Journal

 okay so it's been a while.  First, my daughter and then her husband moved in with us.  My granddaughter was delighted and also struggled at first.  She is now 4 and was very angry and insecure.  We had had some excellent progress and we have had our struggles.  I was very proud of my daughter for her total change in attitude. 

We have had some struggles.  Basically I tried to slowly back off and let them assume the lead. However, I still made and make most decisions.  It is sometimes difficult to determine what is simply a difference of parenting styles and what is truly sometihing that should remain in tact. Of course, bedtime routine, and basics are certainly a given and we struggle with them somewhat.  While I tend to wait and see what they will take initiative to do in order to give them an oportunity and so that I do not jump to the wrong conclusions. fact is , they are not consistent yet.  Their marriage is not on steady ground, and some issues are taking a slow turn around.  But at least there is some change for the good.

One of the better things is that they have both been total drug free.  That is a major step for my soninlaw as his mother started him on 'pot' at 13 and this is the first time for him to get clean.  Of course them being clean of other hard drugs is also important.  He's actually been a nicer person overall without the crap. 

We moved into a house. Then it turned out y daughter was pg. I was horrified and said "that is the most irresponsible thing I have ever seen." I wanted to be excited to be a grandmother again but they are no where near on their own or consistently successful taking care of one. Then she had a miscarriage.  Can the roller coaster get ore curves and ups and downs?

 All in all there have been less struggles than I had originally thought but I have to say much of that is due to y daughter's turn around. It's in her attitude, her countenance, her actions.

I actually can not phantom not having my granddaughter around 24/7 and for now I don't have too as this looks like a long road.  My daughter already asked if we could find houses beside each other or on the same street when they are financially able to move out...by then --well lst's just say that doe not not look anything will change for a good 5 -10 years:)

I know some of you have prayed for us..please continue to do so. Even though I have not been on in a while I have kept you all in my prayers and thoughts.

Happy LUV day to all!

In regard to the charities: I would put forth this: let the selection of charities be given to ones that would help people here.  Just look at the list:

  Autism, Bio-Polar and other mental challenges, Add, AHDD, and the others.

These are the grandchildren we are raising that need help.