Idyllic. Scary good.
We picked up the children at 10 in Stanwood (a halfway point), and drove back home. When they first got in the car, they were calling me Hilary. Before we got home, I was "Mom" again... and the reverse was true on the way back - they transitioned back from Mom to Hilary.
When we got home, the children dove right into playing. The girls played with the dressup bin (Hailey immediately spotted a few items she'd left behind, whether on purpose or accident, and wanted to take them. Not seeing any point in carting them to her aunt's home and back again, I put her off, saying this isn't the right time, but we'd deal with it next time. (By then, they'll know the plan.) The boys were playing Wedgits and Magformers. We had a snack, knowing lunch would be late, since the show was at noon, then headed to the theatre.
I didn't notice until we were out of the van that Hailey was still wearing a princess dress over her clothes. I had her remove it and stuffed it in my purse. (For the rest of the day, I was concerned whenever someone got a peek in my purse that I was carting around lingerie... purple satiny fabric.) During the show, I wasn't allowed use of my hands... Tyler had one, and Hailey had the other, and they werent' letting go for anything. Whenever I pulled them away to clap, they quickly found them again. Tyler, in particular, was leaning on me for the whole performance, too. They need a Mama who can spend the whole day letting them know they are important and loved and valuable.
After the performance, we made a quick trip into Albertsons to pick up chicken, rolls, salads and cookies, then drove to Brian's work to have lunch with him in his work cafeteria. The kids were happy to see him (and it was the first time they'd been in his work, since it's a "secured" environment. Tyler was a bit on the shy side while we were there, but he had a total of 30 minutes with Brian compared to the whole day with me. I think he just didn't have time to warm back up.
Next stop: Jump Around Fun Zone! The weather looked crummy in the morning, so I quickly pulled JAFZ out as a good indoor alternative. (Of course, as the children were playing I looked out and saw the sun shining beautifully!) It was also 2 for 1 Tuesday, so that made it even better.
The kids played for several hours... nonstop, with NO fighting! It was like a miracle. No bickering, no loyalty arguments. Just a really great day, having fun with some of their best friends.
There was one incident of the girls arguing for a few minutes on the way to drop off Tyler and Hailey at their aunt's house. But Hallie totally instigated that one, and it's been a pattern of how she deals with uncomfortable situations. We're working on that. By the time we left, they were hugging again.
We told Sam and Hallie this morning that we are trying to bring Tyler and Hailey back home, and the "lite" version of what's going on. We were planning to wait to tell them after the termination hearing (when we knew for sure), but in order for our pastor to make an annoucement at church and get the body praying for Monday's hearing, they needed to know sooner. Sam and Hallie, of course, are overjoyed and hopeful, as are we.
God is so good! Our family along with our church prayer group will be praying for you on Monday.
Have a blessed Easter!
Posted by: Gwendie | 04/02/2010 at 11:48 AM
Yay, God! :)
And that's HILARIOUS about your lingerie fear. I could totally see myself fearing the same thing! :)
Posted by: Stacy | 04/02/2010 at 02:04 PM
What a surprise to sign on and see this post. For some reason I didn't put 2 and 2 together and come up with the fact that the kids would all be together again this week. And the fact that T and H were like magnets attached to your hands is so very sweet to hear. They really need your love and attention. I am still praying and will continue to do so.
Posted by: Barbara | 04/02/2010 at 07:55 PM
"They need a Mama who can spend the whole day letting them know they are important and loved and valuable."
Oh my goodness. Tears again. :) I am looking forward to meeting these special kids sometime!
Posted by: daffodil lane | 04/02/2010 at 10:20 PM
Truly, Hilary, you must stop making me cry! I'd love to pick your brain sometime about fostering, and if it's possible as a single mom, and what some of the home requirements are. This is my heart, and I am praying for you guys. What a gift you have to make kids feel loved and safe.
Posted by: Shannon | 04/04/2010 at 10:56 PM