New Mexico FIESTA Project

Re-Calculating

2012-01-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

Most days I start out with a to-do list. Sometimes it’s only a mental list, but I have plenty to do and goals that I need to accomplish. My children, though, are usually not aware or appreciative of my “important things to do.” Well-intentioned, I begin my day like a trip, hoping to arrive at certain destinations along the way. I need to get everybody settled into their daily routines- first stop. Next, I’ve got to walk on the treadmill for thirty minutes- second stop. I need to make three phone calls by ten in the morning- third stop. I’m just going through my day, guided by my inner GPS, hoping to get things done. Today, as I encountered one interruption after another, the phrase, “re-calculating…” kept running through my mind. I wanted to leave the house at ten to get some things done, but I had an opportunity to have a long conversation with one of my kids. Re-calculating. I mentally re-arranged the things that could wait and decided to leave at eleven. But my two home schooled kids needed help with their math and that had to take priority. Re-calculating. As the day went along, and the interruptions piled up, the to-do list didn’t seem to be shrinking. I made a lot of u-turns and changed my direction and took detours and found another route. Now that it’s evening and I have time to reflect on the day, I realize that the kid-directed detours that I took from my carefully planned schedule were the sweet parts of the day- the important parts. We may have had macaroni and cheese out of a box for supper, but the important things on my list were taken care of- the people that I care about- and the other things will just have to wait until tomorrow.

First Training Opportunity in 2012 in Gallup

2012-01-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Helping Students with Issues of Trauma and Attachment
by Traci Tippett, LISW

Friday, January 6, 2012

Please pick one of the sessions below:

1-4 p.m. in the GMCS Central Office Board Room
(no child care available for this session)

OR

5-8 p.m. at Indian Hills Elementary
Supper provided at 5 p.m.
Free Child Care for Adoptive & PreAdoptive Families

Professional CEU's available and/or CYFD credit hours

Please RSVP to Brian or Sheila @ 505-863-2645
by Wed. Jan. 4th at noon

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2012

2011-12-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

We have our first training of the year for ABQ and a new group.

"CIRCLE OF SECURITY" w/ Leah Brouwers

Saturday, January 7th, Noon to 4 pm Find out more by visiting

www.circleofsecurity.net

Lunch Provided/ Child Care up to 20.

Please RSVP to Monica @ 235-7261 or

monica.cohu@la-familia-inc.org

Mom's of Teens Group

Tuesday, January 10th, 6 to 8:30 pm

Sometimes it's hard to know the difference between

trauma behavior and hormones.

Please call Carol @ 270-6219 (no child care provided)

Our Fiesta Facebook Village

2011-12-14T07:24:00.001-08:00

If you’re not a member of out facebook group- join! We are so excited about the way it has become a place meet with other adoptive parents, anytime, day or night. This past week, an adoptive parent posted, for the first time, about the difficulty she is having with her child. Within hours of her post , there were 12 comments, encouraging her and welcoming her to the group. Here are some of them.

“….you've found a place to call home. We understand truly what you face day in and day out...we do it, too. Here you will find support, resources, trainings, respite, and the list goes on. Both NM Fiesta and La Familia have given me validation, wisdom, experience and this list goes on, too. Welcome. Come to the trainings. Come to mom/dads monthly group. It ALL helps.”

“That you're here on this site is 1/4 of the battle. There are great resources and lots of support for adoptive parents in New Mexico, much of it available through the Fiesta Project. Post away, and good luck.”

“Yes, I ditto what the others say! If nothing else I'm a good listener and I truly think you'll get the support you need from this fantastic group especially since no-one judges. Lots of love and luck xxxx”

I hope she was blown away by the welcome and overwhelming support she received. I know I was.

The face book group has become a place to share successes and frustrating days. It’s a place to ask questions on everything from finding a good pre-school in your area, information on IEPs and ADD, to how to handle the death of a pet with a child who has experienced too much loss. People are free to share their opinions on topics such as the use of medication, video games, and eye doctors. There are book suggestions, great quotes, information on Fiesta trainings, and links to interesting studies and blogs.

Here’s a recent comment by an adoptive parent-

“I have heard it said that courage is not being fearless but rather being afraid and doing it anyway. I propose that loving our children does not mean never getting angry but choosing a loving response in spite of our anger, being patient does not mean we never get irritable but that we choose to deal with the irritation and allow our children and ourselves the space to try again. I don't know if that means anything to the rest of you but since I am still struggling with being human I thought I would post this for myself, if no one else.”

To join, go to our webpage and click on “Facebook” from the main menu. You have two options- Fiesta Group or Book Club. (Hey! While you’re at it, might as well join the Book Club, too!) When you click, it will immediately connect you to the facebook group, where you can ask to join. It is a closed group. That way, we can control who can view it. You don’t have to worry about your mother-in-law, neighbor, or high school buddy looking into a personal part of your life. If you have any trouble, call any family contact. We’d love to have you become part of our “village.”

Respite Co-op

2011-11-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

The next training for region 3 is coming up on December 3rd, 2-5:30 p.m. for any adoptive parents who want to join! Contact Carol 1-888-298-7562 to find out more info about how the co-op works and to rsvp. Child care provided.

Some days are Hard...

2011-11-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

Today I'm posting an email I received from a FIESTA family...how many of you can relate? How do you keep your head up when things are difficult?

I am exhausted today – things have been on edge with my kiddo and at every corner I find her trying to control, manipulate and turn our otherwise happy home into a state of chaos. I am trying to work through the process. But after the last few months I am having a hard time. Today I feel like she has had plenty of time , many years of therapy, and a loving family by her side and yet the ugly words and burning looks are still prevelant. Today I am tired. I want things to change but how? How does a child with RAD choose to make the first step to connection. That place where life is amazing and the child you longed for has become the child you have.
Today like many days I mourn the loss of a beautiful soul that may never know just how good a mother’s love is.
Since we have changed up our therapeutic parenting there are many new places which she is learning quickly to manipulate.
So I muster up every ounce of compassion I have and work towards loving her-choosing love over anger and resentment! It is not easy because I am angry – I am angry that this precious child has been disformed beyond recognition by the ghosts in her past. I resent that I want to love her – I want to do “normal” things with her-I resent that I want them more than her. It is hard to look at the 6 year old that plays dirty – and is wrapped in a teenagers body. The six year old who cant formulate sentences, make good choices and runs for any sign of connection.
But I try – everyday I try – everyday I move forward even if only an inch. Now, I know I am not alone. I have a good support network! I have people who understand what it’s like to live with a child from a hard place, and for now I still have my sanity!

Book Club in Las Cruces focusing on The Connected Child....

2011-11-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

For more information including times and location contact Amy Himelright, LPCC.
575-639-1323
adoptnewmexico@gmail.com

Big Issues, Small Issues...

2011-10-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Oh no… not another dentist analogy....

Last year, my husband and I went out of town with another couple. Our friend has a chronic, invisible, terminal disease. He had to sit down quite often, while the rest of us ran around shopping, and sightseeing. During the trip, I got a toothache. I was miserable. It started out as an annoyance and then grew to point that I couldn’t eat and couldn’t enjoy myself, absorbed in the pain. It put me in a weird position. Do I whine and complain about my little problem, while my friend is concerned with trying to stay alive? His problem is way more serious, but my problem is affecting my life today. I know that in a few days, with a visit to the dentist, my problem will go away. It’s not going to kill me, I know it will get better, but on that day, it took over my life.

I’ve had a couple of conversations with moms this past week that made me think back to that situation. One was from the mother of a four-year-old. Her son is having a hard time in his preschool class, saying he doesn’t want to go, clinging to her when she leaves. She is upset, she can’t sleep, her face has lines of worry. She wants her son to be happy during the day. “Is this from early trauma?” she wonders. “Is this just typical behavior, or do I need to pull him out and keep him closer? What is the right thing to do?” She knows that in a few days, with some visits to the preschool, her problem will go away. It’s not going to kill her, she knows it will get better, but on that day, it took over her life.

The other conversation was with a mom who has a teenaged son. She is concerned that he doesn’t do well in math and prefers video games. She worries that he will not do well in high school, that his life is becoming unbalanced. She wants to make sure that her expectations are realistic, but that she does not let him slide through life, irresponsible. It is a huge problem for her. She knows that in a few days, with some conversations with her son, her problem will go away. It’s not going to kill her, she knows it will get better, but on that day, it took over her life.

When you’re with other adoptive parents, sharing stories, does it sometimes seem like your problems are trivial? When I hear stories of kids screaming obscenities at their parents, cutting themselves, getting kicked out of preschool for sexual behavior or smearing feces over the walls of their rooms, my issues seem too insignificant to mention. What’s a little bed-wetting or slammed door compared to these things? But here’s what I think- the problem I’m having with my child might not be as serious as some, but it’s MY child and MY problem and it’s big to me right now. My hope is that in Fiesta’s discussions, whether online or in a training or group, parents will be comfortable sharing struggles. If it’s your problem, it’s big to you and worth bringing up.

Here we go again!

2011-10-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

So here we are, absolutely stable- no meltdowns, no lying, no stealing, (in this case, no throwing up at the table just to have control, cutting up new clothes, or kicking the cat), minimal backtalk, and a respectful attitude 98% of the time. We've had no RAD behavior to speak of for weeks, months and now into a year. And except for an occasional recurrance of habitual arguing and a lie here and there, I'm thinking we are cured! This is a practically perfect kid. We're home free! Life is good!

Well, we had a week of company over Balloon Fiesta week, out-of -town family with five kids from ages three to thirteen. They were lovely. We enjoyed a week of acting like New Mexico tourists and packed the days and stayed up late. Good times.

Toward the end of the week, I walked into my tween's room, to hear one of my other kids say, "What's that black stuff all over your face?" and my tween replied, "Nothing. There's no black stuff." Deja vu.

"Look at me," I say. Yep. There's black stuff all right. "What is that?"

"Nothing. There's no black stuff."

"Where's the rest of the mess?" I say, as a see a few spots peeking out from under a strategically place pile of shirts. I follow the spots to the closet where I find a large bird feather, some scissors, three decapitated gel pens, and a pile of paper. Oh. And lots of ink all over the floor.

"I was doing a craft project."

"Honey, you're first clue that something might be wrong is this- if you have to take your project into your closet and close the door, you probably shouldn't be doing it." We proceeded to talk about what was going on and I discovered that the five sweet kiddos visiting my house were doing some very normal, obnoxious kid stuff that set my fragile one over the edge.

