Since the last time I posted so much has happened that it makes my head spin. In quick summary, we received full custody of three grandkids in April 2023. This meant all work on the homestead had to come to a temporary halt. To complicate everything, my Mom passed away in November 2023 (will be doing a tribute to her here at a later date).
When the kids first came to live with us (picture of the day custody was finalized), they were an emotional and mental train wreck. At their young age, they had already faced:
- Seeing their dad pass away (cancer),
- Living with their gambling, addicted mother out of an abandoned, stolen vehicle for about four months before she abandoned them at a hotel,
- Having all their funds (their dad’s insurance and pension money) stolen by a foster caretaker before being abandoned again, and then
- Being separated from each other while they went house-to-house in the foster care system.
With me and Grandpa, they had to learn new things, like:
- Home cooked meals did not come out of a bag or barrel and are a good thing,
- How to eat at a table as a family every night and how to use silverware,
- How to clean off and fix a bed (beds are not for hiding toys and food), and
- Normal hygiene (i.e., how to wash their entire body in a tub/shower) and brush their teeth.
Jazzy (the youngest and a girl) was almost 6 years old and still not using the toilet. These few details were just a few of the challenges we faced. So, all work on the homestead came to a complete grinding halt.
Their first Christmas had them not being able to sleep the night before. They knew their Uncle, Auntie and cousins were coming by for a huge present opening fest. They had presents with their names piled up around a Christmas tree!
Two years later they now believe they are entitled to have regular hot meals, are doing great in school and most of the major hurtles have been overcome. They are still fearful about the lack of food. So, we keep the pantry and refrigerator/freezer locked, but they know that snacks and meals are consistent and predictable. Snacks are just not available at any time — as in, no snacks 30 minutes before dinner.
They now know what its like to have family attend a school function. They even had a birthday party at an amusement park.
We want to tackle a camping trip this summer with tents and sleeping bags and meals cooked on a grill in the middle of nowhere. I hope they don’t relive the nightmare of street living, but instead see that tents and sleeping bags for camping can be fun.
We also plan to work on the homestead again. First on the list is prepping the garden areas. All three think this work is so much fun. They helped to pick and shop for seeds and are learning about companion gardening. Plus, they are learning the traditional Native American way of planting. So much to teach them and they are loving it (at least so far). The chance to dig in the dirt and get filthy-dirty seems to be the biggest thrill!
Now that things are settling into a basic routine (with everyone helping with chores), my little blog will hopefully be up and running again!
LeeFran Homestead 