PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida (AP) -- They were often handcuffed, tethered together with plastic ties and allowed to soil themselves, investigators say. They had scars on their wrists. Some had burns.
None appeared to have more than a fourth-grade education, not even the adults in their 20s. All were starving.
In all, nine teenagers and young adults were held like prisoners in Judith Leekin's home in what appeared to be a decades-long scheme to line her pockets with the government payments she received for adopting and raising them, police say.
From the outside, Leekin's home appeared to be as ordinary as the others in this well-kept working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of this Atlantic coast town, 120 miles north of Miami. But its pink and white stucco exterior hid the horrors inside, authorities say.
"Horrible, I think, would be the best word used to describe what was going on in that house," said police Capt. Scott Bartal.
Investigators have not yet confirmed the identities of the young people and have not established how long Leekin had them. But authorities believe she adopted all of them in New York City under at least five aliases over two decades.
They range in age from 15 to 27. One is blind and mumbles. One can barely walk or stand. One can't read. But authorities said they do not know if the handicaps are a result of the alleged abuse.
The case came to light on July 4, some 200 miles away across the state in St. Petersburg, when police received a call from a grocery store that a teenager was there wandering aimlessly. The 18-year-old woman, who said she has been with Leekin for 13 years, said Leekin drove her there and abandoned her after telling her they were going to an amusement park.
Police and child welfare workers went to Leekin's home, but found nothing awry. Just one child was with her in the house, and Leekin told investigators the 18-year-old ran away a year ago. But police soon returned, and this time they found all the children, who had apparently been hiding on Leekin's orders.
Leekin, 62, was arrested and jailed on 11 charges, including aggravated elder and child abuse. She declined to be interviewed. Her attorney had no comment.
According to authorities, she was unemployed and lived off the monthly stipends provided by child welfare authorities in New York. She owned at least two homes and several cars. The adopted children said they had never seen a doctor or a dentist and had not been allowed to attend school or even leave the house.
"These people have not received any formal education in the time they've been with her," Bartal said. "At times when they were restricted with handcuffs or zip ties, during the night, they soiled themselves because they weren't permitted to go to the bathroom."
They were fed only noodles, and "they would have eventually starved to death," Bartal said.
The 18-year-old told police Leekin threatened to cut her head off if she told anyone what was happening, authorities said.
"Was there any kind of emotional attachment? Yes, it was fear," Bartal said.
Child welfare workers in New York said they are still digging through paperwork to determine how Leekin came to gain custody. It was not until 1999 that New York City child-welfare authorities began fingerprinting adults who adopted children out of foster care.
If Leekin did adopt them in New York City, she could have been making as much as $180,000 a year for a time. Parents who adopt special needs children can get as much as $55 a day.
"If you adopt a child out of the foster care system, you receive a stipend to help with the child's care, to cover clothing and food, and whatever additional costs are involved with caring for the child until the child turns 21," said Sharman Stein, spokeswoman for the New York City Administration for Children's Services.
There is no legal requirement that a person adopting a child from New York City's foster care system live in New York State.
The Florida Department of Children & Families authorities investigated a complaint of child abuse against Leekin in 1999, but the case was later closed. Officials would not give details.
"Right now we're just concentrating on the care of the victims, making sure they get the medical attention and psychological care they need," department spokeswoman Ellen Higinbotham said. "These adults, they're like elderly people, they're frail and vulnerable."
In Leekin's neighborhood, residents said they were shocked.
"You'd think she was your grandmother. There was nothing suspicious at all," neighbor Jim Hammond said. "We never heard anything from over there, no hollering, no screaming. She was just a nice lady."
What kind of twisted mind thinks this is a way to make a living? If I am reading between the lines right, no one was adopted over the age of 9 (fourth grade) and had known this as their life since then. Up to 27. Can you even begin to imagine what hell that was and what hell they will have in trying to adjust to a "normal" life. My heart goes out to these poor children.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Update, with pictures
Mr has mastered the two wheeler in oh about 5 minutes!!