Moral of the story- we cannot stop paying attention, never think that our job is accomplished, and not be surprised or react when things come back out of the dark, locked rooms in our child's life. Sometimes it doesn't take much to bring it all back. And by the way, it was only a moment of "crazy" and we're back on track with a few hugs, some good words, and a bottle of carpet cleaner.

FARMINGTON - Training

2011-10-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, October 16th, 1 to 5 pm
"TRUST BASED PARENTING" W/ Dr. Purvis
- Felt Safety, Connecting through Play, Showing Respect, Asking not Telling, TIME IN instead of TIME OUT, Sibling Disputes, and more!Child Care, Lunch, and Training Hours Provided!Pls Call Wendy for details and to RESVP @ 888-299-3014

VALENCIA Training

2011-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Dr. Karyn Purvis, "Empowering, Connecting, & Correcting Principles"
This Friday Evening @ the CYFD building.
6 to 8:30 pm
Mexican Potluck. Please bring a dish to share.
FIESTA will provide drinks and dessert.
Child Care & Training Hours Provided!
Pls Call Monica @ 505-235-7261 to reserve your spot!

BINGO N' CHILI

2011-10-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

This Saturday in Grants!
FIESTA will provide the chili and drinks
Please bring a dessert to share!
Call Carol to RVP @ 505-270-6219
THIS IS A FAMILY EVENT!!!

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

2011-10-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of family and friends come in to celebrate our youngest child's adoption this past weekend. It was Wonderul! Lots of yummy food, lots of hugs and kisses, and gifts for our children. We all loved it! Our children were surrounded by people who dearly love them and celebrate them.

In the process, we had a reminder that some melt downs aren't always what they seem.
Our middle son was adopted 3 years ago. He has been with us 4 years. We have seen great and amazing changes of growth in him.

Sunday, one of his uncles, who has the same name as his beloved biological uncle - who disappeared out of his life this past year, had promised him to take him hiking. Our son was told he would do it after it warmed up. My son didn't hear that part. His new uncle went to go look at houses for a bit.

All of a sudden, my son became nasty and rude to me. ME, his sweet loving mommy (lol). I saw him gearing up, so I was keeping him close to me. I asked him to come sit by me, he wouldn't, which was asissited with some unkind words from him. So, everyone left the room, except he and I. After he began to calm down I asked him to come sit with me and after awhile, he did. I put him on my lap. He had big sad tears running down his face. I asked him what was he sad about. He talked about the promise of a hike and that it wasn't going to happen. I reminded him that his uncle would take him later. He angrily denied that it was said.

I hugged him and said, "He's not forgetting you. He's not leaving you. He's here." My son began to breathe deeply and more calm.

Finally, I saw that it had not been a temper tantrum, but that his little heart was breaking, yet again.

He and his uncle ended the day with kea great hike and a big smile.

Monica Cohu

Understanding Sexualized Behavior in Foster and Adopted Children

2011-10-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Training by Leah Brouwers, LMFT

Saturday, October 8th

Indian Hills Elementary

Gallup, NM

2-5 p.m.

Call 505-863-2645 for more information

Ask for Brian or Sheila

Free Passes to Mother Lode Sale

2011-10-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

NM Fiesta Project has just gotten word that all of our favorite peeps can have free passes to the Mother Lode Sale! For more info visit their site at www.themotherloadsaleabq.com To get your free pass, just make sure that you are on our automatic email list, and we'll forward it to you! Not on the list? Send me your info at carol.gloetzner@la-familia-inc.org. Happy Shopping!

SEPT. 25TH - THIS SUNDAY

2011-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Trust Based Parenting" Part II, Dr. Karyn Purvis
2 to 5 pm @ A. Montoya Elementary School in Tijeras
Italian Potluck (pls bring your favorite Italian dish to share)
IESTA will provide drinks and desserts.
CHILD CARE AVAILABLE.
Pls Call Monica @ 235-7261 to reserve your space.

Fear is fear...

2011-09-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Root Canal: a Going-to–School Story by Carol Gloetzner

Imagine that you have dental phobia. Just getting your teeth cleaned gives you the heeby-jeebies. You’ve had a dull pain in your tooth, though, that keeps getting worse, causing you to wake up at night and making your usually sweet self a bit testy with your family and co-workers. So you force yourself to the dentist and he says you need a root canal and he can fit you in on Thursday. By Wednesday, you are an emotional mess. What to do? You have a little talk with yourself, “This will all be over soon. You can handle this.” You call the friend who can calm you the most and ask if she’ll drive you to the dentist. You work out for an hour at the gym. You have a glass of wine. Or two. On Thursday, you decide to bring your ipod and listen to your favorite calming music during the procedure. You wear that lavender perfume because you heard that it is a soothing smell. You have your favorite breakfast. You wear your most comfortable clothes. Still, your hands are clammy and your stomach is doing back-flips. You consider cancelling, but the pain is reminding you that it really needs to be done.

Now imagine that you get a phone call right before you leave. It’s the dentist’s office.

“I’m calling to let you know that the FDA just made a ruling. They have decided that it is unsafe to have anesthesia during a root canal. We still need to do the procedure; you just can’t have anything for the pain. We’ll see you at 10:30.” You throw up. You are terrified, shaking. You are making strange, loud noises. Your brain is unable to form a single thought. Your friend shows up at the door and seeing that you are a mess says, “What’s wrong with you! You get yourself into that car this minute! We are going to be late! Where are your shoes! Didn’t I tell you to put your shoes by the door?! Why isn’t your lunch made!? Quick! Find your library book! Where’s your homework?! Hurry! I’ve told you five times to tie those shoes!! Let’s go! LET’S GO! You’re going to have consequences for this behavior! Move it!”

Ten things you can do to make the morning easier…(Thanks, Traci Tippett)

Get everything ready the night before. Pick out the clothes (no reconsidering in the morning), pack the backpack, double check to make sure everything is ready. Have everything you need by the door or put it in the car.

Keep an extra pair of shoes in the car.

Add at least 20 minutes to get ready in the morning. If you have extra time, spend it doing something rewarding together.

Send a photo of the two of you together so that he can keep it in his pocket. Include a love note.

If you have a child on morning meds and you have noticed that it really helps, try giving it to your kiddo thirty minutes earlier and then let them sleep til time to wake up.

Have a weighted blanket on the car seat ready for snuggling.

Keep extra power bars on hand for kids who may need to chew on the way to school. Even chewing on a straw may help.

Think about the things you do to calm yourself when you’re afraid. Teach them to your child, concentrating on all the senses.

Having the same routine each day helps kids begin to feel empowered in the mornings. Unless it causes further stress, you could write it down or make a visual schedule using silly photographs. (crazy outfits or backwards clothes for getting dressed, brushing teeth while hanging upside down, silly faces, etc.)

Remember that your child’s defiance is probably a cover for deep fear. Make sure he knows that you are on his side and that the two of you will team up to help him cope.

Farmington event Saturday!! Call Wendy for more info...

2011-09-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Region 1 Farmington area is doing a Family Activity this weekend! A Night at the Races! Aztec Speedway Saturday Night @ 6pm! Please give me a call to RSVP... We had lots of fun last time!

This Friday Night (September 16th) @ La Familia

2011-09-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

DINNER & A MOVIE NIGHT!!!
Dr. Karyn Purvis, "PLayful Parenting"
PotLuck: Stews, Salads, & Muffins (FIESTA will provide drinks)
PJ Party for the kids. Girls need to wear pj pants or shorts.
Pls bring their pillow and blanket!
6 to 8:30
Child Care limited
Pls RSVP to Monica @ 505-235-7261!
See You There!!!

IS LOVE ENOUGH?

2011-09-05T17:07:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about the trauma 'our' kids endure .... I have a son- not by birth, not even by adoption - but by love, pure, unending love. I want to erase his hard stuff - I want to kiss his hurts and make it all better .... I can't. Love just isn't enough .... Is anything 'enough'? My heart is breaking today - my son is spending his 22nd birthday in a hard place -- I know he spends most every day in a hard place! His dad and I tried to love him 'til he was better .... we both tried to 'normalize' his life. His dad is an amazing man - loving without receiving anything but anger in return .... is my son worth it? YOU BET! He is my child - he is GOD's CHILD!

Ready to add more play to your day?

2011-08-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I tend to take life way too seriously. I have "important" things to do, "urgent" messages to return, laundry, shopping...go, go, go! I don't take nearly enough time to sit down on the floor and play cars, tackle my little girl into a tickle fight, or just pause, be silly and laugh! So when I ran across the book by Lawrence Cohen, "Playful Parenting," I ordered a copy. And when I started to look through it, I decided that it was destined to be our next Book Club selection. We have several copies in the Fiesta library, or you can order it on Amazon.

I know, I know, it's been a long time since I organized another book and topic. So if this is the first you've heard of the book club, send me an email at carol.gloetzner@la-familia-inc.org, and I'll lead you through the steps to get started. The book club is all online, so it's easy to participate no matter how busy your schedule.

To kick off the fun, join us in Albuquerque on September 16th, from 6-8:30PM. We'll watch a Dr. Karyn Purvis movie on Playful Interactions and enjoy a potluck of stews, salads and muffins. Fiesta will provide drinks and dessert. For the first 30 kids who sign up, it will be Pajama Party Time. Call Monica to get more info and rsvp at 235-7261. Whether or not you can make it, you're are still invited to join us in reading and discussing the book. (And we'll love to see you at the dinner and movie night, even if you don't join the book club.)

I have resolved to spend less time telling my kids, "Wait just a minute and maybe I'll play when I'm done with my.... email, phone call, sweeping, folding, or facebooking." I want to bring more play into my toolbox! What a great strategy to promote attachment!

Back to School...

2011-08-17T08:59:00.001-07:00

One of our talented, amazing FIESTA parents shared a version of the letter she created with the help of Adoptive Families magazine to give to her child's teacher... I love this idea and thought some of you might too...

Dear Teacher,
We are so excited to begin a new school year with you! I wanted to make certain you know that our family was formed through adoption, since it may come up in discussion this year in your class. Sammy also has a brother/sister adopted/not adopted from (type of adoption). In the coming weeks I would like to provide you some terrific educational resources about adoption in general, positive adoption language and attachment issues, which many adopted children face. Today, I am sending you a sample Q & As that may help you with responses to questions about adoption from kids in the classroom, should they arise. Sammy understands that her adoption story is hers, and only hers to share in the classroom if she wishes.

