtroom for over 90 minutes, the twins' case number was finally called.  Within the first moments of the proceedings, the judge asked that the twins please be removed to the hallway so that he could actually hear the case.  Tim kindly volunteered to be on duty, thereby missing the hearing he had waited so patiently to witness.  As it turns out, those were his final moments as the foster dad for these two beautiful toddlers.   After all sides were heard, the judge ruled (fairly and rightly by our estimation, though not in agreement with the state) that the twins be placed in their mother's care effective immediately.  Bittersweet, but satisfying results wrapping up our six month ordeal as the foster family for "Luke and Leia".  Our relationship won't end immediately, though.  Their mom needs childcare in order to attend to family business in Canada, so on occasional weekends we will have our hands full of twins again.
 

Someone's been playing with his dad's clippers!

In moments of lukewarm supervision while visiting his dad's new 'safe' home, "Tony" has entertained himself with hobbies like hiding thumbtacks in the carpet, giving himself a reverse mohawk, and getting locked out on the back deck.  Turns out dad shuts off the breaker to the stove during "Tony's" stays... indicating that perhaps he's taken a fascination with unsupervised cooking escapades as well.

Moving the planned father-son reunification along, but slowing the pace to a crawl, the state decided to return "Tony" to his original foster home (which will be a dream come true for "Tony").  The reverse placement will take place in a little over a week, so our foster kids' room (once known as Zac's room) will be vacant by the Feast of St. Agnes. 

Peter corrects the clipper mishap with a clean sweep.