Two big firsts in our household this week:

First, Robert got his license. He had it years ago, but it was pulled when he was getting into so much trouble. He couldn't get it back until he completed classes, paid off fines, and took a new test.

All of that is now complete. He has come so far.

We took photos as mug shots, cause we could, lol.

Nic wrote about it on his site, too! Stop by and give him a shout out ..........

Second,

Crystal got her first tattoo. It was hilarious (but painful) to watch. I wish I could capture her facial expressions in here, but I don't know how to load a clip from my phone. 

She has been talking about a tattoo for a year, at least, and she has had several "fake" ones, but now she has the real deal. It is very beautiful.

Did you know that a tattoo of this size and color will put you out over 200 dollars? YIKES!

Guess whose coming for Christmas?

Flights are set:

RDU to BUF - December 19.

BUF to RDU - December 20

RDU to BUF - December 31

BUF to RDU - January 3.

And guess who can't wait?

This is going to be one of the best holidays EVER!

MORE MONEY FOR ME

For the first time since I began "collecting" children, I have no one at home who does not have a job! How wonderful is that?

Robert is working at Ruby Tuesdays.

Crystal is working at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Nic is working at Pei Wei.

Eli is working at Pei Wei.

Now they can all buy their own shoes and pay their own way into the skating rink

And all but one now has a car, and he is watching Craig's List for the perfect set of wheels for around $2000.00. Once that transaction is complete, we will be able to plan things that don't revolve around who has to be where when.

Of course, it also means that forced family fun won't be as easy to enforce. That is definitely the down side, cause we actually really like each other and like to all be together..............

But all of my children (including the three who don't live at home) have jobs, and that's something to smile about!!!!!

UPDATE:

Robert was unemployed for less than two full days. Not bad for an ex-con who couldn't sell himself to anyone less than a year ago..............

He will now be working at Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant as a waiter. He hasn't really done this before (and has often claimed that he is a "kitchen guy"), but he excited by the challenge.

Personally, I think that with a personality like his he will be fabulous on the floor, and I know that he will soon be making quite a bit of money per shift.

The 11th month

must be like 

the 11th hour.

Robert was just saying that it is the hardest month.

And this morning, when he got to work, he found that the restaurant was closed

and locked

forever.

Now everyone, from the manager to the waitstaff, is out of a job. Poof. Just like that. Happy friggin' holidays............

QUALITY TIME

The court date, as usual, was a joke.

Brittani didn't have a lawyer, so one had to be appointed. Hence, nothing was decided or solved. 

The good news is that Brittani agreed to let Robert bring Destiny home for Christmas ............ and law gaurdians were appointed for Destiny - one in NY and one in NC. The one here will do a site visit to make sure that Robert doesn't live in a tent ......... That's what she said ........... Really.

And the even better news is that Robert and Des had a few wonderful days together - trying on halloween costumes, reading her favorite books, running around the house, and playing PSP games on the couch.

Destiny cried half way home from the airport, Kim told us. She wanted to get on the big plane with her daddy .........

Next time she will get to. And we cant wait!

 Robert is in New York with Destiny. He got there last night. This morning, I got these ...........

She gets bigger every day, doesn't she?

And Robert looks less like a convict and more like a daddy every day.

The changes in each of them over the last year is just amazing....................

Just a quick update, as I need an excuse to not read anymore tonight about the "Postmodern Turn" ............

Robert started his parenting classes last week. He says the first night was just a getting to know one another session but that he already knows that one woman will be talking everyone else's ear off.

At his last parole visit, he was hit with a pop pee-test, and he passed with no problem. I knew he would, but it is always nice to hear.

The next court date for extended visitation rights is October 18th. Robert is flying up to NY on the 16th so he can spend a few days with Destiny while he is there. We got his ticket on Friday - a window seat, of course. This hearing, hopefully, will establish some concrete visitation pattern that will quickly lead to full custody.

This is Robert's second quarter in college. He is majoring in hotel and tourism management. He got an 'A' in his first class (computer applications). This quarter he is in an introductory tourism class online (which he says includes WAY too much writing) and an in-seat English class that hasn't started into the major writing assignments yet. When it does, he is going to wish it was as easy as his online class, lol.

We are quickly nearing the one year mark of Robert's release date. He reminded us tonight. I am so proud of him. He has really stepped up to the plate this time and has remained focused and determined to grow and develop as a dad ................... and as a whole person.

You just gotta love a girl in a hat!

                                   I am crazy about this kid.............. 

Yesterday was a tough day for all of us, but especially for my children who were remembering their other mom on her birthday. She would have been 54. We lost her Feb. 1, 2005. Nic remembered her, HERE. And Robert remembered her HERE. I am sure they would love any kind words you would like to give ..............