Home Time

This weekend, I have been able to finally get to spend time with Kelsie, Tomy's daughter.  We have custody of both her and Piper, however, she has not been with us at home for 6 months and won't be home until at least the end of January :(

I have missed her so much.  I love getting to go out and try on clothes and shoes and play and have fun.  We talked and ate, and played and in general, had a really good time.  Despite how much I love Piper, sometimes, Piper cannot understand what I'm talking about and doesn't always understand the things that are going on... that's no fault of hers, but, it's more like because she's 6.  Kelsie is 16.  I am glad that Kelsie will be home soon.  She's got such a great sense of humor, and though she's a kid, she's much more mature than I was at 16.  She's had a rough go at it, and I am so glad that I get to be a good influence in her life.  I often wonder if I am a good influence, because I sometimes forget that she's a kid and I'm technically a grow-up.  She's so smart and tries so hard to make everyone happy. 

This afternoon, we went to get pictures with Santa.  Piper dressed up in her new Christmas dress and new tennis shoes (she was so upset that she had to wear those shoes) and Kelsie looked so nice in a green top, jeans, and a black vest.  We looked around my old salon, I love that place, and found a few little things for Kelsie.  I know that I shouldn't be spending so much money on her, but, I can't seem to help it.  Between her and Piper, I think they are going to put us in the poor house, but, that's OK.  I enjoy being able to do something fun like this for both of them. 

After that, we came back home and started to clean and clean and clean some more.  Then, off to a birthday party of one of our friends.  We had hamburgers and chips, and overall it was a good afternoon.  Kelsie wanted to spend the night with her friend, and her dad said no.  I feel like sometimes I get put in the middle of them, one asks me to do something, and I hate having to tell her no.  I understand the reason, and I did embellish a little bit with the reason for why she couldn't stay.  She understood in the end, and that's good. 

However, now, I have the happy task of talking to her about some of the changes that are going to have to happen when she comes home.  They aren't going to be fun for Kelsie, but, it's something that has to be done.  I understand and Tomy and I talked about these for a while tonight.  I get it, and when I was that age, I got a job in order to find some sort of freedom at my house.  And we are not opposed to letting her get a job.  Minimum wage when I started was $5.25 and hour and started to go up from there.  If she's serious about getting to Europe, then I don't see her getting a job as anything that is going to be a bad thing.  She likes to work.  And wants to get a job... should make this conversation a bit easier. 

The other thing that was excited for me today, was Tomy telling me that I needed to work on my story a bit every day and to get it done.  He supports me in getting my little story done.  That just made my whole night! I love it!!! Can't wait to get the outline done, so I can start to fill in the details.  So, here I go, hopefully done within the month... Then to find a publisher who will take this one... Wish me luck!