Background on Type of Adoption
Sammy was adopted (type of adoption) in (place, country) at age ( ), Sammy has a closed/semi-open/open adoption, meaning (define and briefly describe details of contact naming any birth parents that the child might bring up at school).

Here are some questions you may hear in the classroom, with appropriate answers suggested.

Q: Where are Sammy's real parent(s)?
A: Sammy's real parents are the parents who are raising her, (insert name-s). She also has birthparents or first parents who gave birth to her. Optional expansion: Sammy has two sets of “real” parent(s). Her birthparents are real, as she was born to them. Her adoptive parent(s) are real, as they are raising her and she is their daughter.

Q: Did it cost a lot to adopt her?
A: This is like asking how much your parents paid for the doctor and hospital when you were born. In adoption, there are other costs involved, like fees for social work professionals and attorneys to cover the legal and social work involved in completing an adoption.

Q: Why didn’t her first family want her? Didn’t they love her?
A: They love her very much, but they couldn’t take care of her and keep her safe. Sammy needed to be raised by a family that would keep her safe, love her and could take care of her forever. Adoptions always happen for grownup reasons, and are never the result of anything a child does.

We want you, our child’s teacher, to know that we believe that families are created through love, respect, and caring and not solely through genetic connections. Thank you for helping us communicate this to Sammy's classmates. Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions. As the school year progresses we can speak in detail on more specific issues.

Best,
Sammy's Mom and Dad
Names & Cell Phone

ENCLOSURE: FAMILY PHOTO

E Mountains and Los Lunas

2011-08-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Come and join other adoptive parents as we learn about more

tools we can use from our parenting toolbox  :)

This Friday, Aug. 19th, 5:30-8:30  @ CYFD in Los Lunas,

"Intentional ReParenting" (attachment parenting)

Dinner and Child Care available

Pls Call Monica to rsvp 235-7261

This Sunday, Aug. 21st, 2 to 5  @ A. Montoya Elementary School

in Tijeras "TRUST BASED PARENTING" Part I, w/ Dr. Karyn Purvis

Child care available Mexican Potluck.

FIESTA will provide drinks, dessert, and paper products.

Pls call to RSVP, Monica @ 235-7261

Calling all Moms

2011-07-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

You are officially invited to an informal little get-together in my E. Mountain living room. No agenda- just some time to spend together as adoptive moms, trading tips and stories, getting to know each other. The date is July 26th from 6-8:30 p.m. We'll have snacks and drinks (you can bring something along, but don't feel like you have to). Call me at 1-888-298-7562 to let me know that you're coming.

....and for the guys- July 24th is the date to get together with Tim (same place from 5-7) and talk about whatever it is that guys talk about- at our dad's group. Call Tim for info- 505-470-6941

welcome to my brain . net: Hurting to connect

2011-07-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

welcome to my brain . net: Hurting to connect

Respite Co-op News

2011-07-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

The next training for the respite co-op will be July 31st from 2-4 in Albuquerque. The co-op is open to adoptive families who attend this training. Afterward, these parents will be added to our list and encouraged to get to know one another and trade, barter, or pay for respite. Studies have shown that when parents take a break on a regular basis, they are better equipped to enjoy their families and deal with daily stress, resulting in happier kids and parents. Please contact Carol (1-888-298-7562 or carol.gloetzner@la-familia-inc.org) for more info and to reserve your spot.

Back to School Ice Cream Social

2011-07-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

Back to School Already?

Yes, some schools in Gallup actually start teaching children on Aug. 11, which is just around the corner!

You won't want to miss our Back to School Ice Cream Social!

Sat. Aug. 6 from 3-5 p.m.

Playground of Dreams Park

Gallup, NM - Region I

RSVP to Brian or Sheila @ 888-298-6681 by Tuesday, Aug. 2nd!

TEEN FUN NIGHT

2011-07-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

Gallup Fiesta Group is hosting a Teen Fun Night

Sat. July 16th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

6 Mae Lane - Juniper Hills

FREE FOOD - Hot Dogs, 'Smores & More!

U can come dressed in camouflage clothes if you want to blend in with the trees, etc... for a fun game of Hide-n-Seek on 3 acers of Juniper Hills!

Water bombs available for those who want them!

RSVP to Brian or Sheila at 888-298-6681 by Wed. July 13th

2011 Region FOUR summer activities

2011-07-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

July 15 - TUCUMCARI: FAMILY ACTIVITY - Dinner and swimming at the public swimming pool. We will have sandwiches, chips and drinks. (6 - 8 PM)

July 16 - ROSWELL: Self-Care training - join Serena Talamantes for a discussion on how to care for yourself, your marriage and your family after the adoption! (10 AM to NOON at the CYFD office)

July 23 - CLOVIS: Self-Care training - join Serena Talamantes for a discussion on how to care for yourself, your marriage and your family after the adoption! (10 AM - NOON at the CYFD office)

August 12 - TUCUMCARI: Snack-N-Chat about self-care after the adoption. - 6 PM - 8 PM at the CYFD office.

August 13 - ROSWELL: Snack-N-Chat about back to school routines. 10 AM - NOON at the CYFD office

August 13 - CLOVIS: Snack-N-Chat about back to school routines. 6PM - 8PM at the CYFD office.

Toddler nightmares

2011-07-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

so, I have run up another issue that I just can't resolve on my own, and am looking for any tips out there they I haven't heard of.

One of our two year olds (yes, there is more than one) has developed nightmares..every single night. Now, of course I know he is simply deciding to deal with some of his previous trauma in this way and at these times, but needing to try and nap every other day to they to catch up on missed sleep is becoming a drag. And let's face it, I am not as young as I once was and it seems to get to me so much more now and make me so much more tired.

Has anyone else had success in breaking the nightly nightmare pattern?

LGBT potluck July 16, 2pm

2011-07-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all lesbian, gay, bi ands transgendered adoptive parents! We will be having an informal potluck at our home on July 16th at 2 pm until we all decide we're done for the day. And yes, definitely bring the children, we want to meet the whole Family! We will providing the hot dogs and hamburgers, please bring a side dish to share.

Please RSVP to Sue at 505-385-4771 so we know how much food we need to get..or your can contact me by email at sue.nachor@yahoo.com

Sue Nachor

Skin care

2011-06-28T18:53:00.001-07:00

I received a message on Facebook from an old friend today. She was asked me what I use for skin care for my African American kids.... my response? Plain old olive oil, yes, the kind you cook with!

My daughter's massage therapist uses all kinds of oils - sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil, you name it she uses it! We started using olive oil exclusively in place of hair oil and lotions and creams about a year ago after a friend suggested it.

There are many benefits to using a natural oil ... the most important: no preservatives! I am assured of the ingredients and the price is right!

We all use it for our dry skin ... and it is great for hot oil treatments for all kinds of hair!

I'm just sayin ....

Satisfaction Survey

2011-06-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

Please let us know how FIESTA is doing meeting the needs of your family...Take the quick survey below...

Click here to take survey

Re-Do's

2011-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have watched all the Karyn Purvis DVD's - discussed trauma parenting at length with my co-workers and FIESTA families and STILL, I mess up!

Yesterday was a trying day for me - I was tired from not sleeping well the night before. I'll just name it: I WAS CRANKY and somehow, when I'm cranky no one else is allowed to be...

My sweet 7 year old little guy was having a hard time getting along with his siblings and when he was asked to take a seat to calm down he 'lost it'. I ignored him, hoping the tantrum would stop. Eventually, it did. He fell asleep.

I was thankful for peace in the house - then, almost immediately, it hit me - his rage was, obviously not because of the 'seat' he was asked to take, but from his deep, deep pain. The pain of his circumstances, the fear of not knowing what might happen to his family - the unbelievable pain of missing his birth mom - unspeakable, primitive pain.

I took a long drive - all the while crying and asking God for forgiveness and a 're-do.' I came home, scooped my sleeping guy into my lap and held him - my beautiful, kindhearted, sweet, little angel gave me the 're-do' I was praying for. "I love you Momma"

Sweet Success

2011-05-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

One cool fall day, I decided to make cookies for my 15 year-old, Chris, so he could enjoy them when he got home from school. He had been living with us for about eight months and we had been working on RAD-related behaviors.

"Mmmm, that smells good."

"I know! I made you cookies!"

"Are they chocolate chip?"

"Yep."

"Are they done?"

"Yep."

"Are they warm?"

"Yep."

"I bet they taste good."

"Yep."

"You made them for me?"

"Yep."

"I really want some."

"Yep. I wonder what you're going to do to get one."

Ten minutes and forty-three questions later, after walking away and coming back, seeing me do a couple more sheets in and out of the oven it happened- "May I have one, please?"

Ahhh. Sweet success.

2011-05-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hello FIESTA Faithful!
I wanted to post a message to all the adoptive father's out there!
Let's get together!
FIESTA just held a "Dad's Group" in Grants, NM. What a great time we had.
As a man, it is sometimes difficult to share our experiences, our weaknesses, and our feelings. Men are expected to have all the answers, to be the "strong ones", and be the solid foundation of the family. Which we try our best of course!
Being a man is hard enough as it is, throw in being a father to children from "hard places", and we have some lack of support issues!
I encourage you to give me a call, or contact your local family contact, so we can get together!
Remember, as a father of adopted children, we need to get together and share our experiences, weaknesses, and feelings... to become BETTER fathers of adopted children!
Have a wonderful day!
Tim
505-470-6941
regiontwoadoption@gmail.com

Therapeutic Parenting - When Our Kids are Stuck

2011-05-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Respite Co-op News

2011-05-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

I hope that by now, each of you have heard about the co-op that we're forming. It will be an opportunity for adoptive parents to join together as a community of support. Parents will have a list of people to call when they need a break or have a family emergency or event that can't include everyone, as well as providing a chance for kids to make new friends.

We're kicking it off in region three, the Albuquerque area, with a training on May 21st from 5-8 pm. Leah Brouwers will speak to us about the ins and outs of providing and receiving respite, the responsibilites in having extra kids in your home, ways to support the parent/child relationship and how to communicate effectively with other parents. Please call Carol at 1-888-298-7562 to reserve your spot. Child care is full at this time, but you're still welcome to come if you can find your own child care....I know, kind of ironic, considering the topic, but we've plum run out of space. A light meal will be available.

Watch this blog, the calendar and your mailbox to find out when this training will be offered in your area.

DINNER & DVD in Gallup!

2011-05-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Many people in NM will celebrate with a fiesta on the 5th of May!

We continue to celebrate life and learn how to better help our children

and families through the FIESTA Project here in Gallup.