411 taking in her beauty sleep
Chick, Bubba and Tarzan, I mean Mr. Also titled, take a chill pill Dad. 
The Camouflage Fishin' Duo!
We're triplets
I have my niece Jr, 411 and her friend Kendall here. They have decided that they are all Hanna Montana & they are triplets in their game and now they are jewelery shopping. I just sit here and giggle as I am eavesdropping. They are all 7&8 and they get along quite well. Till next year, that seems to be the magic age for grief to start. Megs, Chick and Mouth all went through it (3 years later it seems to be getting better) . The boys (Bubba, Danbo and Loges) seem to be getting into that grove of not getting along. Big deep breath, and release on GOOOOOOSEFAAAABAAAAA
My babysitting check finally came. By the time I paid a couple bills and got a tad bit of groceries, I have $50 dollars left. It feels great to pay the bills but DAMN it sucks that it goes so quickly. Yet once again I reiterate, I hate being a grown up.
We had a surprise birthday party for my brother in law on Saturday. When I say we I mean Whimpy, she just had it at our lot on the river. It was such a nice time, no big blow outs, no nastiness, just a peaceful gathering of friends and family. You know, it is always scary when you get large groups together because there is always someone irritated with someone else. Whether it is a long standing feud or just some silly drama of the day, there is something to cause tension. But, I must say no hostility raised its head Saturday. I may be mistaken but I think everyone had a great time. I love get togethers like that.
Speaking of get togethers, Kathy is having one this Saturday for all the birthdays in their family. I am excited, she is making a double batch of her buffalo dip. Now if I can just convince everyone else that it is bad for them I can have the whole thing, bwa ha ha (wink wink) That also happens to be the day of my birthday breakfast, I am really looking forward to that. Getting out without kids, being taken to br/unch, and spending the day some of my favorite people. What is not to love??
My babysitting check finally came. By the time I paid a couple bills and got a tad bit of groceries, I have $50 dollars left. It feels great to pay the bills but DAMN it sucks that it goes so quickly. Yet once again I reiterate, I hate being a grown up.
We had a surprise birthday party for my brother in law on Saturday. When I say we I mean Whimpy, she just had it at our lot on the river. It was such a nice time, no big blow outs, no nastiness, just a peaceful gathering of friends and family. You know, it is always scary when you get large groups together because there is always someone irritated with someone else. Whether it is a long standing feud or just some silly drama of the day, there is something to cause tension. But, I must say no hostility raised its head Saturday. I may be mistaken but I think everyone had a great time. I love get togethers like that.
Speaking of get togethers, Kathy is having one this Saturday for all the birthdays in their family. I am excited, she is making a double batch of her buffalo dip. Now if I can just convince everyone else that it is bad for them I can have the whole thing, bwa ha ha (wink wink) That also happens to be the day of my birthday breakfast, I am really looking forward to that. Getting out without kids, being taken to br/unch, and spending the day some of my favorite people. What is not to love??
Saturday, July 28, 2007
HMMMMM
My mom called me last night to tell me an ex boyfriend of hers passed away. This was the guy that she was with all throughout my high school life and I did NOT like him. I had no respect for him and still found him a pathetic man when we moved back to the area. I know that is really harsh and I am probably going to hell for speaking ill of the dead but it is what it is. Anyway, the funeral home called my mother and told her because she was the only person they knew that even knew who he was other then to say hello. His only friend basically. Which is really sad because they had broken up in 98 and she told him to stay completely out of her life like 3 years ago. Apparently, he died a couple weeks ago and they just found his body. It is so sad that a person, a human being, can pass away and not be discovered because no one cares enough to visit. I have read that there are cases where it is years and I still don't see how that is possible. But again, I digress. The point I am stumbling around here try to make, is that I am aware that my mom is living by herself and if I don't talk to her at least once every other day, I might start to get worried now. It is amazing that just a few years ago, I didn't care if I talked to her every other Month. I am truly glad that her and I have gotten to a point in our lives that we can enjoy a relationship. As a matter of fact, I am going to go up and surprise her with a visit today before all of the festivities tonight.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Uncle Weins' dacdor
Mr got to go out and play on Uncle Wein's dac-dor and look at the body language, he thinks he is all that and a bag of chips. He is so easy to please, I wish all the kids were this easy. I let him dress himself, can you tell? LOL
Thursday, July 26, 2007
That was interesting
I have finally finished Harry Potter 7 after picking it up from Whimpy on Monday. I wish I had taken the time to reread the first 6 as there seemed to be a lot of referencing of things that I had forgotten. I like it when an author wraps up a series in a way that makes sense. And that is all I have to say about that.
