It's a bit overwhelming to think about but this is something that I have been wanting to do for a long time. :) I know that I need to get the foster care room set up properly but at least the middle of the floor was cleaned up. (Sue M. you would be proud!) I am just about ready to get the crib from my friend Tiana (in case I get a call to take an infant). I turned in the background check from Sue and her mom. I still need to turn mine in! I gave a form to my brother to fill out (as a back-up caregiver). It should be pretty easy for him to fill out since he has lived at the same address for the past 25 years. Much easier than mine will be! LOL. I also have my friend Stacia filling out her form as a back-up too. I need to get the other forms out to some friends as well. I called the people who were sent reference forms and 3 out of 4 people received theirs and are filling them out! Yay! I also have a few items of paperwork that I need to fill out myself (I finished one of the lengthy questionnaires today). I have my next visit on February 8th, where I will actually go to the office so that I can be interviewed in depth. We thought this would be easier without my mom around because they may want to ask me some questions regarding the living situation with her.
As far as the things I need to get ready, the list is as follows (I will try to remember it all):
- Clean out the basement so that the paint cans and other materials are separated (Apparently the way I have them stored now is a fire hazard. Oops!)
- Purchase a fire extinguisher and post directions on how to use it (Everyone in the household is required to know how to use it).
- Purchase and install smoke detectors in each of the bedrooms
- Purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector
- Make sure all outlets have outlet covers (Took them off when painting)
- Prepare the foster care room. I need to clean out the rest of my junk, get a bed etc.
I think there may be a few more, but I don't have my list in front of me at the moment.
There are also other things that I would like completed that are not necessarily required but that I feel will make the living space more comfortable for all of us. I am planning on having a painting/work party for any of my friends who are available to help on February 2nd and 3rd to help finish up some painting projects mostly. I have to finish painting the kitchen. Not too much left to do but a little. I need to finish painting the hallway. I would like to repaint the room that I will use for foster care and I would like to paint my mom's room as well. They are all in need of painting as they have not been painted in a while! I will provide snacks as well as bagels for breakfast and pizza for dinner on both days. I'm hoping that even if people can just show up for an hour or two on either Saturday or Sunday that I will get a bunch of stuff done! Wish me luck! :)
In other news today, I had a great day with my niece Taylor. I picked her up from school and we took a trip to the bookstore to use her gift certificate that I got her for Christmas. Then we went to Panera where we had macaroni and cheese and clam chowder. When we were halfway through with our chosen "snack" we "switched." It was the best of both worlds. At Panera, I was able to use the gift certificate generously given to me by Stacia's parents for my 40th birthday. When I brought Taylor home, I spent the evening with the kids and Jamie and had a wonderful time. The kids danced to music from a CD that Taylor played on her "Hello Kitty" CD/Tape player. It was definitely entertaining to watch. I also learned what a pro Cameron is at completing 24-piece puzzles. It was amazing to see how quickly and easily he put them together. :) I really love those kids. They all have such great personalities and they make me smile! :)
Tomorrow morning I'll be headed to Turning Stone casino with my friend Kim on a bus trip through her work. Hope I win some $$$. That's all for now! Have a great day/night depending on when you read this! LOL
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