She "Didn't Know"

I heard back from CASI today, and the woman who told me I could use my home study anywhere didn't know that the only other agency in Idaho won't accept it. I was surprised to hear her say that. I thought she'd tell me I had misunderstood, or a policy had recently changed. But nope, she just admitted she "didn't know".

So, where do I go from here? How hard do I want to fight for my money back so I can start over with the home study process? I'm not sure. I'll sleep on it.

Good Stuff

No news on the home study situation yet, but I met with my attorney this morning and got some great feedback on my parent profile. A few tweaks and they'll start showing it to birth parents when I meet those parents' requirements.

I also stopped by the Ada Dems meeting tonight to say hi and hand out my adoption cards. I've almost given away the entire first order of 250 cards! I've handed out a few sets of 5 or 10, but the rest have been one at a time to people who have now heard my story.

I also heard back today from one of the grant organizations. They have a monthly review process and won't consider any applicant until they've been matched with a baby, but the good news is I'm on file with them, and they'll basically be on standby until I'm matched.

And, finally, things are arranged for me to sell my recipe books at a holiday market on the 11th. It was quite the experience trying to navigate the small business/vendor rules for the city, so I hope it turns out to be worth it.

Another Bump in the Road

Today I was looking forward to joining a list of waiting parents at A New Beginning adoption agency. Their fees are reasonable, they're very well connected and it turns out I misunderstood their policy on single women, so I am welcome. Great news!

Not so fast. It turns out my home study is no good at A New Beginning! I'm angry because the folks at CASI told me the great thing about doing a home study with them is that I could "take it anywhere". No extra fees, no issues. It would be my home study to do with as I pleased. 

I find it extremely hard to believe that CASI isn't aware of the policies of the only other adoption agency in Idaho. Either way, they misrepresented what they could offer me and I will be working to get at least a partial refund from them.

Meanwhile, a nice woman at A New Beginning is going to see what she can do on their end to minimize my home study fees with them, should I decide to re-do the home study and get on their list. 

The rush? I have to do it all before the first of the year if I want to get any of these fees back on my 2012 taxes (there's a one year delay before you can file adoption expenses).

Tomorrow morning I'm meeting with my adoption attorney, so I'll get her take on the situation too. This is so frustrating and disheartening at times. 

Telling Kids About Adoption

A couple of weeks ago we started introducing my niece (almost 5) to the idea of adoption. At first she wondered if her pregnant mom was going to be one of the parents who couldn't keep her baby, but we explained no, and then she sort of started to get it. As we put together the recipe books, she said carefully, "You need money so you can get a baby." She also understood that it wouldn't grow in my tummy like her baby brother in mom's tummy. Yep, close enough for now.

Then last night she hugged me and said "You're going to have a baby, but not in your tummy. You're just going to . . .organize it." I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't help it. It was so cute and really the perfect way to describe what I'm doing. I love that in her world, it's going to happen "next year" and there are no doubts about it. I think I'm going to borrow her outlook!

Thinking About Spring

Yay, purple.

Before you think I'm totally crazy, let me explain. My sister-in-law and roommate both did some cleaning this weekend and have set aside items for a second community yard sale this spring. I had almost forgotten about the plan, oops!

So as you're doing your holiday organization, trips to the attic, etc. please keep me in mind if you have items you no longer need. Text me, FB message me or leave a comment here and I'll be happy to come take it off your hands.

The yard sale in August was very successful and we had people come for clothes, furniture, sporting equipment and even a dog collar. You never know which item might bring a whole family to shop.

Thanks for keeping me in mind, and have fun decorating your homes for the holidays. I know I'm enjoying my new purple wall and recovered throw pillows. :)

Snow and Sprinklers

Okay, I admit it wasn't quite this bad.

Today on my lunch break I braved the first snow of the season to get a draft copy of the recipe book, Sprinklers, printed at Office Depot downtown. Everything looked great so I ordered a bunch more to pick up on my way home from work. Then I'll be cutting and binding till the cows come home.

I chose the name Sprinklers because that's what Natalya used to call candy sprinkles, and with a sugar cookie-cover, I thought it was appropriate and unique.

And, it looks like I'll have a booth at the outdoor Procrastinator's Holiday Market on Sunday, December 11th, so that's exciting. They're going to have fire pits and hot cocoa for the shoppers, and more than 30 local vendors will be there with their high-quality goods. So if you're into buying local, don't miss it!

Anyone outside the Boise area who wouldn't mind a digital copy of the recipe book can find it on eBay for $7. The printed version will be $10, with your choice of a pink or green photo border.

A Little Help

CASI called back with a solution to the roommate situation, so that's straightened out and I won't have to pay massive fees every time one moves in and moves out. Very grateful for that!

I also found out that my roommate's job may keep her in Boise till March instead of January, and we're getting along well so it's nice to know I may have a few more months of rommie income than I had planned on.

So today is better than Monday.