Mr.'s allergist's office called today to tell me that his blood count was 1.48. Great. I have no idea what that number means; so the nice lady explained that it means that his allergy is considered moderate (not breathing is moderate???) and that maybe next year they can start doing a challenge on him. That is where they (carefully controlled) introduce peanuts into his everyday diet in the hopes that his body will start to recognize it isn't a chemical assassin. They plan on doing a skin test in October to see if he is allergic to anything else. I am pretty sure he has at least mild springtime allergies. Given the severity of his reactions, I would really like to be prepared if he is going to react to anything else.
My kids have decided that today is the day that all 4 of them are going to challenge every single thing they are told. Maybe it has something to do with not being able to sleep till 3 am last night and it is now 10:30pm, I could be a tad grumpy. If this insomnia doesn't start to correct itself, I am going to have to see a doctor. I can't handle being this bitchy all the time. I know there is some smart ass crack Mikey is waiting to say to that so it is probably a good thing I can't hear it right now.
Mr.'s allergist's office called today to tell me that his blood count was 1.48. Great. I have no idea what that number means; so the nice lady explained that it means that his allergy is considered moderate (not breathing is moderate???) and that maybe next year they can start doing a challenge on him. That is where they (carefully controlled) introduce peanuts into his everyday diet in the hopes that his body will start to recognize it isn't a chemical assassin. They plan on doing a skin test in October to see if he is allergic to anything else. I am pretty sure he has at least mild springtime allergies. Given the severity of his reactions, I would really like to be prepared if he is going to react to anything else.
My kids have decided that today is the day that all 4 of them are going to challenge every single thing they are told. Maybe it has something to do with not being able to sleep till 3 am last night and it is now 10:30pm, I could be a tad grumpy. If this insomnia doesn't start to correct itself, I am going to have to see a doctor. I can't handle being this bitchy all the time. I know there is some smart ass crack Mikey is waiting to say to that so it is probably a good thing I can't hear it right now.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
I hate being a grown up
I have come to the conclusion that I have a sickness when it comes to my kids and clothes. Well, sorta. I don't really buy a lot new but when it comes to yard sales and thrift stores, watch out. I helped 411 go through her clothes to weed out what doesn't fit, is stained, ripped, or just plain something she doesn't like. I took out a kitchen flex bag full and her closet and dresser are still full. Her biggest problem is she likes to wear all her pretty stuff but she is a dirt magnet and the first time she wears whatever it gets destroyed. Chick of course is turning 4 shades of green because 411 has more clothes then she does. I told her if she wasn't so picky and didn't have such a large chest, she probably would have just as much. As it is, I don't dare buy anything for Chick that she isn't right the to approve because as we all know, as a mother, I am totally stupid and it amazing I can dress myself and breathe on my own.
I have been looking over everyone's wardrobes in preparation of school starting. I think the boys and 411 will be ok, just have to get new shoes to start with. Chick is going to need shoes and shirts, which means I have to shedule in a shopping trip. I like that they can start with shorts for the first month or so because by the time you get the fees paid, pictures, lunch tickets taken care of, it is more then what I spend on Christmas. It is insane how much it costs but that is what I get for having 4 kids I spose.