Please join us on Friday, May 13th for a

FREE DINNER & DVD from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

We will meet at Indian Hills Elementary @ 5:30 p.m. for dinner

At 6:15 the kids will go to Kid's Group and the parents will

watch and discuss the first part of Karyn Purvis' dvd, "The Attachment Dance"

Please RSVP to Sheila Kruis @ 888-298-6681

by Wednesday, May 11th.

Felt Safety

2011-04-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

The term “felt safety” is one that’s become familiar to us at Fiesta. We’ve learned that whether or not a child is truly safe is not the only thing to consider as an adoptive parent. The most important thing is whether or not the child herself feels safe. The same is true with parents. At least it is with me.

I’m a little shy. I’m fine around people that I know well, but put me in a room full of strangers and I have to work on my social skills. Going to an event or party composed of people that I don’t know is not an option I prefer- I’d rather go with a friend. I don’t like the feeling of walking into a room, seeing eyes turn toward me, and not seeing a friendly face. I don’t like feeling like an outsider.

So it struck me the other day how safe it feels at Fiesta events. I love how parents have gotten to know each other and have made close friendships in our groups, but here’s what I love more- when someone walks into one of our events for the first time, they know that they are among friends. It’s a safe place. No one raises an eyebrow if a parent admits that they don’t always like their kid. No one gasps when you share that your kindergartener was expelled or that your four-year-old pulls their hair out. If your teen is a little quirky or your ten-year-old still tries to climb into your bed at night, we get it. Not only do we get it, but another parent has usually had the same issue and may have a strategy for your situation. No one is there to look over your shoulder or criticize.

So if you’ve read about one of our trainings or get-togethers and decided instead to stay home, think again. Not only will you and your kids benefit from meeting other adoptive families, you may have some great answers for another parents who is struggling. And if you’re like me and you’re wary of new situations, come anyway. As soon as you walk in, you’re one of us.

It's Spring!

2011-03-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

Has the long winter fogged your brain? Frozen your good mood? Chilled the atmosphere in your home? It’s Spring! Time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and some fun. Breathe spring air into your relationship with your family by attending one of these Fiesta events.

If you live in the southwest part of the state, Kristi Cullers (1-575-491-2448) has planned some fun for your family. March 11^th is the date for a barbeque and horseback riding in Alamogordo. There is a pool party in Socorro on the 24^th, and if you’re closer to Las Cruces, join us on March 25^th for a carnival and bingo. Call Kristi for specifics.

Donna Payne is your contact if you live in the southeast. You can reach her at 1-877-696-2502 to rsvp for game night in Tucumcari on March 11^th, Carlsbad on the 25^th, or Roswell on the 26^th,or join us for a training on the 12^th in Clovis.

For those of you in the greater Albuquerque area, Sue is the person to call at 385-4771. March 6^th is the monthly ABQ Coffee and Chat and the 19^th will be a training on building bridges to biological families. A pilot group is forming to start a respite co-op with an informative class with Leah Brouwers on the 26^th. The Los Lunas group will meet on the 15^th. Monica Cohu will be offering a class on Attachment Parenting in Sandoval County on March 22 and Serena will teach us about massage and safe touch in the East Mountains on the 27^th.

For those of you in the north, there will be a training with child therapist, Leah Brouwers, on dealing with lying and stealing. For more information on this Los Alamos event on March 5th, call Tim at 505-490-6941. Leah will also offer a class on shame and sexualized behavior in Grants on March 12^th. The Santa Fe group will take their families to the children’s museum on the 19^th and Sheila is your contact to go for swimming and ice cream in Gallup on the 26^th. You can reach her at 1-877-696-2502 or call Wendy at 1-888-299-3014 to sign up for game night and dinner in Farmington on March 23^rd.

As always, all Fiesta events are free, and you can attend any event, regardless of where you live. Trainings and supports groups offer free kids’ groups with reservations. We’ll guarantee to put some “spring” back into your step!

Can I Talk to You in Your Office?

2011-02-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Having a houseful of kids is a blast, but it can be a challenge making sure everyone is getting all the attention they need. When it comes to my kids, I don’t want to “love them all.” I want to “love them each.”

A few months ago, on a whim, when one of the little ones needed a moment with me, I said dramatically, “Please come in and speak with me in my office,” with a sweeping gesture onto the front porch. (It was the only quiet spot available at the time, where we could talk in private.) It was a defining moment. From that time until now, when one of my kiddos needs some one-on-one time she’ll say, “Can I talk to you in your office?” It might be my bedroom or theirs, a porch or quiet spot in the garage, but it becomes “the office.” Sometimes it’s a serious conversation about hurtful words at school, or changing bodies, or a dream. The conversations are usually short and sweet, but have sometimes involved longer, more serious situations, grief and tears. What a precious honor to have a little time to be face-to-face, heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul with my amazing child!

Now they do it with Dad. “Can I talk to you in your office?” No computer, no phone, no interruptions allowed. “The Office” has become an important tool to make sure that each member of our large, loud, crazy brood gets what he needs.

You may qualify for Thousands from IRS

2011-02-01T11:29:00.001-08:00

Ok. I know I've posted before on this topic, but I want to make sure that you know how big this is. Part of the health care reform bill recently passed had to do with adoptions. Here's an expample- if you adopted a child from the state in 2010 and are receiving a subsidy, yours is considered a special needs adoption. Even if you paid NOTHING in expenses for your adoption, if you make less than $180,00ish a year, you will get about a $13,000 check from Uncle Sam. If you adopted internationally, you can get up to $13,000 of your expenses refunded. Even if you finalized as far back as 2005, you can amend your return and start a college fund, buy some groceries or plan a vacation. Make sure you do your homework and find out if you qualify. Send me a message or call and I'll let you know more details.

A Squirrely Story

2011-01-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

As a child, I was a squirrel whisperer. I lived in one of those small mid-western towns with big oaks and mulberry trees in the yards teeming with bushy-tailed critters. One summer, bored, I decided to tame one. After experimenting with different tactics, I decided that he was best motivated by nuts. I sat for hours, day after day, and lured it with peanuts, closer and closer until he trusted me enough to take one out of my hand. It took a lot of time, but I kept at it. After a month, he would eat a treat while sitting on my leg and let me pet him. We became friends. By the end of the summer, he would scamper into the garage and climb up onto my bike where he could reach the window, give a couple of knocks, (scaring my poor mother), and insist on my attention (and food).

The other day after a workshop, I was thinking, “Why do we understand that wild or frightened animals need such patience and wooing and kindness, and so often forget that our damaged children need the same thing?”

Life as a River

2011-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

I stole this from my friend Evonne Harden who posted it on facebook. It's a conversation between her son and herself and too good not to share.

Me: Son, don't you remember how much Trouble you were in yesterday for this very same thing?

Him: Yes.

Me: Well, did you even think about it today?

Him: No.

Me: Son! Your life is like a RIVER! It all flows together! The previous day's weather effects the current and flow and wildlife today. The pollution dumped upstream effects life downstream. Your life is a River! It is not a series of puddles or ponds. It is a River. It all flows together. Do you understand?

Him: Yes.

Me: Okay. Explain it to me.

And he did.

Thanks, Evonne

Morgan’s Wonderland

2011-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have nothing but good to report about my family’s visit to Morgan’s Wonderland. About a year old, this park, located in San Antonio, Texas, was created to accommodate children and adults with disabilities. My family has several family members with disabilities- two in wheelchairs, one visually impaired, one with Down Syndrome, one without arms, and a few with sensory sensitivity. We all had a blast!

I was impressed with the clean, beautiful park, that has several playgrounds that will accommodate wheelchairs , ramps leading to every level and activity, a wheelchair accessible carrousel, and race cars, sand galore, and a sensory building. I must say that I was disappointed with the assortment of sensory activities, but this is a new park, so I’ll give them time to add more. The one really cool thing was a room with interactive wall-sized video screens. A virtual butterfly landing on your shadow or tiny minnows chasing you across the wall provide entertainment for kids of all ages and abilities. There is also a gym full of balls, a lake for fishing, water activities, a music and sound area and a relaxing picnic area. The park is staffed by helpful, smiling volunteers.

If you're planning a trip in the San Antonio area, it is well worth your time to include this park as a day trip, especially if you have a child with a disability. Would I say it is worth the fourteen-hour trip from Albuquerque just to visit Morgan’s Wonderland? Probably not, but my family will definitely visit again when we’re in the area. If you do decide to go, make sure you call 24 hours ahead for reservations and the admission price is only $5 for persons accompanying a person with a disability. If you go without a reservation, the cost doubles. People with disabilities are always free.

Keeping up with the Government

2010-12-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

I recently had a question from an adoptive dad concerning the new tax changes. Here's the latest from the North American Council on Adoptable Children.....

"The health care reform bill made the U.S. federal adoption tax credit refundable for 2010 and 2011. New guidance from the IRS states that adoption tax credits carried forward from previous years will also be refundable, which means that families who adopted as far back as 2005 but who didn't have enough tax liability to use the credit in the past can take full advantage of the credit with their 2010 return."

I'm no tax expert, but I can direct you to the answers if you email or give me a call. It's nice to hear about available financial help this time of year.

Things to do with Fiesta Project

2010-11-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, since I've been here. Raising 6 kiddos and working with the Fiesta Project, sometimes time flies waaay too fast.

But there is alot going on with the Fiesta Project and I just wanted to get it out there so everyone can attend.

November 28th, 2-4:30PM,there is Chili and Bingo in Torrance County/East mountains. Fiesta on the East side is normally held at the "My Happy Place Child Care, 48 Horton Road in Edgewood. Now, you can't type that address in to your GPS nor mapquest and get there. You need to call Monica Cohu at 235-7261 or Carol Gloetzner at 1-888-298-7562 for good directions. But join them and have lots of fun and good food. It's free, it's always free...and you just might make some friends who understand your life.

On November 30th, 11:30 to 1:30PM, at the Hayne's Community Center, we're bringing our first of many training sessions to the Rio Rancho area, with Leah Brouwers presenting "Sexualized Behaviors" Alot of people think that if their child didn't come to them with sexual abuse KNOWN in their history, that they aren't going to be faced with a child sexually acting out. I only wish that were the case. Many times, it takes a child coming into your home, and finally feeling absolutely safe and accepted for these issues to surface. OR ..sometimes a child can act out sexually for reasons other than the fact that they were sexually abused. So come hear about Sexualized Behaviors and be prepared and armed with the information you need. RSVP to Sue Nachor 385-4771.

