There's some Nasturtiums growing in big potted Tomatos. Lis planted them and Marigolds. I like them.
We went to court yesterday and I got full Guardianship. Lissa will live with me now, officially. Lissa's mom was found mentally unstable and unable to parent. It was quite the deal, since all of us, from all sides came. Lissa and her mom were talking right before we went in and Lis was crying and wouldn't sit with me. So, Sara went back and sat with her and had her arm around her. I sat with Alex's mom, with Gabe between us, hugging on both of us. When the judge called out names to identify us, she'd look back at the paper and then at us again. I think she thought we were one big, crazy, mixed up, blended family, which is right on. Anyway, Lis stays with me now, no more bullshit. And I hugged her mom on the way out and told her it would be alright, to come over anytime. I meant it too. Lis got over her anger and not only accepted things, but, she's been an amazing help to me. She's like a whole new kid.
I'm going to take a little time off to spend with the kid and just get some things done, but, I'll put in an open post so we can talk.
46 comments:
Our tomatoes are STILL green fer crissakes! I dunno. Maybe I will just have fried green tomatoes for supper. I don't get it. Cabbages are getting big, green beans did good. The peppers have sucked and we only had 1 zucchini so far. Lots of blossoms. No squash yet either. I do wonder if the cooler weather has stunted everything?
Rox
WOW! I had about given up on the court system. Happy Day.
Your flowers are gorgeous.
I rarely comment but have been reading your blog forever (who knew a little blog about a woman in Iowa would captivate me for 7 years?) but I just wanted to say that I think both Alyssa and her mom are so lucky to have you in their lives! You seem like an awesome, supportive person and I hope that her mom continues to visit/be in her life though from what you have posted it seems this will work out best for everybody. I hope this isn't too cheesy, I just found myself really invested in this and from what you say this seems like the most positive outcome.
Rox, fried green tomatoes are so fucking good. I had big bean plants with no beans yet. It's been a weird year.
Lisa P. Thank you. I had too, but, they finally figured it out.
elle, I wish you'd comment more often. Lissa mom will continue to visit as she always had, unrestricted. I hope she gets unsupervised visits soon, so they can go places together. Lissa loves her mom, but, she understands the problems. She's just fine here with me and I sort of enjoy the school runs and all that stuff. It's all good.
What a relief! Such a long road, but everything worked out in the end. I'm glad the courts did the right thing and I wish you both peace from here on out.
I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!
I would also like to see the photo of the willow spirit!
Beth in Portland
Tears in my eyes. Wishing you and Lis the best :)
I'm very happy the legal issue has been resolved.
I'm sure emotions were running high on all sides.
You're a class act for sure, Pat.
I hope you have some peace in your heart right
now. You fought the good fight, and Lissa is
beyond lucky to have you. And I'm pretty sure
you feel lucky to have her, too.
I'm glad they ruled in Lis's best interest, I hope you two are done dealing with the courts for a long long time.
Oh good on you Pat! That's great news. No more upheavals, AND you've bought a house. It's all getting better and better with more and more golden days ahead. I'm so happy for you. I guess Lis was just being a good, loyal and supportive daughter to her mum in court. She has a good heart like you. It's all working out ok. Who would have thought it back in the dark days. My best news is that I got the cherry red Ikea doors for my kitchen cupboards. I have wanted them since I was forced to buy the tacky white doors due to lack of funds, five years ago, when I put in my new Ikea kitchen. I don't care what anyone says about Ikea they didn't cynically change the size of their base cupboards over the years, so that if you want to get a kitchen face lift and change the doors, you can. That's a bonus in this throw away consumer society. Anyway the doors are beautiful. I can't stop gushing! Small things :-)
Pat, I'm so glad that the court has finally come through for you and the kids. I hope life will be easier for all of you.
Congratulations DD! I'm so happy this is finally over for you. And you are such a good person to still be nice to Lissa's mom. Most people wouldn't do that. I'm glad that they both have you in their lives. Enjoy your time off and some much needed peace.
My transfer went well last week. I find out on Monday if it worked. Fingers and toes crossed!
And I'd love to see your pic of the willow spirit. I find that all so interesting since I never get to experience anything like that.