Mikey told the kids to do some chores while he is at work. I hate when he does that because then I have to be the one that makes sure that it all gets done. I make them do it first thing to get it out of the way and then by the time that he gets here around 5 pm, they have been playing all day and you can't tell anything was done. So then I have to make them do it again or do it myself. I keep worrying that I am spending too much energy on the little stuff and not enjoying the childhoods that are happening. BUT, on the flipside, I hate living in a pit.
Mikey is interviewing for his bosses job tomorrow, keep all fingers crossed for him. And Whimpy, her interview is tomorrow too. I really hope both go well, they are deserved positions.
Whimpy and I went shopping last night for her an interview outfit. She ended up buying a new pair of slacks to go with a top she already has but getting out of the house to be a grown up was AWESOME!! We went to dinner and then wandered Gordmans and Walmart. Nothing totally outrageous but just those couple of hours go a long way towards my mental health.
I have been looking over everyone's wardrobes in preparation of school starting. I think the boys and 411 will be ok, just have to get new shoes to start with. Chick is going to need shoes and shirts, which means I have to shedule in a shopping trip. I like that they can start with shorts for the first month or so because by the time you get the fees paid, pictures, lunch tickets taken care of, it is more then what I spend on Christmas. It is insane how much it costs but that is what I get for having 4 kids I spose.
Mikey told the kids to do some chores while he is at work. I hate when he does that because then I have to be the one that makes sure that it all gets done. I make them do it first thing to get it out of the way and then by the time that he gets here around 5 pm, they have been playing all day and you can't tell anything was done. So then I have to make them do it again or do it myself. I keep worrying that I am spending too much energy on the little stuff and not enjoying the childhoods that are happening. BUT, on the flipside, I hate living in a pit.
Mikey is interviewing for his bosses job tomorrow, keep all fingers crossed for him. And Whimpy, her interview is tomorrow too. I really hope both go well, they are deserved positions.
Whimpy and I went shopping last night for her an interview outfit. She ended up buying a new pair of slacks to go with a top she already has but getting out of the house to be a grown up was AWESOME!! We went to dinner and then wandered Gordmans and Walmart. Nothing totally outrageous but just those couple of hours go a long way towards my mental health.
Friday, July 20, 2007
WHEWWWW
There has been way too much going on for me to remember to update. I don't escape the nagging, but favors go a long way in quieting them. :)
After a dramatic visit (anything to do with teens is dramatic) my nieces and nephew are finally home. It was a long story in and of itself getting them there. Jo is convinced Iowa is the closest thing to heaven he can find and we left him strategizing how he was going to convince his mom to let him come up next year. Nana is so used to being alone all the time, she was really looking forward to some quiet time. Candace, well, she is Candace. She is just happy with life.
My sister abruptly moved back to Canada. I guess she is only going to Winnipeg which is just over the border and a lot closer then Edmonton, but it is still in Canada for crikey sake!
I watched Premonition with Sandra Bullock last night, still not sure about it. I hated the way it ended, and I was really bummed because there was no explanation and there were some obvious inconsistencies once you pieced the timeline together. It did make you pay attention and work your brain though. I watch Assault on Precinct 13 the other night. That was a pretty decent action movie. I have to be in the mood to watch certain types, makes it so much better.
411 is enjoying soccer camp, today is her last day. I don't know, I don't think she will make a career out of it but it is fun for her. I just feel bad because she got sooo sunburnt at Aunt Chelle's pool, it has to be uncomfortable for her. Although her shoulders are pretty much healed.
Bubba is just thrilled that he got his video games back. We had taken them away for almost a month and he is restricted to an hour a day. You can't really get a lot done on a game in an hour but he needed that "intervention".
Chick is back safe and sound, although her attitude might strain the 'safe' part of that. Yeah, I so love the eye rolling, sighing, "you're so mean!!", fit throwing, and mercurial temperament. On the flip side of that, she is so much more affectionate to me; I can give her hugs and she willingly gives me hugs. For no reason. I don't know if that is my reward for not killing her or what. I really REALLY dread that I have 3 more to get to adulthood.
