Tales of the T-Clan

This past Monday, the whole family attended a Boy Scout function called a Court of Honor where the boys are recognized for rank advancement and merit badges earned in front of peers, parents and siblings. The COH also had a bbq potluck. Well, for awhile now it has been a little tricky getting food for all three little ones and be able to eat yourself because inevitably you have to pile enough on your plate for all, while the other parent sits at the table making sure no one is getting into mischief - and then you trade spots. I'm very happy to report that we've had a break through - all three lined up behind daddy, got in the buffet line and patiently waited their turn to get a plain roll on their plate (advanced maneuvers such as any foods containing moisture is in the offing). All three made it back to their seat, roll still on the plate. Fancy footwork on Kitten's part was shown when having to navigate around a scout picking up a chair and moving it to another table. Monkeyboy merely bowled through scouts, tossing them aside with a focused look of which all took heed. Princess used her wide, bright blue eyes to charm a passage back to her seat. I'm so proud of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiyGhNF0WzQ

Alex’s new favorite YouTube clip.  I have to say it, I love it, too!  Enjoy!

I hope this doesn’t break my mother-son confidentiality agreement….

Thanks, everyone, for your concern and interest in the “Poca” case:  a local foster child who was removed from her stable foster family unjustly.  I wrote a lengthy blog entry about this a couple days ago, and asked my friend for an update.  Here’s what she has to say.  (FYI, you can also see several updates on the channel 5 web site, www.king5.com. There’s one on the home page, and search “poca” for more):

We had 23 people come make signs Tuesday afternoon, 5/12 (mostly Girl Scouts from various troops).  KING-5 came by and covered it. 

Rod and I took the signs to the rally Wednesday morning, 5/13.  I told the girls their colorful signs looked great peppered throughout the crowd!  While at the rally, we got word that the hearing scheduled for that afternoon at 2pm to remove Poca's little brother from his foster home was being cancelled.  For now, he gets to stay in the only home he has ever known!!  Yeah!!  The rally was covered on KING-5 last night.  Susannah Frame interviewed Governor Gregoire, who said she could not get involved.  The judge in Poca's case called KING-5 to say she would be willing to listen to arguments regarding Poca's situation, but can only do so when a request is brought before her court (which means she's opening the door to someone bringing a request - a big change from her previous position).

This morning, the Langley's (Poca's foster parents) were on the "Today Show" interviewed by Matt Lauer.

This evening, an ombudsman report was released finding clear wrongdoing by DSHS, and clear retaliation against the foster parents!   Additionally, Gov. Gregoire changed her position and is calling for an immediate investigation into Poca's situation!!  Finally, late today, DSHS says they are going to begin proceedings to terminate the parental rights of Poca's bio parents, which should have been done at least 2 years ago! 

All of this is wonderful news, but until Poca is back with the Langley's, and they have papers that say she can stay with them, we have to keep up the pressure on all the powers that be.  It seems to be the only thing they respond to.   You would think the pictures of poor little Poca crawling behind a chair, when DSHS came to pull her out of her home, would be enough..........but maybe that's just me.

Anyway, thanks so much for your support, Lisa.  Tell all of your friends thanks for theirs, as well.  It really is everyone contributing that is helping this turn around.  Like the old saying goes, "all that has to happen for evil to prevail, is for good men (and women) to do nothing"  and that isn't happening.  Good men and women are standing up (and emailing, phone calling, whatever) all over the place!!!  Thanks again.