I was reading Elle's comment and thought that it would be a good idea for those who never (or very seldom)leave remarks to tell us about themselves---the area they live in, culture of that area, special events that are associated to that area, etc. I have learned so much from all the readers on here. (Like I never realized I like chickens until Christina told us about them.)
I traveled a lot and I've seen many things, but visiting a place is not like living there. Residents of an area can tell us so much more.
So what do y'all think? Anyone willing to share?
Pat, if you don't think this is a good id
I loved the story about the court room. A very scary place for a child. Poor Lis. But now she will just know, home is home. Such a happy story. But I get her crying. She didn't want to hurt her mom. Bless her heart. Xoxo
Rox
Lissa, gardens in bloom, fresh veg, and a new kitten. Life is good.
I'm so happy for you Pat. You deserve it.
The Sweet William is glorious. Guess I'll have to remember to in the backyard to check on the tomatoes. I forgot the last few days. I've had errands to do, the doc and the veterinarian to go to, all that crap. I don't like the back because there is too much grass and the bugs in grass bite my feet. Mikey is THE dog of the neighborhood and has many dog friends. They and their owners come by the front to see him and often let their dogs in the front fence to play. Kind of like the neighborhood dog park. The neighbors are going away for a week and I said I'd dog sit their 2. They never let them in the house anymore, not for 3 or 4 years, because she doesn't like dog hair. But I'll bring them over here in the house for the evenings and night. They have to sleep in the garage, so it will be a vacay for the dogs too. And, during the day, I might as well use their built in beautiful POOL.
Happy I am that things are settled and hopefully social workers and court will no more be involved in your life!
Briezy, thank you. It HAS been a long road, years of this. Maybe there will be peace now.
Beth, thank you, I'll put the pics on for you.
Susan, thank you.
Flim, yep, right now, I do feel lucky to have her. She's a good girl. Thanks.
Mrs. S, I think it's over. They said we were done. I hope so. Thanks.
Lia, thanks and good on you for the doors. It IS the little things. Name them Jim after Morrison. Heh.
Jane, thank you.
Erin, thanks so much. Lissa's mom IS family. She birthed my grandkids and that makes her family. Sometimes you fight with family, but, you always forgive kids. Congrats on your transfer.
Jane, I think it's a great idea, I'll open a post for that, thanks.
Rox, it was a little scary for me, so I got her. Thanks.
Sally, thank you.
Border, babysitting dogs is harder than kids sometimes. At least kids speak english. Yeah, I think the social worker visits will be less now and life will be easier. Thanks.
I think sometimes, when we let go of demons, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. It seems as if so much in your life is going so well. I'm very happy for all of you and look forward to seeing the glimpses of your new lives together. New house, new cat, new babies...it's all so exciting!
So glad to hear about you and Liss. Things will be so much more stable now for her and for you.
I would really love to see that pic of the Willow Spirit. Please?
Are you doin' anything....special...tomorrow night? Its the super superest of all the supers of the year! Grandmother Moon. How appropriate. That's what I'm calling it, anyway.
(Don't feel like you have to share anything you don't want to. I'm just always curious.)
Hi, I'm another long-time reader who rarely comments. I'm so happy for you & especially for Liss that you now have full guardianship. I don't understand the courts system at all. This is obviously in her best interest and you are the type of person who will do her best to ensure Liss still has a relationship with her mom. This so much overshadows the news of the house but I wish you much luck with that & I know that you will make it a beautiful home. Congratulations on all your recent good fortune, it couldn't happen to a nicer person.
So happy to hear the news!
I'm another one who stumbled into your blog during the great Gosselin group wars. I stuck with you & never looked back.
Happy weekend!
So...troll. Howdoya like them apples? Now, move along. Go back to spying on your neighbors. BYE!!!
Congratulations to you DD. I'm so happy for you and Lis.
Finally. Fab news and soon a new start in a new house.
Bubble at home
I'm so happy for you and your blended family. Things are as they should be. I, like you, have learned through the years that you don't have to be "blood" related to consider someone family. You have a lot of love to share and that's great. I wish the best for Lissa's mom and hope she gets the help she needs. Thanks for sharing this story with your readers. I may not comment much, but have enjoyed your blog and your honesty for many years. Congratulations for all the great things happening for you. Your patience has paid off. Hope you and Lissa have a great weekend!