On December 2, from 5-8PM, we are holding our first of many training sessions in the Valencia County area. We will be presenting Traci Tippett and the Dance of Attachment at the Belen Community Center, 300 Eagle Lane. The Dance of Attachment is an extrememly vital training on WHY our children aren't attached and how to get them to do so. Don't miss this training, and if you've gone before, it's always got a different spin, so come again. RSVP to Sue Nachor 385-4771.

Y'all have a great rest of your weekend!

Sue Nachor
385-4771 or sue.nachor@yahoo.com

Lying & Stealing Training in Gallup, NM

2010-11-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

You won't want to miss this incredible training led by Leah Brouwers, LMFT on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Indian Hills Elementary School in Gallup, NM from 1-4 p.m. This training, "Lying & Stealing Behaviors in Foster & Adopted Children - Staying Safe & Sane" will give you great insights & 3 ceu hours! There will be Free child care - Kid's Group - Free Snacks & Door Prizes. Please RSVP to Sheila @ 888-298-6681 by Wed. Nov. 10th! Thank you!

Zoo Yoga During Kids' Group!

2010-11-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

I was interested to read this information about the benefits of practicing yoga with children. We are pleased to have the DVD, "Animal Yoga," as a calming end to every kids' group session. Kids' groups are offered during every training and discussion activity offered by Fiesta. Children had improved sensory-motor performance (improved visual and auditory reaction times, decrease in errors on motor tasks), improved spatial memory, and central nervous system processing. Yoga practices were also found to improve time "on task" (increased attention) for children with attention problems. Children with mental retardation who practiced yoga during a school year showed significant improvement in IQ and social skills (largely due to improvements in neuromuscular performance). Breathing techniques decreased autonomic nervous system sympathetic output and increased parasympathetic output, resulting in a calmer state. One study found adolescent girls who had been traumatized had a decreased anxiety state after practicing yoga regularly.  
Physiological benefits:
Pulse rate decreases
Respiratory rate decreases
Cardiovascular efficiency increases
Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
Sleep improves 
Psychological benefits:
Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Social adjustment increases
Anxiety and depression decrease
Hostility decreases 
Cognitive benefits:
Attention improves
Memory improves
Learning efficiency improves 
Biochemical benefits:
Glucose decreases
Total cholesterol decreases
Oxygen level in the brain increases

Preview of our video Friday night in ABQ!

2010-11-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

The IDEAL Response for Parents from Tapestry on Vimeo.

We're hosting a potluck movie night for parents....with pajama party and movie for the kids... Come join us!

New Empowered to Connect Resource!

2010-11-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

We, at FIESTA, are huge fans of all things Karyn Purvis and we're excited about this latest free audio...

http://empoweredtoconnect.org/connecting-with-your-children-as-they-get-older/

Letter from a Parent

2010-10-26T11:53:00.001-07:00

This morning I recieved an email from a hopeful adoptive parent who participates in FIESTA. She gave me permission to share it with our readers because I think it is important for our staff to know the impact we have on families and for families to know about the assistance we offer.

I wanted to share a recent experience with you about my life and how things have changed recently. I am a mom to 6 absolutely amazing children. Each one of them has a story that will bring tears to your eyes. Each is a survivor and has magnificent qualities about them. Each child has stolen my heart and I am blessed to know and love each one of them.
Growing a family through adoption can be difficult. There are many things that I was not aware of when I began this journey. I am learning new things every day. One thing that has come to light in my life is that typical parenting does not work with all children. My mother’s parenting does not work with most of my children. I am the inventor of my own techniques with each of my children and sometimes what worked yesterday may not work today.
We have two children who were diagnosed with RAD – Reactive Attachment Disorder. Our oldest has been displaying increasingly defiant behaviors, and as she works to become stronger in her ability to utilize her “survivor strengths,” I have felt as if I am becoming decreasing unable to parent her successfully. I have been tired and overwhelmed. I have been sad and felt alienated. I have worked hard and given much yet felt as if things were only getting worse.
I signed up for a lifelong commitment to my child. She is mine, born to be mine, loved with every fiber in me and I was not giving up!
I looked to traditional therapy, Attachment therapy, different parenting models, books and blogs. Along the way we made changes in all areas of our lives. Each time we hoped that this would be the answer, that we would see progress- less lying and manipulation and more connection and affection.
It has been a long road and I am so grateful to have the support of friends and family and my Fiesta team. I have always believed in building a village to help you raise your children. I think it is important to gather people in your circle who will hold you up when you are feeling down, speak in truth when you need to hear it and love you no matter what. That is exactly what I have found.
Now for the first time in a long time I feel like I am getting the help I need with my child. Traci Tippett is currently working with my kiddo and there has been a dramatic change – let me clarify that. I feel less stress, more confidence and totally supported. My child continues to have behaviors and we continue to work through them but my heart is light and I am excited to move to the next level of living life!
This morning Traci attended a meeting with me at my child’s school. It was at 745 and scheduled with little notice. She made herself available to help explain the things we our family is dealing with and the need for school support. She helped me be successful in dealing with the school – while respecting me and my position as the parent. I was not alone – trying to explain why my ever so sweet child needed a behavioral intervention plan. There was only one of 6 teachers present for various reasons but that was not a barrier because Traci said we will go back as many times as we need to – to see all of the teachers!
I am so grateful for this program and for the support of those involved with Fiesta and am so excited to share things I am learning.

Name withheld due to confidentiality...

Awkward Conversations...

2010-10-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Spin, Wiggle and Bounce

2010-10-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Once when my husband and I were waiting in a long, boring line at Walmart, we decided to do a survey. We asked everyone around us if, when they put on their socks, they made sure that the seam was perfectly straight. 76% of respondents reported that they would go crazy if the seam wasn’t straight. OK, maybe I don’t actually remember the exact statistics, but we did find out that most people are picky about how their socks feel. (And what better way to spend twenty minutes in line?) Most of us realize that tactile defensiveness is a sensory issue.

We all learned about the five senses in first grade. But maybe you’ve never heard of sensory integration or know how it may affect your child. Here are some things you’ll learn in the workshop, “Spin, Wiggle, Bounce”… if your child gets in trouble at school for overreacting every time a classmate bumps him in line, he might benefit from more proprioceptive activities. If your child seems clumsy at times, and a little “quirky” when it comes to physical challenges, she might need more vestibular stimulation in her daily routine. Does your child freak out by the feel of the tag on his shirt? cover her ears or eyes? refuse to eat certain foods for no apparent reason, or hate messy hands? Some of our children’s behavior can be misinterpreted as defiance or pickiness, when, in fact, his or her brain is not correctly interpreting the input that is coming through their senses. This is not an issue that only affects little kids, but mid-schoolers and teens, as well. It’s another one of those neurological hiccups that can happen when a child has experienced trauma. Do we guarantee that by attending this class, you will have a perfectly balanced, well-adjusted, angelic child? Well, let’s say that if that doesn’t happen, you can get your money back. (Getit? Money back? Free class? Hehe) Seriously, though, this information is presented in a fun way by a true-to-life professional and may be a key to understanding your child better. That I can guarantee. Judy Deinema, OT, will be offering this class in the East Mountains on November 6^th and in other areas in the near future. Hope you can join us! Call me at 1-888-298-7562 to rsvp.

2010-10-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

"So glad to see new families 'pre-placement' I know the knowledge we have gained sure has helped us tremendously. I cannot imagine facing the unique challenges our special kiddos present without being at least somewhat aware of the unique ways they see the world." Scott Gray, commenting on Face Book about a recent Fiesta group meeting.

Ten Questions for Parents....

2010-10-06T08:48:00.001-07:00

We are often asked what questions parents should consider as they make decisions and prepare to adopt or foster. Below is a list of ten questions that we believe will help parents better assess the journey that lies ahead. You can also download and print a pdf version of these questions.

Ten Questions for Parents Preparing to Adopt or Foster

We believe it is critically important that parents who are preparing to adopt or foster a child must be honest and realistic about the journey and the challenges that lie ahead. The following questions are designed to help parents (and parents-to-be) begin to honestly assess the journey ahead…and what it will require. We encourage you to thoughtfully consider these questions. They are not meant to scare you or in any way discourage you from continuing on this amazing path. Instead, our desire is simply that these questions will point you toward the hope and help that you need to form a strong and lasting connection with your child.

1. Are you willing to acknowledge and fully embrace your child’s history, including that which you know and that which you will likely never know?
2. Are you willing to accept that your child has been affected by his/her history, possibly in profound ways, and as a result that you will need to parent your child in a way that exhibits true compassion and promotes connection and healing?
3. Are you willing to parent differently than how you were parented, how you have parented in the past, or how your friends parent their children? Are you willing to “un-learn” certain parenting strategies and approaches that may not be effective with your child, even if you have used these strategies and approaches successfully with your other children in the past?
4. Are you willing to educate yourself, your parents, family and friends on an ongoing basis in order to promote understanding of your child’s needs and how best to meet those needs?
5. Are you willing to be misunderstood, criticized and even judged by others who do not understand your child’s history, the impacts of that history and how you have been called to love and connect with your child in order to help him/her heal?
6. Are you prepared to advocate for your child’s needs, including at school, church, in extracurricular settings and otherwise, in order to create predictability and promote environments that enable your child to feel safe and allow him/her to succeed?
7. Are you willing to sacrifice your own convenience, expectations and desires in order to connect with your child and help him/her heal, even if that process is measured in years, not months?
8. Are you willing to fully embrace your child’s holistic needs, including his/her physical, emotional, relational and spiritual needs?
9. Are you willing to seek ongoing support and maintain long-term connections with others who understand your journey and the challenges that you face? Are you willing to intentionally seek and accept help when you encounter challenges with your child that you are not equipped to adequately deal with?
10. Are you willing to acknowledge that you as a parent bring a great deal to the equation when it comes to how your child will attach and connect? Are you willing to honestly examine (on an ongoing basis) your motivations and expectations relating to your adoption journey? Are you willing to look at your own past (including your past losses and trauma, both big and small) and consider how your past may impact your interactions with your child? Are you willing to consistently examine your role as parent as you experience challenges and difficulties along the journey?
As you read through the above questions, you may have concluded that some of the questions didn’t apply to you and your situation? That may be the case to some extent, as every adoption and foster care experience is unique. However, we encourage you to spend some time reading and talking with other experienced adoptive and foster parents about what you should realistically expect as you travel this journey. We find that parents sometimes start with less than accurate assumptions about how the adoption or foster care journey will unfold, and as a result they are more likely to form unrealistic expectations. We believe that these questions are helpful and instructive for all parents considering or pursuing adoption and foster care, and we hope that as you work through them they will lead you toward greater insight and understanding.