Mikey and I were talking about this summer and how we really haven't gotten a lot of camping in this year. We have been busy busy busy. He was telling me that he wants to go down to the river this weekend, I told him that would be good because next weekend is a party, the weekend after that is sister breakfast and Kathy's party, the weekend after that is Justin's party, and the weekend after that is when the kids start school. Seems like time is flying. Pretty soon it will be time to get the Halloween bash planned and Christmas grab bag to be finalized. I kind of like it, time doesn't drag.
After a dramatic visit (anything to do with teens is dramatic) my nieces and nephew are finally home. It was a long story in and of itself getting them there. Jo is convinced Iowa is the closest thing to heaven he can find and we left him strategizing how he was going to convince his mom to let him come up next year. Nana is so used to being alone all the time, she was really looking forward to some quiet time. Candace, well, she is Candace. She is just happy with life.
My sister abruptly moved back to Canada. I guess she is only going to Winnipeg which is just over the border and a lot closer then Edmonton, but it is still in Canada for crikey sake!
I watched Premonition with Sandra Bullock last night, still not sure about it. I hated the way it ended, and I was really bummed because there was no explanation and there were some obvious inconsistencies once you pieced the timeline together. It did make you pay attention and work your brain though. I watch Assault on Precinct 13 the other night. That was a pretty decent action movie. I have to be in the mood to watch certain types, makes it so much better.
411 is enjoying soccer camp, today is her last day. I don't know, I don't think she will make a career out of it but it is fun for her. I just feel bad because she got sooo sunburnt at Aunt Chelle's pool, it has to be uncomfortable for her. Although her shoulders are pretty much healed.
Bubba is just thrilled that he got his video games back. We had taken them away for almost a month and he is restricted to an hour a day. You can't really get a lot done on a game in an hour but he needed that "intervention".
Chick is back safe and sound, although her attitude might strain the 'safe' part of that. Yeah, I so love the eye rolling, sighing, "you're so mean!!", fit throwing, and mercurial temperament. On the flip side of that, she is so much more affectionate to me; I can give her hugs and she willingly gives me hugs. For no reason. I don't know if that is my reward for not killing her or what. I really REALLY dread that I have 3 more to get to adulthood.
Mikey and I were talking about this summer and how we really haven't gotten a lot of camping in this year. We have been busy busy busy. He was telling me that he wants to go down to the river this weekend, I told him that would be good because next weekend is a party, the weekend after that is sister breakfast and Kathy's party, the weekend after that is Justin's party, and the weekend after that is when the kids start school. Seems like time is flying. Pretty soon it will be time to get the Halloween bash planned and Christmas grab bag to be finalized. I kind of like it, time doesn't drag.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Here in my world
I have been informed that I am slacking. To complete the updates on my psychologically fascinating oldest niece, she is completely moved to her mothers now so I shouldn't have anything new to gossip about there. Tuesday she finally decided to come back from her moms to get the rest of her stuff with her step dad (her jeep got its radiator destroyed by the guy that bought it after she dumped him harshly) and had to call the landlord because they had changed the locks. I really truly hope that this is what she needs to be doing to get her poop in a group but if she hasn't gotten it together by 30.......
On to happier subjects. Yesterday, Mike and Mr mowed G'ma's yard. They borrowed Uncle Wein's mower and had a ball. Mikey told me that Mr has grown just a hair too much to be doing that again though because he is trying to run the show (and starting to block the controllers). Well, duh. Have you met my son? If it has wheels on it, he wants to run it. Just like the 4 wheeler, he let Mr drive that (with Mikey's guidance) and Mr was in hog heaven. Mike gave Riles a ride and he couldn't go fast enough. It was too cute.
Sunday we went and watched Tabor Idol because my sister in law Dudette was in it. She didn't make the top three and I firmly believed she was robbed. I am so jealous, I can't carry a tune in a bucket WITH a lid.