Debby
Well that is great news. I believe Lissa will have the best relationship she can have with her mom with your help. And she and Eric will be as close as they can be....
Pat, I too am so happy and relieved the Judge made the right decision. Lissa will thrive and grow into a wonderful young Lady under your care. Happy Times ahead:)
The best news ever! It seems that you and Lis have a good support system and alot of love around you!
This is wonderful news Pat, things are getting better and better.. Congrats
Holy shitballs, that is amazing! I couldn't have read better news. I'm glad there will finally be some peace in your household, it was sooo not easy to come to that. But finally. Taking the time off is the best thing right now for you both, but I'll be looking for more updates :)
I'm happy for you!
Congrats, all the way around!
Round of applause! All is righted again. Truly brilliant news. Stability is such a rare and precious thing in today's world.
And when you have time, please, oh, please, post the Willow spirit photos. That would be fab!
xoxoxox
Istill want to know, did you go camping yet?
I don't post much anymore, Pat, but I do stop by occasionally to catch up and make sure you're doing OK. Good to see you're well and Lissa is with you permanently. You're lucky to have each other. And your garden looks wonderful. Hard to get anything to grow here in hell (AZ)so am a bit jealous!
Suze (fka Casper)
Pat,
Another long-time reader here. I am so happy the court system finally got their act together. It seems like everyone is in a great place now, and I hope it continues. Lis is extremely lucky to have you in her life!
Steph
I am so happy for all of you!!! This is the best outcome there could be, in my opinion. Finally. Complete stability for Lissa, with you, and the bonus of keeping her mom in her life.
You are an amazing woman, Pat. Your strength though this is phenomenal. With all you have had to go through, meaning the unpredictability of your life, not knowing when Lissa would be there with you, suddenly dropped off, and the social workers and their skewed input. Through all of that you have kept your inner strength to make sure that Lissa has what she needs, and that your personal experiences and the impact on your life, did not poison you towards anyone. With all you went through in your childhood, you have maintained a very kind and fair soul or spirit, if you prefer. You are amazing, and I wish you peace and joy with your granddaughter and your new home. I hope that all the times to come are without any stress, and that you have the best times of your life ahead of you.
Christina
I've been reading all the comments and thinking back on the past few years of your life. You kept going and never stopped working for a better future for you and Lis. And one quote came to mind---"Don't you love it when a plan comes together!" (A Team)
So happy your future is looking bright!
This is such great news, Pat. Congratulations!! She's at an age where she needs the continuity in her life and I think this is just amazing for both of you!
Cheers, Linda
Angie, thanks. I look forward to showing you. The roof is now fixed on the new house and the back has actually been jacked up, so it's all level now. Ancient, but, level.
Cut, thank you. I honored the Moon. Now it's a fools moon and it's weird out. I'll put the Willow spirit photos on soon.
Silvia, wish you'd comment more. Thank you.
Just, thanks so much. I met some good friends through Moon's site. I miss her still.
Thank you, Jo.
Thanks, Bubbles, lots on the new old house soon. Work on it progresses and with each thing fixed, we find another annoyance.
Thanks, Debby, I love my crazy family that has been accidentally created. It's so odd. Not only the kids, but, the parents and grandparents. We just all get along and enjoy each other.
Noelle, thanks. Sometimes I get mad at Eric. I think he thinks it's funny sometimes, because that's when I know he's around.
Thank you. Viki, it means a lot.
Connie, and Debbie, thank you both so much!
Meissa, thanks, it's been a long time coming, as you know.
Mary Mary, thanks and I sure will.
Jane, not yet, I got sick, but, we will.
Thanks, Suze. Yeah, I tried gardening where you are. Hmm. Yep, Iowa kicks ass for that.
Stephanie, thank you. It just took so damn long for them to see what I saw.
Christina, that was so sweet, what you wrote, thank you.
Jane, fuckin' A, buddy! Thank you and may your God bless you.
Linda, thanks. We're all happier now. ALL of us.
Thanks to the people who stayed anon too.
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