BINGO & CHILI in Grants, This Saturday (10/09/10)

2010-10-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, 10/09/10 in Grants @ Sierra Vista Counseling Facility
5-7:30, CHILI & BINGO!

FIESTA will provide the Chili & all the Fixins, Sodas, & Water!
Please bring a dessert to share.

Please call Carol or Monica (505-235-7261) to RSVP.

Prizes for BINGO Winners and the kids!

ADHD & Supplements

2010-10-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from Psychiatric News:
www.lipidworld.com/content/9/1/105

Kids that have been through repeated trauma usually have bodies that are dupleted of vital nutrients.

2010-10-05T16:06:00.001-07:00

CELEBRATION OF CULTURES!

2010-10-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Family Activity in Gallup, NM - Region I

Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 5-7 p.m.

Indian Hills Elementary School

Please bring an ethnic dish from one or more cultures

that your family represents along with a copy of the recipe(s).

Please feel free to wear any cultural clothing if you have any.

Plates, plastic ware and drinks will be provided.

Come join the fun of Celebrating Cultures!

Please RSVP to Sheila @ 888-298-6681

by Thursday, October 7th

Got Respite?

2010-10-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

I haven’t posted in a long time. I’m sure many of you have been checking in anxious anticipation, waiting to read what I have to say, wondering where I am. Alas! It has been a crazy few weeks. My daughter, Megan, 20, decided that she would spend a year in Seattle. This she decided, knowing full well that it would inconvenience me and cause further stress in my life. (What’s a mother to do!) She has been the best big sister in the world, as the sales people at the Dollar Tree and cheap movie theater can vouch. What nerve to leave me and pursue her own interests! Seriously, we couldn’t be prouder about the decisions she has made. I’m counting the days til she returns.

Turns out though, the schedule was less than ideal. In order to get Megan settled in on her timeline, I had to leave my week in Seattle, fly into Albuquerque, and then leave again the next morning for Orlando. “Why?” you ask….which leads me to the purpose of the story. I spent three days in Florida learning about respite programs - how to develop an idea, how to start it going, and how to get funding (a challenge). Jason DeHerrerra, CYFD subsidy guru, accompanied me. We learned that respite is one of the first things adoptive parents list as a need. We heard stories from across the country from people who have camp programs, co-ops, respite voucher programs, and intensive crisis interventions. We have come up with some ideas, but we need to hear from you. Do you have any opinions about what would be of help to your family? How often are you able to get break? Do you have someone reliable with whom you can leave your children and relax? What challenges have you faced in this area? The more input we get, the better. Either leave me a comment or give me a call. I’d love to hear your ideas.

Carol 1-888-298-7562

2010-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Insights & Gifts: Introduction from Tapestry on Vimeo.

Region 1 Farmington area

2010-09-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's September!!!!

Which means many of our children have gone back to school.

This can also mean new challenges with homework, classroom work and socialization.

In Farmington, we will be meeting on Saturday, September 18th from 2 to 4 at the

Sycamore Community Center

We will be working on Lifebook Scrapbooking and discussing strategies to improve ATTENTION, CONCENTRATION and SELF-CONTROL in children.

Then on Saturday, September 25th we will be having a BACK TO SCHOOL celebration

also at Sycamore Community Center

This is a Potluck/Recipe Exchange

So bring a family's favorite and the recipe along with you and lets have fun!

BRING ALONG THE WHOLE FAMILY

Beverages will be supplied

There will be door prizes so bring along your luck as well!!!

2010-09-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

"Building Bridges to Biological Relatives & Interracial Parenting"

Region I - Gallup - Training by Donna Payne

Training includes a panel of adult adoptees who will share their adoption experiences with us.

September 25, 2010

Indian Hills Elementary School

2-5 p.m.

FREE CHILD CARE - DOOR PRIZES

Please RSVP by Saturday, Sept. 18th to Sheila @ 888-298-6681

(3 hours of training credit offered)

2010-09-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

Children from Hard Places from Tapestry on Vimeo.

and speaking of school issues

2010-08-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

as an addendum issue to school:

For years we struggled and struggled to drag one of our children through school and homework. And eventually we listened as our esteemed fellow adoptive parents told us to let go, let the child succeed or fail on their own. Make them responsible for and therefore answerable to their own actions at school. It was liberating! It was wonderful! We no longer fought 5 nights out of 7 as the child cried that she would't, couldn't, and WON'T do her homework. Life was good. AND the school participated in a program called Edline, where we could check and SEE that she was doing some of the school work..and was getting A's on a good majority of work..but there were plenty of instances of getting D's and F's and plenty of instances of just plain not turning stuff in.

We nearly giggled in anticipation of school coming down on her hard...of her repeating the 6th grade (the ultimate in natural causes)...come end of the school year...straight A's and B's...what the heck? How could this be? How do you not do all of your assignments, and get enough D's and F's and still get A's and B's?..

There is where that sympathy thing for our kids go too far. Don't get me wrong..in so many instances and ways our children do deserve sympathy, usually they have led really horrible lives, after all, if they hadn't, they wouldn't be our kids right?...but does sympathy go too far when our children are passed through instead of being held accountable?

Back to School

2010-08-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Have you had anything like this happen? Last year I got a call from a school social worker because apparently, I had been depriving my child of food as a discipline. Yep. My sweetie went to school and told her teacher that she wasn’t allowed to eat lunch that day because she hadn’t done the dishes the night before. Well, that was kind of, a little bit, maybe a teeny amount, based on an actual story. What had happened was that, because my sweetie had refused to help clean up after dinner, we said that instead of buying school lunch (which said sweet-one enjoys), she/he would have to take a "peanut butter and nothing sandwich" and an apple. Somehow that lunch never made it to school, but the story did.

Then there was the year when my darling went to school on a Monday. When the teacher asked about her weekend, my darling said, “Well, my dad was in jail and my mom wanted to watch tv, so I spent the weekend taking care of the kids.” Ok, no truth in that one at all, just for the record.

What’s a mother to do? In both of my situations, I was spared incarceration because I had a good relationship with the teacher and they asked me before calling the authorities. But sometimes that’s not so easy to do, especially in the higher grades or in situations where the child is endearing and convincing. So here’s my dilemma- should I tell the teacher up front that my child has issues and tells lies? Won’t that prejudice the teacher against my sweet one from the start, labeling him/her as a “bad kid”? And how much should I tell about personal stories and RAD problems? Am I violating my child’s trust? I remember one IEP where I went to great lengths to print out information about attachment and my child’s particular issues, along with suggested strategies, only to have the entire team completely ignore it. Then what?

Any ideas?

Adoption Enrichment Group in Gallup

2010-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

We will watch & discuss "The Blind Side" DVD from 2-5 p.m. on Sat. Aug. 28th @ Indian Hills Elementary School. FREE child care - they will watch a different dvd, play and have snacks. Please RSVP to Sheila @ 1-888-298-6681

Back to School Ice Cream Social

2010-08-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream! You won't want to miss our Back to School Ice Cream Social in Gallup at the Playground of Dreams on Sat. Aug. 21st from 2-4 p.m. Please RSVP to Sheila @ 888-298-6681

Stealing and Lying

2010-08-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

These two behaviors can be tricky to navigate. Confrontation often causes the issue to become worse and ignoring doesn't accomplish change. What's a parent to do? One of the best strategies in my arsenal to use with a child caught in a lie is to say, "I don't believe you." Many parents in the ABQ group have had success with this little comment. The results are very different than saying, "You're lying." Want to learn more? Please join us for an informative class on August 21st at the La Familia offices in ABQ, from 9 am- 11. Call Sue to sign up and register your kids for free child care.

A Good Website for Those With Disabilites

2010-08-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Think About It...

As we accept our children, we free them to be who they are in a world that is trying to tell them every day to be someone else.

Tim Hansel

Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.

Sir Isaac Newton

Visit DisabilityisNatural.com

New Book Club Book

2010-07-24T02:06:00.001-07:00

Next week we will be starting the book, "Attaching in Adoption," by Deborah Gray. Call Carol to find out how to participate. 1-888-298-7562

Check The Calendars Before the Summer is Gone!

2010-07-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

This time of year we start to think about all of the summer plans that probably won't get done, and try to squeeze in a few before it's too late. (Or as one of our friends, Penny, said, "This is the part of the summer when I decide that I'm a fan of year-round school." ) This last week I decided that I really did have to clean out the closets, organize the last remaining weekends, and plan one last trip.

Make sure to remember Fiesta events in your end-of-summer scheduling. I don't know about you, but I get that burned-out feeling about now. Too much free time or fun time can be hard on a family. Take the opportunity to get re-charged by being with other adoptive families, whether in deep conversation, an informative workshop, or a relaxing time at the lake. Regions 3 and 5 are both having movie nights next week, and during the first weeks of August, several parent chat groups and classes will be meeting across the state. Bring your fishing poles to the lake on August 14 for a region 4 activity, or run up to Gallup for ice cream on the 21st. If you're in the East Mountains, watch for events starting in your area, beginning with a pool party on August 22. Click the orange web address under the Twitter information to the left to navigate to our website to see all of the details for your area. And if you have an idea, or want more information on your particular region, give a call to any family contact...we'd love to talk to you!

The Legend of the Starfish

2010-07-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to post this story, as our family contacts sometimes refer to it. It has a special place in our hearts. Last December, Wendy passed out some little starfish ornaments along with this story, which has become a kind of motto for us, "It matters to this one." Donna hung hers on her van mirror and , copy-cat that I am, I decided to put mine in my van as well. Over the summer, though, my starfish has lost a couple of extremities and has started to look a little tacky. Not wanting to be "un-cool" I reached up yesterday to take him down...when it hit me- this little guy was perfect for me! He may have a couple of limbs gone and be pretty beat-up, but it still matters to this one. He might not be pretty but he's MY starfish.

Carol

A vacationing businessman was walking along a beach when he saw a young boy.
Along the shore were many starfish that had been washed up by the tide and were sure to die before the tide returned.
The boy walked slowly along the shore and occasionally reached down and tossed the beached starfish back into the ocean.
The businessman, hoping to teach the boy a little lesson in common sense, walked up to the boy and said, "I have been watching what you are doing, son.
You have a good heart, and I know you mean well, but do you realize how many beaches there are around here and how many starfish are dying on every beach every day. Surely such an industrious and kind hearted boy such as yourself could find something better to do with your time.
Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?"
The boy looked up at the man, and then he looked down at a starfish by his feet. He picked up the starfish, and as he gently tossed it back into the ocean, he said, "It makes a difference to that one”. -Author Unknown

Surprise!!