All week Mike has been helping Jason build a deck by their pool and what an adventure it has been. There are 16 posts and they have dug like 25 holes. J found out his pool isn't as straight as he thought so when he used that as a guide, it took some correcting. It is going to be really neat, they are trying to get it built for the luau Saturday. I am having a hard time keeping that a secret by the way. It is going to be mostly Meggars party because none of Chicks friends can make it but I think with having her cousins here it will be ok. I get to go shopping with Chelle on Friday for it. And as all of us know, it isn't a job , it is an adventure. She kills me when we go, it is always a good time. I have never known anyone to pop off the one liners the way that she does.
On to happier subjects. Yesterday, Mike and Mr mowed G'ma's yard. They borrowed Uncle Wein's mower and had a ball. Mikey told me that Mr has grown just a hair too much to be doing that again though because he is trying to run the show (and starting to block the controllers). Well, duh. Have you met my son? If it has wheels on it, he wants to run it. Just like the 4 wheeler, he let Mr drive that (with Mikey's guidance) and Mr was in hog heaven. Mike gave Riles a ride and he couldn't go fast enough. It was too cute.
Sunday we went and watched Tabor Idol because my sister in law Dudette was in it. She didn't make the top three and I firmly believed she was robbed. I am so jealous, I can't carry a tune in a bucket WITH a lid.
All week Mike has been helping Jason build a deck by their pool and what an adventure it has been. There are 16 posts and they have dug like 25 holes. J found out his pool isn't as straight as he thought so when he used that as a guide, it took some correcting. It is going to be really neat, they are trying to get it built for the luau Saturday. I am having a hard time keeping that a secret by the way. It is going to be mostly Meggars party because none of Chicks friends can make it but I think with having her cousins here it will be ok. I get to go shopping with Chelle on Friday for it. And as all of us know, it isn't a job , it is an adventure. She kills me when we go, it is always a good time. I have never known anyone to pop off the one liners the way that she does.
Monday, July 9, 2007
another day in the life
So, just a couple of interesting things happening around here. My oldest niece has dug herself a pretty nifty hole this time. And guess what? I don't really care. She took a load up to her moms to move in because of the whole 'she can't make it as a single mom' thing. I throw the bullsh*t card on that one but hey, nother story. Anyway, she thinks she is sneaking outta town in the morning (her mom and stepdad are helping her out) with the rest of her stuff but a little birdy might have mentioned a good time to be around to the landlord in the morning. It is ridiculous that a 30 year old woman is behaving in such a manner. I can hear several of you snorting and rolling your eyes (you know who you are). So well, anyway, that is where that is at.
Mikey got home from Tennessee safe and sound yesterday. He stopped by the campground to pick up a little of the 30 lbs of fish that we had left and called to tell me he was already missing Snatch. They had such a good time together,even if most of it was fermented. I wish Snatch could find happiness, he is a sweet man no matter how much he plays up his jackass.
Have my 2 nieces and nephew visiting. I am enjoying having them around. We all went swimming today ( I sooooo love aunt-a Chelle ) and they have been having a good time walking around the carnival across the street. I was a little worried about them being bored but I think we got under control. I have been having wonderful conversations with Nanaberry, I am happy to see what a woman she is turning into.
I have to share a Riles story (she went swimming with us today). Her and Mr do a fabulous job "swimming" around the pool and they were in their matching fish floaties just kicking away. She looked over at him and said "you are my boyfriend now" and he says "ok" and off they go. I was giggling to watch them. They are growing up together and I think it is cool as sorbet (hee hee). Most of the nieces and nephews are pretty close and I hope they can continue to be for the rest of their lives.
Mikey got home from Tennessee safe and sound yesterday. He stopped by the campground to pick up a little of the 30 lbs of fish that we had left and called to tell me he was already missing Snatch. They had such a good time together,even if most of it was fermented. I wish Snatch could find happiness, he is a sweet man no matter how much he plays up his jackass.
