Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Prejudiced New Neighbors


Well, it finally happened. A new family moved in next door - renters. They have crosses on their cars, crosses in their windows, profess to be Christian... and they are verbally abusing my 5 & 6 year old African American daughters. Their son drives a truck with a huge confederate flag flying in the bed. This is California right?


What to do...........


During the days they were moving in, we brought them eggs from our small flock of chickens, offered to help them move the heavy furniture etc......


They didn't respond... nothing- took the eggs and help without a word. Seriously, without a word. No "Thank You", no nothing.


The first month we didn't worry about it because we thought they were busy with their belongings sitting in their driveway (shared easement with us) and didn't ask them to clear it away. We just parked in the road, thinking that we were being good neighbors and letting them take their time moving in. After 2 months and getting tired of carrying groceries, hauling the kids back and forth across the steep hill etc, I went over and knocked on their door to let them know that we would like to get to the house. I brought a copy of the deeded easement etc.


The man of the house flung open the door and proceeded to yell at me in front of my two little girls who had followed me over there.


I needed to be more respectful, he said. He said that obviously I needed to be educated because I have mated with animals and have produced abominations. He said this while pointing at my two girls who are African American.


I lost it. I admit it, I was a little loud.


He called the Sheriff on me for trespassing and almost breaking his front door as I had knocked and not used the door bell.


It is a metal door. I knocked just like any person would do. Believe me, I couldn't break it if I tried.


The Sheriff actually took my side and told them they need to keep the easement clear.


They have now called the county on me in regards to my keeping chickens. Three years, three years I've had these chickens. No one has had a problem. There are no roosters to crow and the coop and run are kept extremely clean so there is no smell. The neighbors love the eggs we give them and the kids in the neighborhood love to help collect the eggs. There are three other families with chickens here... The county official who came said the complainants only submitted MY name.


Anyway, I digress. I can't let my kids in the front yard because the neighbors kids are yelling profanities and extremely nasty names at my children. Christians. Hmmmmm..........



On another note: I have found out where my son's brother is. He will be adopted by a family in Russia that has adopted one other of my son's sisters. Thank Goodness, he has been found and will be well taken care of.


Another, another note: after a looong time and paperwork asking the adoption process to be stopped- we received a referral from China for a little 8 mo old girl. Really BIG surprise.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Searching for Birthfamilies Internationally

I have done all I can do at the moment. I have contacted the two known agencies that work in the region and sent them what information I have on my son's brother.

I have received several questions on my different postings regarding why on earth I would be in contact with my child's Russian family.

I will post about that at another time. If you want you can read some archived posts that may have to do with it. In the meantime, here are some articles re:

Searching for Birthfamilies Internationally: "Searching for Birthfamilies Internationally"
from Adoptive Families Magazine .

I had contacted my searcher yesterday who not only remembered me but was quite willing to help if need be. I would not have known about "little brother" if not for my searcher. I would not have found three of his sisters living in America, also adopted and ecstatic in the knowledge their baby brother was happy and loved.

I have been surrounded by children and must go. Enjoy your day my friends.

**********************

Monday, July 06, 2009

Sibling in Orphanage

Got a call today from my son's sisters on the east coast. Babushka in Russia has written. Little brother has been placed in a baby home.

I have called the two agencies that work in the region. I have sent them both all the information I have. Has anyone out there heard of an identified adoption in Russia going through? I have not heard from the Russian government agencies re: the brother even though I was told they would contact me re: siblings.

The girls called me as soon as they heard.

I have NO IDEA how I can pull this off!

Called my husband at work and he said "Well, lets go get him!"

How on EARTH am I going to afford this?

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a
Healthy Self-Improving Reinventer

Monday, February 23, 2009

2/24/09

I am an exhausted working (again) mother to 5 beautiful children. Blog has definately gone Waaaaaayyyy off even the back burner. Good thoughts to you all.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

2008 Childhood Apraxia Walk - Pittsburgh - Home

2008 Childhood Apraxia Walk - Pittsburgh - Home



2008 Pittsburgh CASANA Walk-a-Thon for Children with Apraxia of Speech

Join Us For This Very First Pittsburgh Walk for Apraxia!

OCTOBER 18, 200810:00 AMHarmar Grove, North ParkUnlock our Voice, Open our FutureImagine being told that your three year old would likely never be able to speak well enough for others to understand him.Imagine being told that the reason why your child wasn’t learning how to talk might never be known.Imagine having doctors tell you that even if they could find the reason that there was no cure or medicine that could help.We know now that CASANA can help guide families to find the resources and treatment to make the difference for children with apraxia!Join us to support this wonderful organization so that it can continue its important work!The Apraxia Walk is a 1.5 mile loop through the park.Register by September 25, 2008 to receive your Apraxia Walk Tshirt!

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Welcome to KidsGardening! Garden Resources, Gardening for Families, Teacher's Garden and Shopping for Gardening

Welcome to KidsGardening! Garden Resources, Gardening for Families, Teacher's Garden and Shopping for Gardening:


"Parents' Primer
Looking for some guidance on how to make the most of your family garden? Our Parents' Primer can help! Many other writings on kids’ gardening start with what to grow and how to design and build a kids’ garden, prepare soil, and plant, but this primer is not just about creating one garden for your kids. It’s about taking advantage of “gardening moments” with your kids every week in your own backyard ... and front yard and in the......."