2010-07-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

As strange as it sounds, adoption can be a surprise. Some of us have come into the world of adoption by “accident”, maybe as a whim, an impulse, a family crisis, or a change in situation. A nephew needs a home. A foster child stays just a day too long and becomes “mine.” You notice that endearing newspaper picture and say, “Why not?”
Even if your adoption was one of planning and agonizingly slow, there are surprises. I know a family who spend time and money adopting a child from far away- a "perfect, healthy baby". A few months after he moved into his new family, he had a stroke, causing severe brain damage, and their lives have changed. Our friend, John Chimarusti talks about the fact that we can experience several different emotions at the same time- joy over a new child and pain over the things they have suffered, pride over our child's accomplishments and grief because they are not the ones we expected. We have dreams and ideas about where our lives are going and then we realize that this child of ours needs to be homeschooled or can’t tolerate crowds or makes embarrassing scenes every time we go out in public. Life has changed. You look in the mirror and say, “How in the world did I get here?" It can be hard to adjust. What have your surprises been and how have you handled them?

The power of 'Keeping Going'

2010-06-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, 7 adoptive families met in beautiful Taos for a weekend of camping and a river rafting trip. We all had an amazing time of camping, rafting, sitting around the campfire roasting smores and getting to know one another better.

As a 'Family Contact' with the FEISTA Project, I am able to meet many families and hear their stories. Every familiy has one. Each one is unique and all include an element of loss. Some more than others.

Sunday morning, three of us sat around sharing on a deep personal level. One family shared the pain of loosing a husband/father. As a family, they experienced the pain and power of helping their loved-one pass away with respect and surrounded by love.

The mother also shared all the ups and downs that so many of us have and can experience when we graft wounded children into our hearts and lives. We talked about always remembering how far are children have come and what miracles they are.

At the end of the day, we were saying are good-byes. The one particular mother looked at me and said, "I'm always amazed at what a difference it makes just by Keeping-Going".

Through all our ups and downs, losses and gains, broken dreams and new gains, by us 'Keeping-Going' and not giving up, there is a power ful, non-negotiable message we give to those we love... 'YOU ARE WORTH IT!'

Silver City & Las Cruces picnics

2010-06-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

FIESTA Family Picnics !!!

FRIDAY, June 18th @ 'PENNY PARK', Silver City, 6-8:30 pm

www.pennypark.org/find_penny_park.html

SATURDAY, June 19th @ 'PERCHA DAM STATE PARK', 11a-2 pm

www.emnrd.state.nm.us?PRD?Percha.html

(Bring your poles, swimsuits, and fishing liscenses)

FIESTA will provide:

Hamburgers, Hotdogs, the condiments, Water/Sodas, & Paper Products~

Please Bring:

A Side-dish or Dessert to Share, Lawn Chairs, & Sunscreen!

REQUESTING RSVPs: Monica Cohu, 505-235-7261

monica.cohu@la-familia-inc.org

"I GOT YOUR BACK!:"

2010-06-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I was at the grocery store, with my 4 children. A little girl (around 5 or 6 yrs old) walked up to my 4-year-old daughter and told her that she was 'Stupid' and 'Ugly'. We did not know this girl. My daughter became very quiet.

Immediately, her siblings sprang into action like mini-Super-Heros (in each of their individual ways)! Our 12 year old, who is very cerebral and articulate in his views, picked his 4-year-old sister up and walked over to the mother. He then clearly and unapologetically said, "It's Ok, that blond little girl, standing next to the lotto machine, is very incorrect! You are not 'stupid' or 'ugly'. You are beautiful!"

Next, was our 3-year-old daughter, who is a spit-fire. She was sitting in the grocery cart. She began shaking her finger at the 'unrepentive' blond-girl, "You leave my sis-tur alone".

Then came our athletic 8-year-old son. His chest puffed up, fist clenched, eyes and head going side-to-side, trying to keep him self calm.

The situation was quickly resolved. We experienced a funny drive home pretending to be a bear, a lion, and a tiger; growling at 'UnKind' people. The kids laughed heatedly at one another's different ways they coverd their 4-year-old sister's back.

What a powerful message the kids created that day. "I got your back", has been rolling over and over in my mind ever since that day.

As parents of 'sometimes' difficult kiddos, we spend soo much time in disciplining and trying to get our kids to 'Get It', that we miss a very simple and powerful message.

"I Got Your Back" - Translated: You are Worth Immense Value. I will lay down my rights for you. I love you with all of my heart, mind, and physical being! You CAN count of me!

It is love in action! It is safety put into ways that we all can grasp.

I really want to hear ways all of you create this in your children's lives.

Keeper of Memories

2010-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

I decided a few months ago to spend some time writing down memories for one of my adopted daughters. I was preparing to go on a trip and getting everything in order, when I had a thought. If anything happened to me, all of my memories would be inaccessible to my daughter. She’s a curious girl of eight, a question-asker. And I enjoy answering her inquiries about what happened when she was a baby and how her first mom loved her and how I felt when I met her. But there is a lot I leave out- things that need to be saved until she’s older. Adult things. Things that my husband will forget- has forgotten already. Things that will be explained by her bio-family perhaps, one day, that may be tainted by their own memories, defenses and interpretations of events. And although that’s okay, I also want her to hear my memories as well. The way she looked the first time I met her, her little ways of sweetness, and yes, the adult things too. The things that she has a right to know about one day. The “Why’s.” So I wrote it all down to be kept in the safe with the other important papers. So that if “anything happens to me,” and she comes to a point of investigation in her life, she can read my words and hear my heart and understand how much I love her.

Free Bowling!!!

2010-05-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Kids under 15 can bowl free this summer- 2 games a day at various places throughout the country. Go to kidsbowlfree.com and check it out.

Have you ever "lost it" with your child?

2010-05-13T11:49:00.001-07:00

This morning, my five-year-old got angry because he couldn't find his pants, so he grabbed handfuls of clothes out of his cupboard and tossed them around his room- again (clothes that I had washed, dried and folded- this is all about me). I'd like to say that I reacted by not reacting, but I can't. I had a fit to match his- again. I love what Evonne shared on her Book Club post about these situations- the times that we "blow it" as parents, feel overwhelmed with guilt, but also want our child to learn the right lessons....

"When we behave badly as parents it is still important to keep the issue focused so that while we are sincerely and without excuse, seeking forgiveness for our own inappropriate behavior we are also standing firm concerning our child's disobedience or disrespect. Otherwise the message the child remembers is not that even adults must apologize and that she is still responsible for her wrongful behavior, but rather, "Mom really lost it and I must have been right all along". This can be very tricky because we do not want to excuse ourselves. Our apology must be clean without any sense that we are saying that our child "caused' it. She did not. If a child gets the idea that she can divert attention away from her behavior by inciting a parent to lose control and thereby take responsibility for the whole "Big Deal" then the lessons are lost. A parent's apology does not dilute or absolve a child from the consequences of her disobedience or disrespect. The parental temptation is to wipe everyone's slate clean and start over another day usually with the grief of our behavior coloring many of our parenting decisions for days. Meanwhile our child skips merrily along with the wrong lessons learned or she sulks and is strengthened in a wrong understanding of life." Evonne Harden.

Thanks, Evonne- I needed that. To read more, visit our book club on Face Book groups- NM Fiesta Book Club.

Carol

Mapquest This!!

Directions to Book Club!!

Look at your Face Book page. Focus your little eyes to the left of the screen just below your adorable profile pic. There are a list of options, the last of which is "Groups". It's just under "Games." (Hey! I didn't know there were Games here!) Click "Groups," if you're already a member, and NM Fiesta Book Club will appear with a new picture of a beach scene. Click. Right under the words "NM Fiesta Book Club" there will be a line of blue boxes. Click, "discussions." You can choose between three topics, "Twenty Things," and "More Than a Mom" are book discussions. If you'd like to join in, post at the bottom, after scrolling, reading, scrolling, reading, until it says, "reply". If you are not already a member, type "NM Fiesta Book Club" in the "search" box at the top of your home page. It will open to the same awesome ocean scene (my family :) Click "join group" and follow the directions above...click "discussions" and proceed.

EAST MOUNTAIN TRAUMA TRAINING

2010-05-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 16, 2010

1 to 6 pm @ 'The Moriarty Civic Center'

"INTENTIONAL RE-PARENTING"
-NEUROBIOLOGY OF TRAUMA
- DISCIPLINE VS. PUNISHMENT
- USING THE 5 SENSES TO HEAL
-COMING ALONGSIDE ANGER
-AVOIDING POWERSTRUGGLES
-THE HEALING POWER OF PLAY AND IMANGINATION
-WHAT TO DO WITH LYING
-& MUCH MORE!!!

Lunch, CHILD CARE, & Training Hrs Provided

Please Call Monica @ 505-235-7261 to reserve your spot!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

As an adoptive mom, Mother’s Day has an underlying layer of meaning. It brings to mind the women who carry a baby for nine months, suffering morning sickness, feeling that first little flutter of movement, gaining an amazing amount of weight while losing an amazing amount of energy, going into the pain of labor, and giving birth to a precious little miracle…. and then, for one reason or another, needs to sacrifice the title of “mom” and give it to another.

Among the crowd of people in my home on Sunday, the hugs and homemade gifts, I received two phone calls from two extraordinary women. My friend, J, is in her 50’s, a widow. Over thirty years ago, she became pregnant and decided to place her baby girl with an adoptive family. Her story is similar to so many during that time, overshadowed with shame and punctuated with callousness from those around her. She has worked through that grief and although she has not been able to have contact with the daughter she loves, and has no other children, she has peace. It has been a blessing to my children to have her in their lives as part of our put-together family of “aunts and uncles.” The little ones in my family, all adopted, are as priceless to her as she is to them. We can wish each other “Happy Mother’s Day” with great understanding. What an honor!

My other special phone call has come every year. Mama Jenna, who gave birth to two of my children, called to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day and tell me how much she appreciates me. I can think of no more gracious act. On this day, her name on the caller ID alone brings me to tears. Oh, how she loves her babies! I’m am so deeply humbled by this selfless gift, that I strive to parent these two little ones as not only “my children” but hers as well. It is a privilege that I take seriously and I will do well if I live up to half of what she imagines me to be.