Have my 2 nieces and nephew visiting. I am enjoying having them around. We all went swimming today ( I sooooo love aunt-a Chelle ) and they have been having a good time walking around the carnival across the street. I was a little worried about them being bored but I think we got under control. I have been having wonderful conversations with Nanaberry, I am happy to see what a woman she is turning into.
I have to share a Riles story (she went swimming with us today). Her and Mr do a fabulous job "swimming" around the pool and they were in their matching fish floaties just kicking away. She looked over at him and said "you are my boyfriend now" and he says "ok" and off they go. I was giggling to watch them. They are growing up together and I think it is cool as sorbet (hee hee). Most of the nieces and nephews are pretty close and I hope they can continue to be for the rest of their lives.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Are you serious right now?
OMG, if I heard that once, I heard it a thousand times. I downloaded the pictures off my camera and thought I would share..... This is how Snatch spent his week, on the phone. I think we finally found someone that uses a phone more then Kristi :) Riles and Mr, I love these two together. Bubba and his arsenal.. And the two dunken amigos.
The day after
Mikey's party was yesterday, he was happy with the way it turned out. I finally found the little zinger fireworks I spent all day looking for at the river, they had somehow (411) got put in a bag that had been brought into the house when we stopped to pick up Zach's truck. Gotta love kids.
Finally got the babysitting thing worked out. It turns out my niece had turned in the right paperwork, the person just hadn't forwarded it like they were supposed to. So got the left hand talking to the right and it should be good. They will only go back to May 1st ( I started April 16) but at least it is something. Of course, now she is moving so it is a moot point for the future anyways.
Tomorrow Chick comes home and is bringing her two 15 year old cousins and an 11 year old cousin. I love having family here, I will be so disappointed when they can't come next year due to jobs. It is nice to have my home considered a fun place and not be criticised for one thing or another. I know they enjoy escaping their lives just as much. Everyone should be able to get away once in awhile.
Zach has been here for a couple of days now, I am always amazed at the relationship him and Mikey have. I am horrible at people skills, making new friends, keeping old ones, making small talk for God's sake. I know alot of time it is considered rudeness or bitchiness, it is just some chromosome that I am lacking. Anyway, they are right back into the rhythm of their friendship like they just saw each other yesterday instead of a year and a half ago. It is really neat and I am glad that Mikey has that. Of course, they are a pain in my neck, especially when they decide it is time to check to see how quickly they can get my blood pressure screaming ( a fave activity for some reason).
Dudette is letting Bubba and 411 spend the night with her kids and Whimp is taking Mr tomorrow for the grand adventure. Lets see, 4 hours of Zach, Mike, and Joey VS Me, Chick, Cheyenne and Candace. Bring it on!
Finally got the babysitting thing worked out. It turns out my niece had turned in the right paperwork, the person just hadn't forwarded it like they were supposed to. So got the left hand talking to the right and it should be good. They will only go back to May 1st ( I started April 16) but at least it is something. Of course, now she is moving so it is a moot point for the future anyways.
Tomorrow Chick comes home and is bringing her two 15 year old cousins and an 11 year old cousin. I love having family here, I will be so disappointed when they can't come next year due to jobs. It is nice to have my home considered a fun place and not be criticised for one thing or another. I know they enjoy escaping their lives just as much. Everyone should be able to get away once in awhile.
Zach has been here for a couple of days now, I am always amazed at the relationship him and Mikey have. I am horrible at people skills, making new friends, keeping old ones, making small talk for God's sake. I know alot of time it is considered rudeness or bitchiness, it is just some chromosome that I am lacking. Anyway, they are right back into the rhythm of their friendship like they just saw each other yesterday instead of a year and a half ago. It is really neat and I am glad that Mikey has that. Of course, they are a pain in my neck, especially when they decide it is time to check to see how quickly they can get my blood pressure screaming ( a fave activity for some reason).
