June 2024
Jan-June 2024
June was a month of transition for a few different aspects of our lives. We started foster care training with the state this month which was much more challenging than I expected. The training is 3.5 hours a night virtually on Monday and Tuesday nights for 6 weeks. Having it be virtual was a lifesaver but navigating childcare, work, and all that surrounds sucking up an entire evening for both parents two nights a week wasn’t simple. We’re nearly done now and so long as you keep a number of hours of other training per year, you don’t have to repeat this.
Going into foster care this time with the intent of just fostering is very different than the mindset we had five years ago when we were respite foster parents for a cup of coffee. We went through the same training and processes we are currently in, but then got pregnant as we had our first respite placement. This go around it feels more intentional as we hear about the goals of reunification and plan to cheer on biological families to reunifiy. We’re excited to help wherever we’re needed!
We also really got into the basement remodel this month. Demo of the crappy insulation and bathroom took place one week, and dramatic plumbing construction and additions were the next. This was followed up by electrical remodeling and some work upstairs to finish out an open area of our loft. The thought was early to mid-June was a great time to get all of this work done so it doesn’t interfere with school and travel plans, the verdict on that decision is questionable at this point. The next steps are loads of drywall and paint work, followed by the bathroom, wet bar, and flooring. Most of that will take place next month. Here are a few before images of the areas that have been worked on so far.
The rest of June was pretty simple. Louie had dance camp and a performance at the end of the camp and George built a Bugatti Lego set that was challenging even for me. We went fishing a couple of times and he loved it.
I was able to attend the two Copa America matches that Atlanta hosted, The first was getting to see the fútbol Elvis himself Messi and Argentina beat Canada in the tournament’s opening match, followed by the United States self-destructing against Panama to put themselves in a precarious situation to even get out of their group.
Best and Worst of the month
Best thing I watched, read, or listened to: The Bear S3 // Kendrick's Pop Out // Olympic Track and Field Trials
Worst thing I watched, read, or listened to: An episode of Disney’s The Lion Guard with my kids
Best experience of the month: The first image of Messi showing up on the jumbotron at Mercedes Benz
Worst experience of the month: Kids raging when you’re trying to do nice things for them. I think I have yet to properly react in those specific scenarios
Best thing I ate: Spicy Chicken Dry Pot at Wei Sichuan
