What I've learned in a Week

 I never set out to be a "Boy Mom;" but if I'm being honest deep down, I think I always kind of knew that I would end up boys along the way. That being said when I got the call for a 9y/o boy last Tuesday (1/12/21) I didn't hesitate, and then when less then 24hrs later I got the call for a 12y/o boy I again didn't hesitate. 

Though from the beginning I've known that foster care is "temporary" some are more temporary then others. FS*9, Mr. T**, is honestly starting to feel more like a long term baby sitting gig before he goes home at the end of the month. Last weekend he spent with his family, I picked him up on Tuesday after school, and tomorrow (1/21) he is headed home for the weekend before I pick up on Monday after school. And hopefully if all goes well he will go home before the end of the month. FS12, Mr. R,  is not so temporary. Though I can't talk about his case, it is known at this time that he will be with me a while. Attached below is his Amazon Wish List. I created it for myself so that I could keep track of needs and wants, but I know there are people who want to help and have asked so I'm including it. That all being said, what I can tell you about FS12 is this: he's sweet and kind, he loves soccer, logic puzzles (like the Rubik cube), he's a large in clothes and size 8 of shoes. He's behind in math and reading, but he's super smart and can quote random science facts if you ask. Whatever happens in the future, I refuse to let this young man get lost in a broken system, so if long term is what he needs, a "Boy Mom" I will be. 

Things in a week I've learned about being a boy mom:

- My home will never not smell like fart again. 

- Beds will never be made

-Apparently boys (kids) go through a I'm going to school in my PJ's and not real clothes phase. 

-PICK YOUR BATTLES. 

-Electronics don't go in the bedroom at night (they won't sleep if they do) 

-Chores: getting them to do some are easier then other, FS12 actually volunteered to take the trash out every night and I'm okay with that. The bedroom is a whole different story. 

- Figuring out a bed time has been....well interesting, we started at 9:30pm, now its closer to 8:30pm (for both FS9&12) and I am still not convinced that is the right time as they usually are still awake till at least 11pm. 

Life with BOYS has definitely become an interesting change of pace. I don't regret my decision, and I never will, life will never be the same and I'm okay with that. What the future holds, only God knows, but I look forward to seeing what's next. 

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/21XGM7ERUFDNR?ref_=wl_share

*FS- Foster Son 

**Names have been changed for privacy