To these two precious sisters of mine- I am honored to know you, I am moved by your pain, I am humbled by your love and I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

DEMING & LAS CRUCES

2010-05-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

LIFE BOOK Training w/ Kristi Cullers

"When pieces of their lives are missing"

This Friday in Deming, May 7th @ the Literacy Center

(6 t0 9 pm)

This Saturday in Las Cruces, May 8th @ The SW Sports & Spine Center

(12 to 3 pm)

Child Care & Lunch Providede!

Pls call Monica @ 505-235-7261, Reservations are Recommended

Book Club News

2010-04-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Starting next week, we'll take a couple of months to go through the book, “More Than a Mom: Living a Full And Balanced Life When Your Child Has Special Needs”. I don’t know about you, but on my good days, I feel overwhelmed with hugging. My gang of little girls is very “huggie, cuddly” and although it is sweet and most of the time I love it, by the middle of the afternoon, some days, I need a mini-respite time all by myself to recharge. It’s a dream of mine to make it through an entire potty break without someone at the door needing me, needing me. Then there are the other days. The days when the chess game starts the minute I get up (or before) and I have to be quick-witted to think two steps ahead in the manipulation game- constantly looking for deeper meanings, hidden motivations, strategies to change behavior or promote healing (more hugging). And the days go by one after another until, without realizing it, I start to lose a part of myself. I’ve busied myself into a crazy, stressful routine, and look in the mirror one day and say, “How in the world did I get here?” or “Where did I go?” So I don’t have time to read a book about balancing my life….could that be a problem?

I would love to have you participate in our online book club. Reading the book is optional. Topics in the books are springboards for discussions. Have you visited (Face Book group, NM Fiesta Book Club) to read the incredible insights that Evonne and Zandree have posted? If not, you are missing out. These two moms have let us into their worlds of adoption with honesty and compassion- I love them! What a privilege to get to know them! It’s become an online support group where we can share our struggles and successes. Make a cup of coffee, log on any time, and take a little break to share with other adoptive parents. Hopefully, you’ll have five or ten minutes to relax before someone needs you again.

Carol

Oh- I still have a couple of books to give away!

SATURDAY, MAY 1st in GRANTS, NM

2010-04-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

"INTENTIONAL RE-PARENTING"

9 to 2 pm @ St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School, cafeteria,

GRANTS, NM

- Neurobiology of Trauma

- Creating an Emotional Vocabulary

- Avoiding Power Struggles

- Coming alongside Anger (instead of getting in the way)

- Discipline vs Punishment

- What to do with Lying and Stealing

- & Much More!

Lunch and Child care Provided, along with 5 Training Hours

Call or email Monica with Questions or RSVPs!

404-235-7261

TRACI TIPPETT Attachment Training

2010-04-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

THIS SATURDAY!!!

April 24, 2010 @ La Familia,

9 to 1

Child Care & Snacks provided.

Reservations are Strongly Suggested!

Please call a Family Contact to reserve your spot!

Gayle Foster & Sue Nachor: 1-877-380-3597,

Donna Payne: 1-877-696-2502, or Monica Cohu: 1-877-380-3595

Free Books!!!

2010-04-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

I want to buy you the book, Attaching in Adoption, by Deborah Gray. It's a great beginner book for you to read or pass on to someone new. It's also the NM Fiesta Book Club selection for July/ August. This is a treasure hunt. I'll order books for the first three people to navigate to Face Book, go to "groups", find NM Fiesta Book Club, join or sign in and leave me a comment under the new discussion topic about our list of the next four books. I know, I know, it's a shameless way to get you to do what I want...join us! I'd love to have more people visit and participate in discussions about the things we most enjoy talking about- ourselves and our kids!

These videos are very worth watching...

2010-04-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.child.tcu.edu/video.asp

Please take some time to review and ask everyone you know who is touched by adoption to do the same. Invaluable...

2010-04-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

Spring is here, what to do....?

How about joining us for a Love and Logic DVD presentation in Raton, NM? We are going to get together on April 22nd at the CYFD offices for some Dinner and some great conversation, and some very helpful information too!

Also on tap....

Family Fishing Day!!! April 24th Pecos, NM with Ti Piper
here is a brief summary of events for that day:
For a Family Fishing Clinic, I will bring new line and we can show you how you can put new line on your reels. I will have push button reels for all to use, as well as rods, hooks, sinkers, bait, bobbers and so on. We can make Pistol Petes (a fly lure) which can be used right then and there. I will have open face spinning rods/reels, and fly fishing gear for everyone to try and or use. We will start at the Lisboa Springs Hatchery, which is just up the road from Monastery Lake. There is a self guided tour of the hatchery (this is where we raise rainbow trout), and real bathrooms. Then off to the lake for fishing and a picnic. I will have garbage bags; we can do a shoreline litter pickup as a service learning project. The families with good 'walking' legs can walk around the lake, it only takes 30 minutes and there are good fishing spots away from the parking area. Those 12 and older need a fishing license to fish at Monastery Lake. Licenses are available at our NM Dept Game & Fish offices, or online, or at any sporting goods store. All Wal-Marts sell fishing licenses. You need the last four digits of your social security number to buy a resident fishing license in New Mexico. PLEASE RSVP NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY APRIL 21ST, 2010 TO TIM MARTINEZ 505.470.6941 OR
tim.martinez@la-familia-inc.org

LIFE BOOK TRAINING

2010-04-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

"When the Pieces of their life are missing"

with Kristi Cullers

THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH

6 TO 9 pm @ La Familia

child care & dinner provided.

Pls Call to RSVP, 235-7261

Connecting, Empowering, Correcting...

2010-04-12T19:23:00.001-07:00

I was able to attend a training with Dr. Karen Purvis of TCU today. In a word, AMAZING. I highly recommend you read her book, The Connected Child and visit the website www.child.tcu.edu and www.empoweredtoconnect.org Here are a few highlights...

Think about how much time you spend correcting your child's behaviors...the average is 85%... Dr. Purvis suggested that the three parental responsibilities are Connecting with our child, Empowering our children with words and choices and Correcting and teaching behaviors. Studies have shown that most parents spend the majority of the time correcting and the least amount of time connecting with their child. She was clear this isn't about getting stepped on or run over by our kids, it is ALL about meeting them where they are and showing them that they are WORTH being in relationship with. Dr. Purvis also reminded us to parent to our child's developmental age instead of focusing on their chronological age.

She talked a lot about nutrition and meeting basic needs. Dr. Purvis said "our" kids need to be given a nutritious snack every two hours and kept hydrated. She believes that kids with an abuse and neglect history are very commonly chronically dehydrated. She suggested that we look into a property in green tea called theanine ( http://www.ehow.com/how_4747605_whether-green-tea-relieves-stress.html )as a stress reducer for our kids and increasing our use of cinnamon as a blood sugar leveler for kids with mood swings. We discussed the enormous value of Omega 3s and 6s...especially flax and chia seeds! I've recently been adding these to my family's diet so I was thrilled!

We discussed parenting styles ranging from Neglectful to Permissive to Authoritative to Authoritarian. Most of our kids come out of Neglectful Parenting backgrounds and studies show that many adoptive and foster parents fall in the Authoritarian realm. Dr. Purvis discussed the need to move toward an Authoritative persuasion which is high in structure but also really high in warmth and nurturing. She shared a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "Force is all conquering but its victories are shortlived". We know our kids need structure but in order to have attachment, you have to add the nurturing and warmth...As I've heard someone say in the past, "Who would want to attach to a crabby ol bitty?" She reminded us to ALWAYS focus on downloading our kids with authentic praise and treat our kids with respect even in their worst behaviors.

Dr. Purvis talked about things that they do at TCU to serve "kids from hard places" and one of the coolest things in my mind was that they created what they call a "crash and bump" room. It is a safe place for kids to get their sensory needs met. She suggested that our kids need and actually crave access to things that meet their sensory needs because they often didn't get those needs met in infancy and toddlerhood. She suggested the room should contain things like..a sit and spin, a pool of dry kidney beans, a tub of rice, mats for tumbling, hoola hoops and a barrel for rolling.

She ended by sharing what she believes are the four most important things for adoptive parents to know and understand....
1. Attachment
2. Sensory Needs and Issues
3. Brain Development
4. Neurochemistry of Fear

It is my hope that FIESTA will be bringing trainings focused on these four topics to each area of New Mexico in the next year. There is hope, there is healing..we can get there...

Free Webinar...Really Good Stuff....

2010-04-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Free webinar with Dr. Karen Purvis.....AWESOME!

http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/coursefiles/WEBINARS/20100325/player.html

An Invitation to Families Who Ride Bikes

2010-04-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

We just got word from The Adoption Exchange that they have opened up some free spots for a great weekend event. Anyone with adopted or foster kids in the family can bring the whole gang to a bike race at the Sandia Motor Speedway this Saturday, April 10th. There will be games, prizes, clowns, bouncers (yeah, I know, the ones kids jump in, not the kind that kick you out when you start a fight) and great fun for everyone. Call or email me for more info. 1-888-298-7562

Spring in New Mexico

2010-03-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick look at the great events FIESTA has planned for the next few months...

Spring in Albuquerque!

2010-03-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

Love Obama?

2010-03-27T12:25:00.001-07:00

Okay, that was a shameless title to get you to read this post. I've noticed on my Facebook page that any time Obama is mentioned, there are an immediate slew of comments. So whether you love him or not, his recently signed Health Care Reform Bill has something in it that relates to adoptive families. This information is hot-off-the-presses-brand-new and you may not hear it anywhere else. So read on.

Public Law 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Section 10909 of the Act Extended the adoption tax credit for one more year (to December 31, 2011) and expanded the program in two ways:

a. For tax year 2010, the amount of the credit was increased from $12,170 to $13,170.

b. The credit was made refundable for all types of adoption for tax years 2010 and 2011. Because the adoption tax credit will be refundable, families who have smaller tax liability will now be able to benefit from the credit for adoptions finalized in 2010 and 2011.

The IRS has not yet released any guidance on the change.

To learn more about taxes and adoption (excluding these newest updates) visit http://www.nacac.org/postadopt/taxcredit.html

Census

2010-03-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

What do you think about the questions on the census? Did the adoption questions take you by surprise? Were you offended? Invaded? Validated? What is the deal with those questions?

INTENTIONAL RE-PARENTING (Alamogordo)

2010-03-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY, MARCH 26TH
5:30-9:30

Holiday Inn Express
100 Kerry Ave.
Alamogordo, NM

Dinner & Child Care provided

Contact Monica Cohu if interested...
1-877-380-3595