Dudette is letting Bubba and 411 spend the night with her kids and Whimp is taking Mr tomorrow for the grand adventure. Lets see, 4 hours of Zach, Mike, and Joey VS Me, Chick, Cheyenne and Candace. Bring it on!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The weekend
Yesterday was the big party and fireworks at the river. Not to be confused with the Fish Fry on the Fourth, we like to party!!;) Anyway, it was a lot of fun. There were alot of people there and not one fight broke out, I was pretty impressed. I had a couple drinks ( my bastard bombpops) and I think it went over pretty well. I was glad to have a relaxing, enjoyable time after my Friday.
For the one or two people who don't know about it, I have been waiting on paperwork from the state to make me an officially registered daycare provider. The thing that was holding it up was the criminal background checks, they have to have one for everyone over the age of 14 who lives in the house. And what was irritating about that, I just had one done to be a foster parent last year. It took them a month to come to the conclusion that they could use that one to approve my application. Gotta love government. All these rules that just tie things up. Anyway, I had been babysitting my oldest nieces (the fascinating psychological study) daughters for her since APRIL 19th assuming they would retro the pay since she is on state paid babysitting assistance. WELL, first I found out that they would only go back to May 1st. Ok, I can deal with that, 2 weeks of her outta pocket expense, no biggie. Then I got my mail and finally got my paperwork approving me and to file to get paid. I called to check on a case number and found out I had to call another lady (more gov't, love it) and when I finally got ahold of her, I found out they had cancelled her assistance. In APRIL. So, on paper, I am left holding a bill for childcare totalling (dum roll please..) $2420.00 (11 weeks at $220 a week). Yeah, everyone told me I was going to get bent, she kinda has a track record. I thought I had all my bases covered. I bet she was really glad it took so long for me to get the paperwork to figure it out. I am so done but she ran away and I haven't been able to tell her to take a long walk off a short pier yet. It it 10:30 on a Sunday night and she still is not back. ppppbbbbbffffttttttttt
Mike's buddy Zach is supposed to be here in the morning. I am so looking forward to being left behind while they do guy things. I did get to go to the grocery store by myself (well, with Chelle and the girls) so I guess it is fair. NOT!! I am happy for Mikey having a close friend like that, I really am, I just hate being left out. It's all good though, I bought another bottle of UV for Wednesday. :)
For the one or two people who don't know about it, I have been waiting on paperwork from the state to make me an officially registered daycare provider. The thing that was holding it up was the criminal background checks, they have to have one for everyone over the age of 14 who lives in the house. And what was irritating about that, I just had one done to be a foster parent last year. It took them a month to come to the conclusion that they could use that one to approve my application. Gotta love government. All these rules that just tie things up. Anyway, I had been babysitting my oldest nieces (the fascinating psychological study) daughters for her since APRIL 19th assuming they would retro the pay since she is on state paid babysitting assistance. WELL, first I found out that they would only go back to May 1st. Ok, I can deal with that, 2 weeks of her outta pocket expense, no biggie. Then I got my mail and finally got my paperwork approving me and to file to get paid. I called to check on a case number and found out I had to call another lady (more gov't, love it) and when I finally got ahold of her, I found out they had cancelled her assistance. In APRIL. So, on paper, I am left holding a bill for childcare totalling (dum roll please..) $2420.00 (11 weeks at $220 a week). Yeah, everyone told me I was going to get bent, she kinda has a track record. I thought I had all my bases covered. I bet she was really glad it took so long for me to get the paperwork to figure it out. I am so done but she ran away and I haven't been able to tell her to take a long walk off a short pier yet. It it 10:30 on a Sunday night and she still is not back. ppppbbbbbffffttttttttt
Mike's buddy Zach is supposed to be here in the morning. I am so looking forward to being left behind while they do guy things. I did get to go to the grocery store by myself (well, with Chelle and the girls) so I guess it is fair. NOT!! I am happy for Mikey having a close friend like that, I really am, I just hate being left out. It's all good though, I bought another bottle of UV for Wednesday. :)
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