Another turn

So. I'm not even sure where to start. I just got home from a weekend with my friend Kira and the kids to Grammy & Boppa's, which was, as usual, restorative, wonderful and tiring for all involved. More the former than the latter. :) I got a job! An awesome, perfect, "real" job with benefits! It really is SO wonderful- I feel so fortunate and blessed that I was chosen! So, what is it, you wonder? After all these years of basically getting paid to parent, I'm..... getting paid to parent. In a different way and with teenagers in a program called True to Life Children's services in Sebastopol, which is the next town toward the beach from Santa Rosa. (you can see where my mind is) You can look at the program information via the web address at www.tlc4kids.org

I was hired as a counselor for a new program for kids ages 16 1/2-18, all of whom live in the Orchard House, on site. They find that when the kids turn 18, they take it as a ticket to freedom and run with it, instead of building healthy relationships and making smart choices, which is where I come in. My job is basically to present to these kids someone that they can trust, because a lot of them have never had that before, and it is impossible to mentally (spritually, emotionally) progress without being able to trust one's surroundings and the people in it. It breaks to me think of children without that, and I would love nothing more than to provide those kids with what I (and my kids) have. Hence this job being *so* good for me.

In fact, I'm almost certain that this is the way I am supoosed to instigate change and goodness in the world. I would LOVE to give all of the kids in the world food, shelter, clothes, love, trust, faeries, dirt to dig, ponies to ride and parents who love them more than themselves. But there's no way I can personally see to that. In order to build a world like that, there need to be a lot of parents like that who raise kids like that who raise kids like that, etc. I can't provide a trustline to everyone, but I can to a few kids who really need it and that's the difference right there. Once a seed is planted in one, it matures and can plant more of its own, and on it goes.

I also think it will be good for me because it will provide a constant challenge for me. (Isn't that the definition of 'teen'?) I can learn as much (if not more) from these kids about myself and the world as they can from me. Perhaps by the time my own are bestowed with horomones, I might know what to do about it! Partially. In some way. Anyhow- I'm really ecxited, and I'm sure I'll be writing more about it as time goes on.

As for the boys, they are as beautiful and healthy as ever. They both have my blonde hair and their (respective) daddy's dark eyes, which I think it a very striking combination. Of course, they just woke up from their naps, too. Poo. I'll try and type quickly!

Aiden is... a little boy. He is the boy-y-est boy I've had the pleasure (and the stains, giggles, bumps and bruises) of being involved with. He is adorable and such a good natured little guy.He's just starting to put words together, like "mo nana" (more banana) or "deeoos pees!" (juice please). Randal called from Iraq (is alive, healthy aside from TB, vegan and living in the city in an apartment with 3 other military guys. He actually seemed more lighthearted when I talked to him from Iraq than from the last few times I'd spoken to him from here) and Aiden said, "Hi, Daa-y! Tee-boooooot!" (Hi Daddy! Skateboard!!) Thaaat's my little guy. He is still skateboarding his heart out- Tony Hawk's son had better watch out! I even got him on video going all the way down my mom's driveway, across the street, pushed himself off a dumpster on the other side of the street (adults lining both sides on a non-trafficky street, mind you) and going switch (that means backwards in skate-lingo) back across the street. He then hopped off and said, UHHHH, MOMMY!!!!" which made the whole thing. I want to get two shirts made for him- one that says "Tuft Love" since he has his little tufts over his ears (and almost shoulders, now) and one that says, "Mommy's Little Savage" (obvious reasons) Luckily, I haven't had too much experience with blood yet, but that's what I keep Steve around for. :)

What I wanted to write about with Tobin was the fact that I am certain he is an Indigo Child. Probably most of you haven't heard that term much (you will, trust me, if only here) but I encourage you to look up information on it, because likely you have a child or know of one who could be, too. The basic outline is that Indigos are children that are born more spiritually aware (ie: "old souls") but there's SO much more to it than that. I always knew Tobin was a little Buddha baby, but it was more  his eyes than his thighs. I bet if you know Tobin at all (which I'll bet most of you do) you'll agree. Grammy & Boppa do, if that counts more. :) It's fascinating for me, partially because I think I may be one, too. There's even a new movie out called, "Indigo" you can rent at Blockbuster, or whatever movie store you go to. I'll write more later, but check it out- it's really interesting!

Well, my little crazies are getting, well, crazy. I always say I'll tryand write more, and I always mean it, but my life is insane and it doesn't always occur to me that people might like to know about it, or that writing about it may help me in some way. I'm not sure how many of you I'm even writing to anymore, but I figured it was about time.(and Grammy mentioned it... that's what I keep HER around for. :)

Love to you all.

quote(s) for the day: "The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual - for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost." Scott Peck

okay, here's another- I couldn't decide :)

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead