New Addition to my Family

[DaBigDog]

Congrats, Sandmannd from the entire BigDog pack!

May your now expanded family be blessed with tight lines and happy times.

[Badger]

Congrats Sandmannd! You and your wife are very special to give these deserving kids a home and family.

[Sandmannd]

Met with the foster parents last night. Sounds like she is really going to need some structure as I don't think she has had much in her life. Kind of a sad life and sad story. I'm hoping we are strong enough to take this all on. I feel realy good about it and there can't be a better feeling that to give a child a second chance at life.

Thanks for all the congrats guys and gals.

[BigWadeS]

Shane you guys will do just fine just take it minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day, but you and Marika are definitly strong enough and ready to give another great kid a loving home

[Northlander]

Very cool! Congrats man.

[DeeDee]

good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine. A little love goes a long way

[Lisa Almquist]

What exciting news Shane! Congrats to you and Mrs. Sandmannd!

[Sandmannd]

Thanks. We had a good weekend. She didn't want to stay over Friday night, but she came back yesterday and stayed the night and we took her back after lunch. Took her to the store yesterday and let her pick out a couple of things. I gave her an older MP3 player and my wife got her some songs off of Amazon that she got to pick out. I think she was pretty happy with that cause she spent the rest of the night listening to it and had it in on the car ride back to her foster home.

She's seems pretty quite and a little scared, but that's to be expected. She's very quiet and I think that has to do with so many changes so fast. She seems like a great little girl and I hope she opens up as we go along. So far so good though.

[Lisa Almquist]

I like that you're taking things nice and slow. She can test the waters and start feeling more comfortable. What a great system Shane. How does your little one feel about a new big sis in the house?

[Sandmannd]

Lizzy is a little stand offish yet, but getting closer. When she leaves she asks where she went so she knows. It just takes time with everyone. It's a challange cause I want her to feel right at home but we have to realize it won't happen right away. I do have to say that what I have seen of the foster experience to this point was not good. These kids were allowed to run from after school till 8 or 9 at night. We were told they were stealing things like deordarant cause it wasn't provided. It's sad and makes us want to take in more and give them the chance at life they deserve.

[DeeDee]

I wish I could help. I wanted to take in foster children but when I started the classes and heard the things these kids have been through then to turn around after a couple weeks and give them back to the people that abused them in the first place and have to keep my mouth shut. I just couldnt do it, I would not have been able to give the child back.

[Sandmannd]

I know DeeDee, and that's why we want to adopt rather than foster. It would be too hard to give the kids up. I get attached too easy and hearing their life is very disturbing. Lets just say that no matter how bad anyone thinks they have it, it's nothing compared to what these children have to go through and it's very sad. I would like to help more and maybe in the future we can.

[snoozebutton]

You deserve a big thumbs up Sandmannd!!! We'll send some prayers your way that everything works out for the best.

[DeeDee]

well good luck to you Sandmannd! God bless your whole family.

[Sandmannd]

So she's comeing over for good today. Any thoughts on a good dinner to have with her to welcome her in?

[Wookiee]

Shane just ask her what her favorite food is and try and accomodate her the best you can!

[Gary Crichton]

Good luck Sandmannd. I don't know what she would like, but I will take Crab Legs and scallops please.

G.C.

[Gary Crichton]

Pizza is the universal food isn't it.

G.C.

[Sandmannd]

Thanks guys, we had Pizza last Friday when she came for a visit. I can't get her to tell me her favorite food yet. The foster Mom was of no help either. Tell me how a little girl lives with you for a year and a half and you don't know her favorite food. Anyway, she does like Crab Legs, I think we are going to have those on Sunday. We'll see what we can come up with for tonight.

[Gary Crichton]

How about fish. See if she will like the great outdoor food, before you get her on the lake.

G.C.

[Jim Almquist]

Shane you really a great guy for taking on such a challenging mission. My first thought was pizza but I see that you have all ready had that so how about spaghetti or mac & cheese.The other thing would be burgers or dogs with some homemade french fries and let her help with the prep. No matter what it will be a slow process till she starts opening up and trusting you with her likes and dislikes.

[Sandmannd]

Thanks guys. Said it before Jim, I ain't nothing special. My wife and I want a family and these kids need homes. It's a win for everyone. I think the fish or hamburger or hotdogs is a great idea. My wife is Italian so she makes her spaghetti from scratch and won't eat out of a jar. But it's tasty that way. I think as she opens up we will find out more and more what she likes. I don't think you can go wrong with some of the classics though. Thanks guys.

Jim, we'll have to get out with you and Lisa again this year. Had a blast at slabfest, don't think I got to talk to you much but had a good converstation with Lisa.

[Lisa Almquist]

I know my kid loves any pasta but I bet you're sitting down to eat right about now anyway. Let us know how everything goes Shane!

[DeeDee]

mac and cheese with hotdogs please. that my family fav.

[Jim Almquist]

Quote:

mac and cheese with hotdogs please. that my family fav.

I always like that when I would come for lunch and that is what Lisa was serving the daycare kids and she made a big enough batch that I would get some.