A lot to chew

Well folks, we are almost used to the new larger version of the Jones Household. With George only home on the weekends, I've had to care for all four children by myself. His version of interacting with girls is very different from mine. Our cultural differences (he's a southerner I'm a CA girl) sometimes become a bit of a challenge. When he goes places, he will only invite Dorian to tag along and leave the girls home with me. While I can understand he wants some alone time with just our son, it eliminates any possibilities of bonding with the girls. He is the only father figure they will have experienced in their lives thus far, and in our conversations I have made it clear my concern with his lack of interaction with them. The girls have yet to figure out how to interact with him, and when he comes home on the weekends they are stand-offish with him. I make every attempt to make everyone comfortable, but we're not there yet. The 8 year old sometimes cries and wants to return to the chaos she once called home. The home where they often missed meals, were left behind with others to care for them. Missed school causing them to be held back, as well as never seeing the doctor for any illnesses or injuries. As crazy as that may sound to some of us, the chaos she once lived in is familiar to her. The structure of our home and expectation of good behavior, appropriate language and homework is a challenge for her to get used to. Her conversations with her mother are often negative comments to build her case of why she should be allowed to return home. Her mother (27 with 7 children), takes the words of an 8 year old literally instead of reading between the lines. The children have been easier to get used to, it's dealing with the rest of their family that becomes a challenge at times.

With all that is going on in our house, I am preparing myself to take on Orangeview's largest consulting contract thus far. This contract extends over the course of 12 months, and has the ability to be renewed annually as long as funding is available. I am more than excited. We will be moving into an office building October 1st and hiring additional staff with this contract. I will also began school October 25th, so there is a lot to manage in such a short time, however I'm certain I will be able to handle it all. When God blesses, it's often a windfall and you simply have to open your arms and embrace it all.